All photos courtesy of KOPPS
Che of The Town in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 50 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews (1-26)
Introducing KOPPS; A Vivacious Band Quickly Climbing the Ranks.
In this highlight we turn our attention to KOPPS, an extremely vivacious and talented band you should be keeping an ear out for as they quickly rise in the music scene!
I asked KOPPS a series of questions. Here is what we discussed.
Tell us a little about yourself, where your’e from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
We are KOPPS from Rochester, NY. We all grew up in the suburbs of Rochester.
Kyle and Patricia attended Olympia High School with the most of Joywave. Andy attended Athena High School and Travis went to Fairport.
Kyle and Travis are graduates of RIT. Patricia attended St. John Fisher and Nazareth. Andy attended MCC.
What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
Many of us come from musical backgrounds. Both of my parents [Patricia] are professional musicians for a living so my early memories revolve around them playing both in and outside of the house. I’ve been singing since I was basically alive. My mom has recordings of me as an infant singing to myself in my crib…lol
One of my earliest memories as a child was being on my moms shoulders watching my dad play to a sold out crowd at The Penny Arcade when that was a Rochester thing in the late 80s.
Travis and Andy also have fathers who are musicians and grew up around them playing.
Kyle was a self explorer and ended up picking up guitar despite having no family influence.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
Every time we are on the road we face the adversity and conflict of having to share one hotel room between 3 dudes and 1 woman…lol it’s really rough-(#firstworldproblems) and basically we move past it by me [Patricia] saying how it’s going to go and the boys listening carefully.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?
I think what sets us apart IS the entertainment aspect. We consider ourselves to be more “entertainers” than just musicians. It’s about the show as a whole and making people leave saying “wow I didn’t expect that” or “I have to tell my friend about seeing that band” or “did you see how those guys humped using their guitars?” We have costumes, full choreography, light show, etc. to support the music. It’s very fun and def a spectacle.
Do you have other interests or hobbies? Other interests/hobbies?
Andy- Making solo music, Dancing
Kyle- Working out, Sports, Graphic Design
Travis- Making solo music, Art, Working out, Having a good time.
Patricia- Dancing anywhere/anytime, Old house restoration, Psychology, Working out, Drawing.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
Currently the band is working on releasing a series of singles through the upcoming spring and summer. We also have a few songs coming down the pipe to finish and record. A full length album will inevitably come of this, but we’re not sure when/which songs will make it on.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years- Offending America at Superbowl Halftime Show 2022
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Know that it’s a slow build in the music industry today unless you get extremely lucky so you must be patient. You have to make yourself before any bigger entity will “make you.”
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
Facebook: facebook.com/koppsmusic
Snapchat: pppatron
Website: koppsmusic.com
SEE ALSO
Humble Braggers; A fresh band making their way in the Indie Scene.
