“Staying true to my voice, and delivery style. I believe staying true to what works for me and has been well received and important when I go into the studio. I’m not a fan of what’ssupposedly popular; as this will water down your authenticity; and this is one of the beautiful things about blues, its authenticity.”

Robbin Kapsalis: The Blues Is In The House

Internationally acclaimed Robbin Kapsalis carries the soul of Chicago's Southside in her voice. Born among the echoes of the city's legendary blues scene and later shaped by Atlanta's rich musical heritage, she delivers performances that blend traditional blues grit with contemporary spirit. Her commanding voice exemplifies the emotional depth of classic blues while bringing a fresh, modern sensibility to the genre. Think of the passionate delivery of Sharon Jones meeting the raw power of Koko Taylor – Kapsalis channels this legacy while crafting her own distinctive sound. Her songwriting talents shine through in works like "Poor Me," which earned semi-finalist recognition in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition, and "From the Heart of The One," named Best Blues Song by the Washington Area Music Association in 2022. For a decade, she led DC-based soul blues band Vintage#18, performing across North America from intimate Memphis venues to the Kennedy Center's New Year's Eve Celebration. Their debut album "Grit" earned a Blues Blast Music Award nomination for New Artist Debut Album, while their 2021 release "Soul Shaker" made its mark on the Living Blues charts and B.B. King's Bluesville Rack of Blues on Sirius XM, garnering two more Blues Blast Music Award nominations.

(Robbin Kapsalis / Photo by Oliver Doran)

Her reputation in the blues world continues to soar as she tours extensively throughout Europe, captivating audiences from intimate clubs to major festivals. Her musical journey includes sharing stages with Grammy-nominated Blues legends John Primer and Billy Branch on The Living Legends of Chicago Blues Tour. Branch, also an Emmy Award winner, and Primer represent the pinnacle of Chicago Blues artistry. Kapsalis' well received release of her latest blues album, The Blues Is In The House (2025) by Blues House Productions, demonstrates why she's not just preserving the blues tradition – she's helping shape its future.

Interview by Michael Limnios         Special Thanks: Robbin Kapsalis & Lisa Primer

How has the music influenced your views of the world? 

Blues music has made me more sympathetic of behaviors around the world; understanding that everyone is going through something.

What moment changed your music life the most?

The loss of my friend and bass player Mark Chandler. We performed together for ten years in Vintage#18 and he was also our musical director and the creative force behind our sound. It was such a gut punch when he told us of his cancer diagnosis; we really thought we had more time; he passed two weeks later. I was at the crossroads of my relationship with my husband as we were dating at the time. After much thought and talk with the remaining members Alex Kuldell and Bill Holter, we agreed to end the band after ten years and two albums. I miss those guys so much, and surely miss performing with them, it was very special.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? 

I’ve grown with the way I communicate with the band. It was different when I played with my band of 10+ years – Vintage#18, because as a band we created the arrangements. As a solo artist, my communication must be extremely clear of my wants and needs for each song as I don’t like to jam, aside from an ad lib moment here and there.

“Simply put, it is important to preserve and spread the blues to keep it alive. The blues is already a niche genre with loyal, passionate followers, it would be a shame to hear the tradition developed into something it’s not. Willie Dixon said it best, “The blues is the root and all else are the fruit.” Preserving the blues, preserves all the other genres i.e. R&B, Rock, Country and Jazz.” (Robbin Kapsalis, carries the soul of Chicago's Southside in her voice / Photo by Oliver Doran)

What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Staying true to my voice, and delivery style. I believe staying true to what works for me and has been well received and important when I go into the studio. I’m not a fan of what’ssupposedly popular; as this will water down your authenticity; and this is one of the beautiful things about blues, its authenticity.

How did your relationship with Blues House Productions come about? 

I met John Primer during the Chicago Blues Legends tour in the UK and really enjoyed our conversations about music, and hearing about his amazing musical past which included Magic Slim and the great Muddy Waters. I later met his wife Lisa and a great relationship developed, as John and my husband Giles Robson often perform together. The idea of releasing via Blues House was born, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be supported by John and Lisa; a label out of my birth city of Chicago, IL run by a Chicago legend. I’m both proud and grateful for theirsupport! 

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of “The Blues Is In The House”?

I met songwriters Terry Abrahamson and Derrick Procell at the 2023 Blues Music Awards in Memphis through Giles. Over a great Southern breakfast, I listened to a couple of songs they’d written and was immediately interested in recording “The Blues Is In the House” and “Gotta Hear The Blues”. Due to touring and all things related to an overseas relocation, I couldn’t record my album until the following Summer. I thought it would be awesome to have Joe Louis Walker as a guest on the title track and fortunately he had the bandwidth to do so. His guest appearance was a wedding gift to me and Giles.

“I have a specific love for each setting and country. I love performing in both countries and have learned through performing that Europe prefers the more traditional blues, while the U.S. and the UK rock out a bit more. Smaller venues allow room to ad- lib, ingratiate yourself with your audience, and perform stripped down songs, whereas large open air festival crowds return MAJOR energy, especially with call and response songs. Each setting brings an amazing sense of fulfilment, and that you have shared the blues!” (Robbin Kapsalis & Giles Robson / Photo by Julher Lemreh)

Your work is known for creatively reimagining blues tradition. How do you balance respect for the roots with experimentation?

I absolutely love when I fall in love with a song enough to record it! There are so many wonderful blues songs out there, some popular, some not so much. While many musicians prefer to record originals, I enjoy both. I write and have been recognized for my lyrics; however it will remain a thrill for me to cover a song. My first thought is to make sure it fits my style, suits my voice and I can play a bit with the original arrangement to make it mine. There are some tunes that should only be added to your set, versus your album and you have to be realistic about those choices.

On my latest album, I cover “The Comeback” by Memphis Slim; a favorite artist of mine and my husbands. When I listened to several versions, I decided to change the original arrangement from piano to harmonica; it was already going to be different with female vocals, and it’s one of my favorites!

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I believe the most effective way to keep the blues relevant is to perform live; all else will follow. Exposure is key and if a young person enjoys the music live, especially in a festival setting, this leads to online discovery and wa-lah…success! Nothing beats word of mouth!

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Enjoy the moment…remember smiles cost you nothing…treat people how you want to be treated.

“I absolutely love when I fall in love with a song enough to record it! There are so many wonderful blues songs out there, some popular, some not so much. While many musicians prefer to record originals, I enjoy both. I write and have been recognized for my lyrics; however it will remain a thrill for me to cover a song.” (Photo: Robbin Kapsalis, one of the hottest live blues soul acts on the circuit today)

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society?

Simply put, it is important to preserve and spread the blues to keep it alive.

The blues is already a niche genre with loyal, passionate followers, it would be a shame to hear the tradition developed into something it’s not.

Willie Dixon said it best, “The blues is the root and all else are the fruit.” Preserving the blues, preserves all the other genres i.e. R&B, Rock, Country and Jazz.

You’ve worked in many different settings in US and Europe, from clubs and bar to open air festivals. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I have a specific love for each setting and country. I love performing in both countries and have learned through performing that Europe prefers the more traditional blues, while the U.S. and the UK rock out a bit more.

Smaller venues allow room to ad- lib, ingratiate yourself with your audience, and perform stripped down songs, whereas large open air festival crowds return MAJOR energy, especially with call and response songs. Each setting brings an amazing sense of fulfilment, and that you have shared the blues!

Robbin Kapsalis - Home

(Robbin Kapsalis / Photo by Oliver Doran)