Copilots are a five piece rock band from Vancouver, BC. Formed in 2005, their debut self-titled (2007) CD received glowing reviews across Canada. The band is Skye Brooks - guitar/vocals (Inhabitants, Fond of Tigers, Veda Hille, Ndidi Onukwulu), Pete Schmitt - bass/vocals (Inhabitants, Josh Martinez), Chad MacQuarrie - guitar/vocals (DarkBlueWorld, NOW Orchestra, Carol Pope), Karma Sohn - keys/vocals & Dylan Smith - drums. There is an interesting history to some of these Copilots as Skye Brooks is known for his explosive drumming skills with his JUNO nominated band Inhabitants and the genre-busting Fond of Tigers. Skye also regularly backs up unique songstresses such as Veda Hille, Ndidi Onukwulu & Jill Barber. With Copilots Skye picks up the guitar and steps in front of the mic. Chad MacQuarrie once led the critically acclaimed hardcore band Karen Foster that now backs up Carol Pope on her Western Canadian dates.
These musicians backgrounds are equally rooted in creative/improvised music as well as the many facets of rock and roll. Their adventurous spirit reveals itself in memorable melodies, propulsive and seamless odd time rhythms, and dream-like lyricism that explores the subconsious, human nature and the power of wilderness. A restrained intensity simmers throughout their performances, at times boiling over into ecstactic abandon.
"The tricky time changes, the loping rhythms, the heraldic trumpets all spell postrock, but beneath the surface of the Copilots' debut there's something stranger and wilder...not since the Meat Puppets came along has a modern rock record simmered with this kind of lysergic heat...always in fresh form...this is not retro psychedelia." - The Georgia Straight
“...psychedelic, anthemic and fierce.”
- The Province (Vancouver)
"...Copilots indulge a welcome combination of tightly structured songs and the urgency that arises when a group explores its sonic canvas without fear. They are that too rare type of band that knows the way around an instrument, but can compose an engaging song without sounding like the music is being over-thought..." - Vue Weekly.
"Vancouver’s Copilots are an inventive math pop quartet that often come across as the West coast’s answer to the Wooden Stars. Led by Skye Brooks (Fond of Tigers, Inhabitants), the band’s quirky arrangements are bolstered by strong, dynamic guitar parts and a similarly impressive rhythm section. As songs like “Atavistic” and “In Your Heart” suggest, Brooks possesses a great gift for unique phrasing and can muster a cool pop lyric as easily as he can turn out a gutsy roots-rocker. For their part, drummer Dylan Smith and bassist Pete Schmitt adeptly lay strong foundations for multi-layered rockers like “Basic” and the building storm that is “What You Give,” which conjures a Pavement/Richard Buckner collaboration. Guitarist Chad MacQuarrie contributes one song here but his “The Pain Moves Across the Sky” is an excellent, gritty indie rocker reminiscent of Archers of Loaf. Copilots are too interesting a rock’n’roll band to ignore." - Exclaim!
I know the demons’ pull is strong. I know the pain we share, The ancient pain of long ago, A pain in me that’s sometimes gone, But still, even now, seconds later, It’s always, fucking there!
The demons never take too long. These words might show you my love is there And help you shine new magik in your songs and tender care To spread your precious, elfish love and elfish magik everywhere And never feel alone.
My demons and my cravings have found a secret way To live in harmony inside of me today. They don’t control my life since I gave them all away. Earth mother guides and protects my fairy self. She will help me find a way to plant her healthy seeds inside the humble elf.
Find a way to let earth mother in for a tiny moment. You can let it go today Or the hungry demon will surely fucking win, forever taking you away!
I ask earth mother for her way to place you into me today To also place a little of the secret, magik, fairy way Deeply into that perfect, cautious, frightened mind of yours today So my little elf might find himself and lose his cravings for the demons’ way.
Her magik will safely place me deep inside of you Among the pain and aches and joys and all the unforgiving, insane mistakes You’ll find in all the little, elfish boys.
She’ll place me with gentle kindness to soothe your humble soul It’s safe for you to let me in and fight the bitter, angry turmoil From your demon cravings for control.
Let me freely give the magik that I hold, A secret, ancient magik from the days of faerie old. Let me give it to the little, boyish elf. Let him regain his little soul and humbly find himself. Feel some boyish joy inside your soul. Feel earth mothers’ gentle, safe control.
Way to go Skye and Pete!! You have come along way since sr. high!! I love your music.. just wish you were touring thru northen albrta... i would be there!!!! Best of luck Boyz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) ..Amber
Bilbo returned to the cabin in the boonies tired and a little manik. A little anxious but still with faith and hope To help a little elf with his inner fears and panic While he continued to recover from the deadly, demon dope. Bilbo had been away for only half a day And wondered how the demon would twist the elfish play. “Stay put and you’ll be safe and have a chance for “free.” No phone, just rest, the dogs will keep you company. Just do your very best. Stay fucking put and you will see. The elf whispered out a humble yes Although his wheels were already taking him for a spin. His elfish choice was at his best. Bilbo went off to hear the musik of ac dc He said a prayer and showed a tiny grin.
The crowd was so much bigger than the world that bilbo knew. The biggest, little elf was also there to have a first time view. One hundred speakers shot the rock and roll of sound “every fucking where!” The magik was so profound! With dancing singers and guitars that flew across the air, A two-story hooker who didn’t have a care, Cannons blasted with flames across the sky The crowd roared out magnificent, pot clouded, ecstatic cries. When it was over bilbo and the little big elf didn’t want to wave good-bye.
The musik was of another world from yesterday and today, A gift for bilbo to come and hear and see and laugh and scream with play. A gift from two unselfish, little elves Who didn’t die a moon or two ago the all, too familiar demon way. It was the best of best but deep inside bilbo knew The truest best was finding out if the little elf, at home, got through. The van was still waiting in the drive with a shudder here and there. The money was on the table without a nervous care. The dogs had been good babysitters while bilbo wasn’t there. The best of all the bests, the newest, little elf was still safe and fast asleep. Bilbo went out to the deepest of the quiet dark and had a silent, grateful weep.
Just a reminder to listen to COPILOTS on THIS GREAT WHITE NORTH. It's an ALL CANADIAN music show FRIDAYS 4:30-6pm CST on 91.7 KOOP FM in Austin, Texas. You can listen online at www.KOOP.org.
Hey Skye! Sounds great. Thanks for dropping a line so I could come check out your own project. I really liked what I heard on here. How's everything? Any big summer plans? xo v
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
