KNOXVILLE, TN (www.copperlive.com) - Rarely has a band that began its march to success come as far as Knoxville-based modern rock band Copper has in such a short time. While Copper formed in 2000, it was upon graduating from the University of Tennessee last year and hitting the road in earnest this May that they realized something special was happening. Since the band's website went live in March 2004, they have had over 150,000 visitors from 95 countries, and have sold out shows in markets like Springfield, Illinois and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Since May 2004, Copper has played upwards of 75 shows, including support slots for Crossfade, Breaking Benjamin,
Saliva and the Exies.
But the real story for Copper is how radio has embraced them. The first single, "By Now," from their self-released album, The Fragile Fall, went to Active and
Modern Rock radio and charted in August. The second single, "Turn," was released six weeks ago, and the response has been so great that the band has had trouble keeping up with demand.
At WNFZ in Knoxville, "Turn" was the number one requested song two weeks running, and also registered on
Radio & Record's Active Most Added chart for two straight weeks. 6000 units later, Copper is scrambling to get more records pressed for their upcoming tour with Jimmie's Chicken Shack. All dates for the tour are shown below.
Copper is a straight up rock band with catchy melodies, strong vocals, stinging guitar work and a powerhouse rhythm section. The band consists of lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Keith Wallen, bass guitarist Brad Reynolds, drummer/vocalist Brack Owens and recently added lead guitarist Shawn Lickliter.
The Fragile Fall (featuring original lead guitarist Shane Bragg) was produced by award-winning producer
Travis Wyrick, and is the follow-up to the band's debut, Exchange. The Fragile Fall benefits from strong songs, Wyrick's production and a heavier overall sound. Wyrick produced three tracks on Exchange but The Fragile Fall is a big step forward for all concerned. "Everything that happens is part of an evolutionary process," says Wallen. "Exchange very much served its purpose but The Fragile Fall is a major improvement. For example, I think the lyrics on The Fragile Fall are more mature."
Copper's influences range from
Journey to
Pearl Jam to
Metallica to Tool and Rage Against the Machine, and all of those influences come together to create a sound that is as melodic as it is powerful. Copper is also quickly developing a strong regional following by touring incessantly. The quartet once placed high in a battle-of-the-bands contest sponsored by Ernie Ball and earned an opening slot on the Vans Warped Tour when it hit Nashville. In addition to the recent support slots, Copper has also opened for bands such as SR-71, Blues Traveler, Audio Vent and Beautiful Creatures.
And this is not a band with a complacent bone in its collective body. "We want to play as much as we can and write better and better songs," says Wallen. "We never just want to settle for something. We're always working hard to improve our music." As a result, Copper's talent and drive is bound to pay off in more precious metals' namely gold and platinum.
Tour Dates (all dates with Jimmie's Chicken Shack)
1/13: Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
1/14: Fayetteville, NC @ Jesters Pub
1/15: Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theater
1/16: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
1/19: Huntsville, AL @ Crossroads
Music Hall
1/20: Montgomery, AL @ Off The Wagon
1/21: Dothan, AL @ TBA
1/22: Tallahassee, FL @ Floyd's
Music Store
1/23: Jacksonville Beach, FL @ Ocean Club
1/26: Orlando, FL @ Duke's
1/29: Melbourne, FL @ The Hustler
1/30: Hilton Head Island, SC @ Rider's Lounge
https://www.copperlive.com 
