COPUS is a theatrical spoken word jazz ensemble who weaves together dynamic poetics with lush musical landscapes across multiple genres. Originality at its utmost best! COPUS is an acronym for Creation Of Peace Under Stars. Formed by renowned San Francisco poet ROYAL KENT and ASCAP award-winning composer WENDY LOOMIS, the group has performed and presented their wonder works at clubs, theaters, festivals, fundraisers, house concerts and special events throughout the United States with a focus on worldwide.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with COPUS about the music, the tech, the challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
San Francisco, CA – Poetic Jazz Fusion (cross genre)
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
COPUS was formed years ago by poet/spoken word artist Royal Kent and composer/pianist Wendy Loomis who shared a vision of presenting conscious lyrics mixed with beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms. The vision is even more important today which keeps us going.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Most of “Truth” was written the night after seeing the Broadway show “Hamilton”. The pulsing beats mixed with strong messages were an inspiration. Usually Wendy writes the music and Royal writes the words, but in this case Wendy wrote the music and lyrics that became the 1st and 3rd verses and chorus – and Royal wrote the 2nd verse. Bassist Patrick Mahon spoke the 3rd verse and Wendy spoke the 1st giving the song three different voices speaking and singing. In addition, “Truth” more boldly confronts the issues of our day than some of our previous works.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Covering every aspect of the music business is the most difficult challenge for indie musicians. One needs to create/rehearse/record/perform the music while simultaneously booking gigs, promoting on and offline, conquering social media, selling/marketing, moving equipment, and sometimes doing sound as well. Technology helps to spread the word and offers some distribution opportunities.
What was the last song you listened to?
“I Can’t Breathe” by H.E.R.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl vinyl vinyl! The next COPUS release “The Dilemma” will be on vinyl.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Sirius XM. They pay artists at the best rate.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music.
Anything else before we sign off?
Never give up your vision! Thank you.
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