Knox Hamilton Chat About Gospel Roots, Band Name Origin + CMJ Debut
While some bands hesitate before putting in their two weeks notice and fully commit to their musical pursuits, Knox Hamilton decided to take a leap of faith and just go for it.
“We all quit secure, good paying jobs to pursue rock stardom, beginning with a four-month tour. What could go wrong,” singer and guitarist Boots Copeland once said.
However, it looks like that crazy idea doesn't seem to be a bad one as the Little Rock band has put its energies into making playful pop music with just enough of a rock edge to match their more casually rugged look. The band's current single, 'Work It Out,' carries rhythms that are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend and Beach Boys-tinged harmonies that will hook you and put you in a happier mood.
Boots, his brother and the band's drummer Cobo, keys player Brad Pierce and bassist Drew Buffington are currently on the road with Colony House and gaining hordes of new fans wherever they go.
Soon after the band made their debut at this year's CMJ, Boots took some time out to chat with Diffuser about their time in New York City, playing CMJ, the band's beginnings and the story behind their moniker.
How did the band get together?
Cobo and I are brothers, we started playing worship music at our dad's church in Sherman, Texas when we were like five and six. We met Brad and Drew at the church our dad took over at in Little Rock about 12 years ago. We're basically a gospel band.
How has Little Rock, Ark., influenced your sound?
I don't think it has at all. Knox Hamilton music is reverent of the south while also providing an escape from it.
What's the story behind the band name?
Cobo and I volunteered at a thrift shop in high school. During one of our breaks one day we were looking through a 1972 Little Rock high school yearbook and spotted the most rock and roll looking dude. [It was a] no brainer from there.
Fair enough. I dig the track, 'Work It Out.' What is it about?
Encouragement of relationships -- kind of cheerleading people to get along and find happiness in a not always happy world.
Was this your first CMJ appearance and time in New York City?
Indeed it was.
What was the best part about CMJ for you?
We loved it all. The acoustic shows, the Dolce Vita showcase, Rockwood Music Hall [was] a blast, and Bowery Ballroom was awesome to end it. And my wife got to meet me in New York so that made it special.
What did you do in New York when you weren't at CMJ?
Slept and shopped and got lost.
What is it like to have family in the same band as you? What are some tips to avoid sibling rivalry on the road and onstage?
It's great. We're pretty good friends. We have no tips -- but we'd accept some from more seasoned professionals.
Check out the dates below to see when Knox Hamilton will be coming to a city near you:
Knox Hamilton Fall 2014 Tour
Oct. 28: Pittsburgh, Penn. -- Club AE (with Colony House)
Oct. 29: Cleveland, Ohio -- Beachland Ballroom (with Colony House)
Oct. 30: Columbus, Ohio -- The Basement (with Colony House)
Nov. 1: Buffalo, N.Y. -- Town Ballroom
Nov. 2: Rochester, N.Y. -- Montage Music Hall
Nov. 3: Providence, R.I. -- Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Nov. 5: Toronto, Ontario -- The Garrison (with Colony House)
Nov. 8: Lansing, Mich. -- The Loft
Nov. 20: Little Rock, Ark. -- Juanita’s