The single "Someone You Loved" established a new benchmark for endurance on the British music charts, remaining in the top 10 longer than any other recording by a UK artist. Released in 2018, the track eventually topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in November 2019, securing Lewis Capaldi's status as a global performer.
Early Development and Education
Born in Glasgow in 1996, Lewis Marc Capaldi spent his early childhood there before moving to East Whitburn in West Lothian. He began performing at age four and started playing guitar at nine. His formal education included St Kentigern's Academy and New College Lanarkshire, where he graduated with an HND in Music in 2016.
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Manager Ryan Walter identified Capaldi after discovering an iPhone recording on SoundCloud. In March 2017, Capaldi released "Bruises" independently, achieving 25 million Spotify plays faster than any other unsigned artist. This momentum led to contracts with the German division of Universal Music Group, with distribution handled by Virgin EMI Records in the UK and Capitol Records in the US.
Chart Success and Touring
Capaldi released his debut album, "Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent," on 17 May 2019. It spent six weeks atop the UK Albums Chart and became the best-selling album in the UK for both 2019 and 2020. Throughout his rise, he supported artists including Rag'n'Bone Man, Niall Horan, Sam Smith, and Ed Sheeran. In 2020, he won two Brit Awards, specifically for British Single of the Year and British Breakthrough Act.
Continued Composition
Beyond his solo work, Capaldi has contributed to other projects, including writing for Rita Ora and Sigala. His second studio album, "Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent," was released in 2023, preceded by the 2022 single "Forget Me." He continues to compose and record music within the pop and soul fields.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 October 1996, Glasgow
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: New College Lanarkshire
- Breakthrough single: Someone You Loved (2018)
- Debut album: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent (2019)
- Brit Awards won: 2 (2020)
Questions readers ask
What was Lewis Capaldi's first major chart success?
His 2018 single "Someone You Loved" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.
Which formal music qualifications does he hold?
He holds an HND in Music from New College Lanarkshire, awarded in 2016.
Achievements
- Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act — 2020
- Brit Award for British Single of the Year — 2020
- Instruments: voice, guitar and piano
- Genres: blue-eyed soul, pop music and pop rock
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