Kopecky Family Band – a non-traditional family, at that – is dynamic, and they wield an equally dynamic slew of instruments. Their thoughtful songwriting is supported by a diverse backdrop of sound. And the musical canvas is covered with broad brushstrokes – ranging from clanging tambourines and guitars, booming percussion, intelligent string arrangements, and triumphant horns. These six bandmates – siblings, if you will – swap their musical tools without a second thought, creating an emotive, adventurous, and energetic environment onstage. With the recent release of their album, Kids Raising Kids, their tour promises to never have a dull moment.
In late 2007, founding members Kelsey Kopecky and Gabriel Simon became united with four friends who shared a mutual vision. They planted seeds that have been nurtured for the past five years through persistent touring and recording – and those seeds are rapidly reaching maturity. With thousands of miles traveled, and surely thousands to come, the Kopecky Family Band is only just beginning their adventure – and they want to bring you along for the ride.
Check out the interview below:
What bands or artists have inspired your music?
That’s a tough question since we are all inspired by a lot of different artist. As a whole I think we love the vibe, style, and songwriting of Fleetwood Mac. But we can talk all day about the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Janis Joplin, the strokes, Pedro the Lion, Weezer, Explosions in the Sky, and No Doubt! It’s a serious melting pot.
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
Very tough questions since the funniest moments tend to be the accidental ones that you try so hard to remember but can’t. The amount of times our van has broken down and the way we tend to fill that time on the side of the road seems to be filled with an endless amount of “I cant believe this is our life right now” moments that are just hilarious. I lost my favorite glasses in the ocean one time and had to wear my prescription sunglasses the rest of the tour dates…. That was funny!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We all do a bit of group yoga, stretching and momentary meditation to get in the groove. That and we always try to eat together before hand. We tend to do everything better knowing we have been in community in some way that day so we do it every show. The yoga and meditation calms nerves and gets us ready to forget about ourselves and remember that we make music for everyone. I guess we like to humble ourselves and be thankful before each show so we know we are doing it for the right reasons. It’s cheesy but good for us.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Adventurous
How do you connect with a crowd?
By smiling. It’s amazing how engaging happiness and joy is. That and we include them in the music. Encouraging song alongs and with hand percussion. We used to give it out but people steal our instruments haha.
What bands would be part of your dream lineup?
Fleetwood Mac
Radiohead
Jay Z
What is the best way to write music?
We do it a lot of different ways so it’s difficult to say that one way so the best. We tend to find that as a group we write the best stuff but I love the moments where it’s just me and Kelsey. We are still learning so the best way is still out there.
What Festival would you like to play the most?
Hmm… Probably Big Day Out in Australia or the Brazil Lollapalooza
Kopecky Family Band & LEAGUES will be at The Basement at Graveyard on Monday, March 4th.
