THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with Jimmy Cupples from King Canyon.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Jimmy Cupples: My interest began with my parents who are both singers. When we left Scotland to come to Australia my parents had regular gigs singing a couple of nights a week. I was only 8 years old, and as an only child they brought me along to all their shows on Fri, Sat and Sun evening. I would listen intently to their voices and from there I developed an ear for music.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Jimmy Cupples: The challenge and freedom of being totally creative without manipulation and losing yourself within in that creative process – just let the music come to you.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Jimmy Cupples: Now that we have the team at Golden Robot Records / Social Family Records behind us we have material ready for a couple of albums to be released in 2023. Can’t wait to get them out on the market and build on our current following.
Ideally we’re looking at international touring to follow on from that.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Jimmy Cupples: We have a bunch of dates coming up in early 2023 touring with The Badloves around Australia along with some opening spots for the legendary Ross Wilson.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
Jimmy Cupples: Our music could be best described as a melting pot of all our influences. There’s a soulfulness to it, and a freshness that allows it to be accessible to a wide demographic.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Jimmy Cupples: Sometimes it can just be a chord and suddenly a melody will pop into my head. Sometime just a lyric idea sparks a fantastic song.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Jimmy Cupples: Not really. People relate to lyrics from their own experiences. The story evolves with the melody. I like to keep it simple.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Jimmy Cupples: Persistence. Having the right people around you and the right support.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Jimmy Cupples: On stage: singing to 24,000 people in China for the Chinese Happy Wednesday Races.
Off stage: singing with Steve Lukather of Toto at his home in LA.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Jimmy Cupples: Robert Plant, Black Crowes, Tom Jones still has incredible voice in his 80’s. Chris Cornell. Paul Rogers. I’m really into Greta Van Fleet (USA) at the moment, the combination of their melodies and intensity is fantastic.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Jimmy Cupples: Not new projects as such, but certainly we’re in the studio most weeks laying down new tracks and were constantly writing and evolving as a band.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Jimmy Cupples: I see us as a well-established band on the Australian scene and starting to make an impact in some international territories.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Jimmy Cupples: Least favourite over the past few years is dealing with cancelled gigs due to Covid, floods, storms and losing income from that.
Favourite part is always performing live and seeing the crowd response.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Jimmy Cupples: Renee Geyer, Colin Hay, John Swann – ridiculous vocal on When I was A Carpenter.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
Jimmy Cupples: To get somewhere you need to embrace the changes. It is my goal to get King Canyon albums out to the masses. I want to leave a mark as an artist when I’m gone.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Jimmy Cupples: Constantly write, record, release. Be disciplined to pick up guitar every day. Keep ears and eyes open for new influences to fuel and inspire you.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Jimmy Cupples: Pretty much all our song writing is done between James Ryan and me. We work off each other well and get together most weeks in the studio to lay down new ideas. I’m excited about the material we’re creating.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Jimmy Cupples: Write from your heart and don’t be afraid to have an unusual edge. Quite often it’s the thing that makes you stand out.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Jimmy Cupples: On social media. I’m renowned for replying to every message but that’s starting to get tricky. So, I’m using emoji replies to keep up.
Any last words?
Jimmy Cupples: Good night – hahaha!
Website: https://www.kingcanyon.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingcanyonband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingcanyon/