Picapica

Picapica is a group from Spain made up of Sonny Johns and Samantha Whates. The project centres on close vocal harmony and layered arrangements, combining art pop, folk, indie pop, experimental and art folk influences.

Background and formation

The duo meet on the London acoustic music scene and begin collaborating through shared singing and songwriting. They work together informally for years, often contributing backing vocals to each other’s projects and singing together for its own sake before Picapica emerges as a named act.

Style and members

Picapica’s music uses voices as a central element, with textured production and bass work shaping the songs around them. The sound draws on 1960s west coast music, sunshine pop and indie folk. Samantha Whates shares the front of the group, while Sonny Johns handles bass and production. Johns also has credits as a Grammy-, Mercury- and MOBO-nominated producer and engineer.

Releases

The group first appears with the debut EP Spring & Shade in 2016. They also release a 12-inch record that includes the track Cast in Stone and two remixes by Seb Rochford. Rochford, known for drumming with Patti Smith, also performs on Picapica’s debut album.

Collaborators

Adam Beattie contributes guitar and additional textures to the project, adding detailed playing and soft chanson-style coloration to the arrangements. Seb Rochford also appears through remix work and performance involvement.