Interview by Visual Collaborative
April 2020 3 min read
Coppé is a Japanese electronic music singer-songwriter and producer. As a feature in our TwentyEightyFour interview series, she talks about her inspiration for making music, video visuals, Mickey Mouse collection, her collaboration with the music duo Plaid and reveals new album art of her latest album Na Na Me Na Opera.
(VC) As a creative how has the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected your outlook on life as it relates to your own collaborations and art?
(Coppé) It’s back to my dinosaur electric piano! I’ve been playing this piano almost every day now [Coppé Smiles] perhaps I need to release my instrumental piano piece next?
(VC) Your music has some very powerful visuals to complement and stimulate your audience, do you have a method of working or you leave this to the director in view?
(Coppé) I definitely work together as much as possible because for me it’s not just music but the whole coppé universe! [Coppé Smiles]
Sometimes it’s the color of the moon, sometimes it’s the scent of the wind! I get inspired by almost anything plus everything around me
(VC) As a founder of your own record label, what are the things you find most challenging?
(Coppé) Selling music and making money! [Coppé laughs]
(VC) In your quiet or noisy moments, how do you get inspired? What makes Coppé create the work she does. Are you religious or spiritual like many creatives for muses?
(Coppé) Sometimes it’s the color of the moon, sometimes it’s the scent of the wind! I get inspired by almost anything plus everything around me. There’s music everywhere! All you have to do is listen. [Coppé Smiles]
(VC) How was it like to perform with Plaid on the Laveendar oil live set? How or when did that come about?
(Coppé) Plaid is my favorite sweetheart artists! Ed, Andy, and Benet. We go back for many years so it almost feels like they are my real brothers! Of course, it was like my dream come true the moment when I got to perform with them for the very first time back in 2015. Mango and Sweetrice 20th Anniversary 20 rpm: time at St. Giles church in London [Coppé Smiles]. We were on the stage together as one band. We performed all the tracks which were produced by plaid over the years from my various releases. So this meant so much to me!
The original version of Lavender Oil was produced by my dear friend artist KETTEL back in 2005 for my label’s 10th. anniversary double cd set. Since KETTEL was such a huge fan of plaid as well, he suggested asking plaid guys to remix it and they did for my release: fi-lamenté in 2007.
(VC) Some mention different historical times as a period they admire for affluence or culture If you can time-warp to any era to collaborate with its culture, what time would it be and why?
(Coppé) It would have to be Bach time. I don’t know I just want to play around with his fluffy white hair and cuddle. [Coppé Smiles]
Coppé, Na Na Me Na Opera
(VC) At this stage of your career considering your commitments and accomplishments, if you could collaborate with a specific artist, brand, or individual, who would it be and why?
(Coppé) Anything music or fashion. It would have to be Comme des Garçons because we resonate! Brian Eno is my hero and it would be my dream to be produced by him.
(VC) What is the most unique collection of Mickey Mouse in your possession?
(Coppé) mmm, not sure, maybe this piece I got from my old friend, the artist Lasse Åberg many years ago when he visited me here. Super ugly mickey doll which did not get approved by Walt Disney Productions, He told me this piece was from the ’30s.