KOPEK – Unless you have been on an extended vacation from Rock ‘N’ Roll, you should have heard of a band named KOPEK by now. This 3-piece Hard Rock Band comes from the beautiful country of Ireland, with a twist… they are redefining what Modern Hard Rock sounds like. I’ve even thrown the adjective of “special” at KOPEK, that’s how serious I am about their debut album – White Collar Lies. This KOPEK gem had it’s U.S. digital release on June 29, 2010 and a forthcoming physical release on September 14, 2010, on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.
KOPEK’S three musicians; Daniel Jordan, (lead vocals & guitar), Brad Kinsella, (bass guitar) and Shane Cooney, (drums), probably should brace themselves for what’s ahead… and that’s plenty of Rock ‘N’ Roll attention this side of the Atlantic. O.k., worldwide Rock ‘N’ Roll attention too. Yes… KOPEK’S Hard Rock sound is that good, with a vibe of newness spilling out from every crevice, lending for cool accessibility that peeks in at the mainstream.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Jordan recently took a few moments from his stacked schedule to talk to Metal Odyssey about KOPEK, White Collar Lies, the new Love Is Dead video and what bands would be very cool to tour with, amongst other Rockin’ discussion. Dan’s polite demeanor and nonexistent ego will only carry KOPEK and himself to greater acceptance and respectability. Here is what Dan had to say:
Stone: How did the sound of KOPEK’S brand of Rock evolve? Was there ever a period of time for experimentation?
Dan: We’re actually experimenting more now as a band. As a three piece it can be so basic and we try new ways and new tricks to make the sound better. With our album, it’s a solid three piece base. When we were younger, we did play in different bands, with different set-ups.
Stone: I have written that KOPEK can really play like their lives depend on it. Do the three of you realize just how great White Collar Lies sounds and feels?
Dan: I suppose it has grown on us a bit, not as a product but as a finished piece of work we really feel strongly about.
Stone: It’s an amazing album and I can’t stop listening to it!
Dan: Thanks, I appreciate that!
Stone: How important to you, is the message conveyed in your song White Collar Lies?
Dan: Very important. It is something that I feel so strongly about, that it’s enough to write a song for. This song is about people at the top making bad decisions, that eventually affect us people below. A number of years ago I wrote this song. Now it’s on our album as well as the album title.
Stone: Writing the song White Collar Lies years ago and it is such a strong song today. That shows just how relevant this song’s theme is. Just watching the nightly or cable news makes me shake my head at all the corruption that is happening around me.
Dan: It goes to show nothing really changes. Your not the only country where this stuff happens, we have the same thing going on in Ireland too, it’s going on everywhere.
Stone: Floridian, besides it’s melodic up-tempo, has emotional lyrics that you resonate in such a fantastic way. What’s the influence behind Floridian?
Dan: It’s a love song, yet I don’t want to say it just that way. It can be a song for a friend. Floridian is about creating something new, to give a new kind of meaning to what you want. Floridian is about an object of desire. It’s also a need as well I suppose.
Stone: Love Is Dead is an absolute hot hit, both song and video! Did you guys get to choose the model for this music video?
Dan: It was out of our hands, although the lads did a good job!
Stone: You bet they did! (laughs)
Dan: Oh yeah! (laughs)
Stone: Did you have a good time making the video?
Dan: It was lot’s of fun! This song is so good lyrically to sing. Johann, the director, did an excellent job in creating the tattoos appearing on the nude. Love Is Dead is all about Rock ‘N’ Roll excess and is definitely a great song for us.
Stone: There really are so many songs on White Collar Lies that can be tagged as a hit single. I am blown away by Fever!
Dan: Fever has good kinds of memories for me. We went to L.A. on a self financed trip and stopped by Crazy Girls. Fever was born out of that situation, it was just a good time we had there at Crazy Girls!
Stone: Did you like L.A. itself?
Dan: Oh yeah! We like New York City as well, it’s really easier to get around there.
Stone: Coming from Ireland, how much of an influence is U2, if any at all, to KOPEK?
Dan: We were into their earlier albums, listened to Achtung Baby and Zooropa. U2 opened boundaries for younger bands and musicians in Ireland. They opened up a whole new musical ground for us too.
Stone: Does having the backing of Religion Music Group, coupled with Sony Music Independent Network, elevate your desire and confidence as a band?
Dan: KOPEK has been together for a few years now, so we do our thing regardless. There is a level of confidence we share, all the way through our career as a band. We travelled all around the world as a band beforehand. Still, it’s good to know there is money to record albums behind us. Sony, to have them on board in America is great for us.
Stone: Is a North American tour in the near future for KOPEK?
Dan: I hope so! We are very anxious to get over there to America. The crowds in America are so responsive to our music. America is the first place on our list for a tour! Our fans can keep checking the web for news on a tour, maybe in a couple of months or so we’ll know something.
Metal Odyssey Note: Click this link for your KOPEK updates: KOPEK – MySpace Music Page
Stone: What bands would you want to tour with in North America?
Dan: AC/DC! Them Crooked Vultures! Bruce Springsteen!
Stone: That’s a pretty cool and diverse list.
Dan: We listen to a little of everything.
Stone: Describe the general state of Rock ‘N’ Roll in Ireland today.
Dan: The heavier or Rocky stuff is not prominent. Indie and lighter sounding bands are on the radio.
Stone: Gee whiz.
Dan: The U.K. is where it would be at for bands that are heavier. A few bands can make it out of Ireland but it’s not many and not easy.
Stone: If you could pick a guest musician for the second KOPEK album, who would it be and why?
Dan: Jimmy Page. I love the work he does on guitar and his knowledge of music. To me, there is no one else like him. Led Zeppelin is a huge influence on KOPEK’S sound as a three piece.
Stone: Thanks Dan for sharing your time and thoughts. Good luck to KOPEK on your new album! Tell Brad and Shane, Stone says hey.
Stone.
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