The Chicago-based “working-class pop” band Capital Soirée recently spoke with Atwood Magazine in anticipation of their largest headline show yet, discussing their Midwestern origins, the city that inspires them, and the music that shapes their identity. Their refined sound, sharp humor, and introspective ambition make this band one to keep an eye on.
It’s not every day that a successful idea surfaces at the age of nine. While some might attribute it to luck, for Capital Soirée, it feels more like destiny. James Kourafas and Max Romero began collaborating on music in the fourth grade. “We started writing some songs as an acoustic duo, which was quite romantic,” Romero shares. Now, he contributes as the bassist and backing vocalist, while Kourafas serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist. They met their lead guitarist, Steven Rejdukowski, during high school. “We made him [Rejdukowski] play the drums for us for a bit,” Romero recalls, but quickly corrects, “Well, he didn’t know how.” “Keep in mind, he didn’t even own a drum kit,” Kourafas adds. Though Rejdukowski is skilled with the guitar, the band initially lacked a drummer, leading to “a lot of noise” in their first year, as he humorously points out. Eventually, Rejdukowski transitioned to lead guitarist, and Dean Sinclair joined as the drummer in 2018, ushering in what they refer to as “the modern era” of the band.
Their camaraderie and history shine through both onstage and off, characterized by their quick exchanges between songs and light-hearted banter during conversations. As they kick off their first headline tour, the four members radiate a sense of calm familiarity. The Right Time Tour is a natural extension of their second EP, Right Time, which was released in July 2025. The EP presents a cohesive and thoughtful narrative, seamlessly reflecting the band's essence, delving into themes of connection, and featuring transitions like the title track flowing into “Carsick.” “We’ve literally been making music since we were freshmen in high school,” Kourafas notes, adding jokingly, “so we produced a lot of bad music for a long time.” There’s a seriousness behind the humor that speaks to the evolving nature of artists. “I believe our current catalog represents a more deliberate portrayal of when we began to refine our craft,” he explains. While their earlier works remain available, their first song on streaming services, “Second Home,” from 2017, showcases the band’s more “modern” sound.
Having all been raised just outside of Chicago, the city’s culture and attitude have deeply influenced their artistry. While many artists connect Midwestern influences to “Midwest Emo,” Capital Soirée finds their inspiration in the city’s spirit. “Chicago has a vibrant music community,” Kourafas observes. “I feel like whenever bands tour and play Chicago, they remark, ‘Dude, the shows in Chicago are always fantastic.’” He adds, “We’ve always felt a bit like outliers.” In their early days, they leaned towards a more pop-oriented sound compared to other notable bands of the time, such as Twin Peaks. “The music scene in Chicago is very genre-focused,” Kourafas points out. “There are so many incredible musicians, but they often fit into established stylistic categories that Chicago is known for.”
Despite their tendency towards melancholic nostalgia on social media, which might lead some to confuse them with another indie boy band, their lyrical hooks and chord progressions, combined with their sophisticated stage presence, firmly position them within the pop genre in an innovative and exciting manner. “I can’t put my finger on a specific Midwestern working-class vibe,” Sinclair muses about the band's take on pop music. “It’s definitely associated with darker nuances in our music. Ultimately, we are just working-class pop.” Kourafas makes a gesture in the air. “Trademark.” “That’s our genre,” Rejdukowski adds with a chuckle. Their online presence reflects their introspective pop sound and Chicago roots, offering fans insight into their personalities. Whether sharing favorite local bars and venues, playfully teasing each other, or promoting their music, they seem to have mastered the art of navigating today’s music landscape. Their notable presence on TikTok has helped grow their fan base, with viral moments, including a performance outside local grocery store Jewel Osco in 2023.
They have played at the grocery store numerous times, first appearing there for an Earth Day event before the pandemic. “It turned out well because we were able to return to Jewel during the pandemic for a safe show,” Romero explains. Most recently, they performed at a Jewel Osco in Roscoe Village. Unlike industry hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Chicago isn’t recognized
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The Chicago-based band Capital Soirée, known for their "working-class pop" style, spoke with Atwood Magazine before their largest headline show yet. They talked about their Midwestern origins, the city that inspires them, and the music that shapes their identity. With their refined sound, sharp humor, and meaningful motivation, this group is definitely one to keep an eye on.