CoPilots funk rock sound began through a love of a variety of musical styles. The band cites musical influences from Led Zeppelin to John Coltrane to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. By incorporating their many different tastes Chipp Corderman, Derrick Englert and Allen Sleeman have created a sound uniquely their own. Their first album contains 12 songs, each one a distinctive blend of rock and funk. During their live performances they incorporate their original work with an eclectic blend of cover songs. Their covers include music from Bob Marley, Bill Withers, Jimi Hendrix, Parliament, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, Prince, Black Sabbath, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Edgar Winter, Joe Cocker, and Eric Clapton.
The band started in 2003 in Richmond, Virginia by Chipp Corderman, Derrick Englert and Allen Sleeman. The guys met at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond where all three majored in music. CoPilots members grew up all over the state of Virginia; Chipp hails from Fredericksburg and Derrick from Virginia Beach, while Allen remains a true Richmond native. Their different hometowns have created opportunities to play all over the state and have helped them develop a statewide fan base. CoPilot frequents venues from West Virginia to Norfolk and down to North Carolina. No matter where they travel, their loyal fans follow. They look forward to opportunities to play additional cities along the Atlantic Coast.
