Artist Interview: Copus

Tell us about yourself and your music

I am a composer, pianist, and producer based in San Francisco. I have written music for live performances, recordings, and indie films in the genres of new classical, jazz, ambient, world beat, and hip hop. Along with renowned poet Royal Kent, I am the co-founder of band COPUS … a spoken word music band that presents conscious lyrics intertwined with beautiful melodies. The group has performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, and Nashville.

 

Talk to us more about your latest release

In June COPUS will be recording the single “Steady for Justice”. It is a poignant hip hop style statement about the current political climate. Produced by New York-based GRAMMY Award-winner Yaron Fuchs, the single will be released later in the summer.

Prior to that, COPUS released a CD called ‘Aspects’. With flutist/co-collaborator Monica Williams of Phoenix Rising, I also released a CD of piano/flute compositions called ‘In My Dreams Again’. Both are available on CDBaby.

 

 

What inspired you to write this release?

“COPUS to the World” is from the recently-released COPUS CD “Aspects”. Royal wrote the words that touch on the struggles we all face in the world today, but with the added optimism that each of us can contribute to the realization of peace and justice. There are 2 classical music quotes in the piece that I incorporated to give tribute to the past, to those on whose shoulders we stand.

Any plans to release a video?

COPUS to the World video is available on YouTube.

 

 

Any plans to hit the road?

COPUS is working on recording right now for GRAMMY submission. We plan on being in New York City in January for the GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden. Plans for fall touring are being finalized now.

(Image copyright 2016 Johnny Grace)

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

COPUS has a unique sound in that it is a blend of spoken word and music. Sometimes called hip hop, sometimes jazz, sometimes world, the sophistication of what we present makes us stand out. We can appeal not only from the musical angle, but from the literary side; anyone who likes to read or is interested in learning likes COPUS.

Who have you been listening to lately?

Omar Sosa and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Tell us about your passions

In addition to music, I like martial arts, dance, yoga, and travel.

What else is happening next in your world?

Arranging all of the details of the upcoming single release consumes most of my time.

Thanks for an awesome interview, Wendy!

 

 

Connect with Copus

Website: http://www.copusmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/copusmultimedia

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/poetcomposer

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/copusmultimedia

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/copusqueen

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/copus

Genres: Jazz

Source: ArtistPR Indie Artist Interview