Meet Ms. Kaprice

Kaprice Maxwell was just three years old when she started her journey to becoming a classically trained vocalist. Maxwell’s music career began in the church, and by the age of seven, she was directing the choirs.

Maxwell eventually joined the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra where she started playing her first instrument the viola. At the same time, she joined the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and the African American Children’s Choir. These experiences led her to attend Milwaukee High School of the Arts. During high school, she was in both the vocal and orchestra programs.

As a teenager, she did backup vocals for artists like Rico Love and JoJo. In 2015 she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, and in 2016, Maxwell won the Gold Medal in Contemporary Voice at the 38th Annual NAACP ACT-SO National Competition “The Olympics of the Mind” in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We take sound for granted,” she said. “…Without music, the world be so void.”

Maxwell then went to college at The School for Music Vocations a part of Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. It is the only two-year vocational college music program in the U.S. with hands-on instruction in practical skills. While in college she learned the formula of music which she applied to anything that could make a sound. She also learned to play the piano during this time.

“It trained me to be a well-rounded musician,” said Maxwell.

Although she didn’t graduate she took those hard skills and returned to Milwaukee during COVID. It was at this moment that artist Ms. Kaprice started to make a name for herself as a musician in her hometown.

Being in the 414 Music Scene

Artist Ms. Kaprice saw that a Black-owned restaurant was opening in Milwaukee and needed staff. She met with the owners of On The Bayou and pitched a collaboration where Maxwell would help out as staff as long as she could perform live in the restaurant occasionally. She became the number one server and the sound manager.

“I enjoy being able to present God’s gift,” said Maxwell. “The gift bleeds out of me.”

Fast forward a little, and Ms. Kaprice is a part of the Victor Reid and the VIP Band where they perform R&B music around the city of Milwaukee. The 24-year-old artist also does solo performances.

“Milwaukee’s music scene is hardworking. We have always been a staple for the music scene,” said Maxwell when it specifically comes to Blues and Jazz. Maxwell mentioned how the older generations from across the country traveled to Milwaukee for its speakeasies and juke jams.

“We have a different appreciation for music than most cities,” she said.

What’s Next?

Maxwell sees a bright future in music for herself.

“I just plan to keep singing, performing, and just growing as a musician,” she said.

That plan involves continuing to learn everything she can about music.

“You must learn the [fundamentals] of music because it will give you longevity,” said Maxwell.

To follow Ms. Kaprice’s music career, click here.