Introduction
Oumi Kapila (born September 16, 1984), an Australian musician based in Los Angeles, most notable for being the lead guitarist for the American rock band Filter. He is also a touring member of the aggro-tech band Combichrist and has recorded guitar for Billy Ray Cyrus.
He was awarded ‘Best Instrumental’ for his track ‘The Adventures of Johnny Stenchfoot’ at the Australian Independent Music Awards in 2013, which featured Bryan Beller on bass and fellow Filter band-mate Chris Reeve on drums.
Early life
Born in Coventry, UK, Kapila relocated to Perth, Australia where he pursued classical guitar studies. He was awarded 1st place at a local classical music eisteddfod at age 16, playing the music of Astor Piazzolla. He attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts majoring in Jazz Performance at the age of 17 and was later a finalist for the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship.
Career
Filter
Richard Patrick and Kapila were introduced at a BMG Christmas party in LA by former Filter manager Gail Perry. After suggesting they work together, the two collaborated to write "Take Me To Heaven", the first single from Filter's seventh studio album, Crazy Eyes. Soon after, Kapila would go on to continue write and produce with Patrick on the remaining tracks, with the exception of "Your Bullets", completed prior to his involvement with Ben Grosse.
In March 2015, Kapila was invited to join Filter full time as lead guitarist on a tour with Coal Chamber after Jonathan Radtke announced his departure to pursue other projects. Upon completion of the album, the band embarked upon the ‘Make America Hate Again’ promotional tour in 2016, along with Orgy and Death Valley High, the ‘Make Europe Great Again’ tour with Combichrist and performed at the Welcome To Rockville, Rover's Morning Glory's Roverfest, and Carolina Rebellion Festivals.
Combichrist
In 2016, Kapila worked with German music label, Out of Line to produce Combichrist album, This Is Where Death Begins. He also fulfilled duties on guitar, bass, synths as well as mixing on the album. After a joint European tour with Filter and Combichrist, frontman Andy LaPlegua invited Kapila to join the band on a celebratory tour honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Sepultura album Roots and to perform at the 2016 Knotfest in California.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Kapila performed the guitar solo on the fifth track "Good as Gone", on Billy Ray Cyrus's thirteenth studio album, Change My Mind in 2012.
Freddie Ravel
In 2006, Kapila was a member of former Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Freddie Ravel jazz group.
Media
Kapila’s music has been featured in trailers for films Life, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. and video game Dark Souls III.