Peter Koppes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Koppes
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Koppes in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Born | 21 November 1955 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Associated acts | Precious Little, Limazine, The Church, The Wigmen, Peter Koppes and the Well, The Refo:mation |
Peter Koppes (born November 21, 1955) is an Australian guitarist. He is famous for being a founding member of the rock band The Church. Peter plays many instruments, including guitar, mandolin, drums, piano, and harmonica. He has also made solo albums and recorded with his band, The Well. Peter lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. He sometimes teaches music and helps other musicians record their songs. His daughters, Tatiana and Neige Koppes, are also musicians.
Some people think Peter has Greek family roots. But his family actually comes from different parts of Europe. His father's family is Dutch, and possibly French and Portuguese. His mother's family is German and maybe Danish. Peter feels he has a "Gypsy spirit."
Contents
Peter's Early Life and Music
Peter Koppes grew up in Canberra, Australia, during the 1970s. He found Canberra to be a quiet but interesting place. He met many unique people there. Peter felt Canberra gave him a "blank canvas" to start his music journey.
He came from a musical family. The sound of the Hammond organ first caught his attention. He started playing drums at age 12 in a school band called Bacchus Marsh. He then learned guitar from his bandmates. Later, he played guitar in another band called Timelord. They practiced in a church hall.
Steve Kilbey, who would later join Peter in The Church, also had a band. Steve's band, Beyond Beavers, practiced at the same hall. In 1974, Peter was asked to join Steve's band as a drummer. He joined, but their singer left. The band then became Precious Little, with Steve as the singer.
Peter soon switched back to playing guitar. The band changed its name to Baby Grande. They added guitarist Dave Scotland and bassist Joe Lee. Peter left this band after two and a half years. He went to college to study electronics. After a year, he sold his things and traveled to Europe. He spent time in Stockholm, Berlin, and London. He also wrote folk songs during this trip.
Peter's Music Career
Forming The Church
In March 1980, Peter returned to Sydney, Australia. He formed a band called Limazine. Soon after, he reconnected with Steve Kilbey. They decided to form a new band, which they named The Church. The name was chosen because it was available. It also hinted at Steve Kilbey's spiritual interests.
Marty Willson-Piper, a guitarist from the United Kingdom, joined the band. He was asked to join because he could play guitar. The band needed another player to make their music better. At first, only Peter was a very skilled musician. Steve played bass, and Marty was still finding his guitar style. Nick Ward, a drummer from Limazine, also joined.
The band worked together on Steve's song ideas. They made a demo tape in a friend's studio. This demo helped them get noticed by a music publisher. The publisher, Chris Gilbey, signed the band. This led to The Church releasing music with EMI.
Early Success and Challenges
The Church quickly became popular in Australia. Songs like 'The Unguarded Moment' and 'Almost With You' were big hits. These songs were also released around the world. The band became known for its unique guitar sound. Peter Koppes helped create this special sound.
After recording their second album, The Blurred Crusade, Peter felt unhappy. He wanted to leave the band. But he was convinced to stay for a tour in Australia and the US. He continued to tour and record more albums with The Church. However, he also started writing his own songs again. Some of his solo songs were released as an EP called When Reason Forbids - A Requiem. He also released the album Manchild And Myth.
In 1988, The Church had huge success with 'Under The Milky Way'. This song was a hit in the US and Australia. Their album Starfish (album) also did very well. It included Peter's song 'A New Season'. Peter then recorded his second solo album, From the Well. He also wrote songs for Steve Kilbey's solo album.
The Church then recorded Gold Afternoon Fix. This album included Peter's song "Transient," which became a fan favorite. Next came the album Priest=Aura. Peter had been a continuous member of The Church until this point.
Peter Leaves The Church (Again)
From 1992 to 1996, Peter left The Church. He felt frustrated because he couldn't contribute as much creatively. He also felt the band wasn't earning enough money from tours. After recording the Priest=Aura album, Peter decided to leave. Steve Kilbey and Marty Willson-Piper continued as The Church.
During this time, Peter focused on his solo band, The Well. This band included former Church drummer Richard Ploog. They also had Anthony Smith on keyboards and Jim Leone on bass. The Well played live shows and recorded songs. These songs were released as an EP called Iridescence and an album called Water Rites.
Peter also worked with other artists. He played guitar on albums for Margot Smith, Stephen Cummings, and Mae Moore. He also wrote songs with Margot Smith.
Returning to The Church
Peter Koppes came back to The Church in 1996. He was a guest player on the album Magician Among the Spirits. In 1997, Peter, Steve Kilbey, and new drummer Tim Powles formed a new version of the band. They called themselves The Refo:mation and recorded an album.
This reunion led to The Church reforming for a tour. They wanted to raise money for a new album. This tour was successful, and they released Hologram of Baal in 1998. This marked Peter's official return to The Church.
Peter also started his own record label, Immersion Music. He released his solo albums and Margot Smith's album 'Taste' on this label.
The Church continued to release many popular albums. Peter sang on several songs, including 'Reward', 'Appalatia', 'Never Before', and 'LLC'.
In 2002, Peter released his fifth solo album, Simple Intent. He also worked with other artists. He co-wrote a song with David Lane and played guitar for hip-hop artist Figg Kidd.
Since moving to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 2004, Peter has worked with singer-songwriter Michelle Bradford-Jones. They created music for a documentary about the Smiling For Smiddy Foundation.
Recent Work Since 2019
Peter Koppes left The Church again in mid-2019. This was officially announced in mid-2020. Since then, he has been busy producing music for young artists. He worked with singer-songwriter Mayah on her debut single 'Endless Mistakes'. He also worked with Emma Tomlinson on her EP, playing guitar on the track 'Silver Lightning'.
In September 2020, Peter's group Syncretism released the album Lone Drifters?. This project reunited Peter with guitarist Dave Scotland. Dave was a member of Peter's early band, Baby Grande. The album features Dave's unique guitar style and Peter's lyrics.
In August 2022, Peter released an album of 56 short piano songs. These songs explored new ideas in music theory.
Peter's Albums
Here are some of the albums Peter Koppes has released:
- 1987 When Reason Forbids: A Requiem (EP)
- 1988 Manchild and Myth
- 1989 From the Well
- 1991 Iridescence (with The Well)
- 1995 Water Rites (with The Well)
- 1998 Love Era/Irony
- 2002 Simple Intent
- 2007 Misty Heights and Cloudy Memories 1987-2002 (a collection of songs)
- 2020 Lone Drifters? (with Syncretism)
- 2022 Music Evolution Therapy (piano instrumentals)
