Like all families, Kopecky Family Band beats with the same heart and writes in the same blood. Whilst the band might not share actual familial bonds, the ties that keep this Nashville 6-piece together are just as strong.
The Family began creating music together in Nashville in Fall 2007. What began as late night talks about life and dreams gradually flowed into eccentric, beautiful music. Kelsey and Gabe settled on the name (Kelsey’s last name lent itself well to a sort of ‘family band’ name), and recruited their friends to join the fold.
Gabe (guitar, vocals) and Kelsey (vocals, keys) lead the family, along with Steven (lead guitar), Corey (bass), Markus (cello), and David (drums). The music is emotive, the lyrics evoking raw honesty and vulnerability. The band will undoubtedly capture your attention with their unmistakable power and presence. The sounds created by the booming and orchestral-like 6-piece challenge the listener’s ear and yet offer sweet melodies to sing along with. You’ll be dancing up a storm by the end of a Kopecky set, and perhaps also be holding a maraca or two!
The band debuted their first EP, Embraces in 2008. In spring of 2010, the family packed into their 15-passenger van (lovingly called “The War Wagon”, RIP) and headed to Austin for their first SXSW. It was during their performance at Next Big Nashville in the same year that they picked up steam, catching the ears of some influential folks. They headed back into the studio after this with Partners in Crime, Russ Long and Chris Grainger (Wilco) and produced The Disaster EP which was released in August 2010.
They trekked to New York City the same year, hitting up CMJ where they won over NPR‘s own Bob Boilen; and were invited to play the official Paste Magazine showcase. Straight back into the studio after CMJ, the band produced the follow up to The Disaster, the perfect compliment entitled Of Epic Proportions. The EP comprised digital B-Sides & rarities including “Howlin’ at the Moon“ and a remix of “God & Me”.
A limited edition split 7″ vinyl with Seattle friends Ivan & Alyosha followed, as did several more tours and another SXSW jaunt. The band played 7 or so showcases this time around, with a marked performance at the infamous Paste Magazine showcase. And to keep themselves really busy early in 2011, the band played the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, notching up 3 amazing sets and amassing several new friends and fans along the way. In other 2011 news, a deal was inked management company Red Light. Large tours alongside GIVERS and Gomez helped close out a super successful year, as did another visit to CMJ.
Early 2012 finally meant a break in the band’s relentless touring schedule, and the chance to get away to work on their debut full-length album, which had already begun with ideas and songs being hatched whilst on the road. After a co-headlining tour with The Lumineers in April, the family once again bunkered down to put the finishing touches on the album. The result is Kids Raising Kids, a culmination of 5 years of hard work shared amongst friends, family, and fans. The album is due out later in the year.
Never the types to sit still, Camp Kopecky play their first Lollapalooza in August and will then head to Austin for ACL in October. There’s indeed a lot on the horizon for this party of 6. There’s never a dull moment when you’re #PartoftheFamily.