Copilots: A Talented Family
story by : Nathan Pike photos by : Tamara Lee previously published : Discorder Magazine
Copilots vibrate on a different frequency, sounding a bit like indie rock gone postal with the knobs twiddled ever so slightly, rendering them difficult to compare to anything else.
Quirky and unpredictable, tight but relaxed and largely collaborative, Copilots reflect the personality and musical background of its players. Though some members may credit their time at VCC as a fine-tuning point in their musical careers, it is more likely the years of playing music with a lot of people and exploring of genres that makes this band truly unique. Just beneath the surface of Copilots core sound is a mass of influence and learned playing ability that ranges from jazz and funk to hardcore and punk which allows them to confidently shift between weird psychedelic hard-folk to full on atmospheric rock in a heartbeat. Copilots reek of top-notch talent at their best and with four years under their belt and the soon to be released fantastic second album, Escape Through The Trees, it appears that they have truly hit their stride.
Talking with Copilots singer/guitarist Skye Brookes, I can’t help but share in his excitement over the band recently signing with the eclectic and creative Drip Audio label, founded by local music veteran Jesse Zubot. Brookes wasted no time in expressing his enthusiasm over Zubot’s clout within the Vancouver music scene.
“Jesse is so good at making things happen,” Brookes explained. “He manages to release stuff that sounds really good with amazing artwork and great production. He gets your music out to the right people and it ends up getting reviewed all over the world! The guy is a hero to me!”
Copilots came together in 2005 when Brookes approached local guitarist Chad MacQuarie about starting a band. A couple of members from Brookes’ previous band were looking to re-imagine their former musical project with a more punchy and melodic edge. Revered by many, including Brookes, to be one of the city’s best guitar players, MacQuarie was exactly the force needed to make this vision reality.
“Chad changed the face of the band entirely with his energy, stage presence, everything,” Brookes elaborated on the gifted guitarist’s immediate fit. “We realized the possibilities were so much more. He lifted us up a notch and helped get the band rolling as things kind of fell into place. We started collaborating more and members even started writing their own songs.”
It is clear in the dynamic the band shares both on stage and off that these people are close and share plenty of history. Their love of playing together is obvious. And creatively, the band is largely a shared experience.
“We love working on each other’s songs and helping each other out,” Brookes said. “It’s basically like a family band of sorts. Dylan [drummer] and I are brothers. Karma [piano/voice] and I are a couple. Pete [bassist] and I grew up together in Mission B.C and were roommates for years. And Chad [guitarist], whom I’ve known for 10 years, is one of my favorite human beings on the planet!”
Also a prolific drummer, Brookes has amassed quite a resume in the 15 plus years he’s been in the city, touring the world in a staggering array of great local acts including the Veda Hille band, Inhabitants and Fond Of Tigers. It is obvious that the passion for music and the respect he holds for his peers is what drives him forward and that Copilots are a very special outlet for him.
“One of the main reasons that I play music is because of the fantastic musical relationships that develop,” he shared. “A great musical relationship is a unique and intimate experience and I am blessed to have many, many of these relationships in my life. Copilots really represent this type of relationship for everyone in the band.”
Copilots celebrate the release of their second album and debut on Drip Audio records on May 14th at the Biltmore along with Himalayan Bear and The Ford Pier Vengeance Trio.
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