Dan Koppy

 

Keep up with Dan here:

www.myspace.com/withdeadhandsrising

 

 

Determination. The one thing that everyone should stand by if they want to succeed. Daniel Koppy’s view on drumming is no different than this simple idea. Only playing drums for seven and a half years, Koppy has consistently pushed the boundaries of his playing and contributions to the extreme metal genre. With his unique technique and style, he is slowly gaining recognition throughout the underground metal scene. With influences ranging from Paul Mazurkiewicz to Buddy Rich, Koppy tries to learn from a vast array of different style drumming.  Sticking to a vigorous practice routine, he vows to push the limits of his own playing and the limits of heavy music as well.

 

 

Dan koppy Interview:

 

 

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?

Daniel: 17 yrs old

 

 

SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Daniel: Unfortuanatly I did not. I wish I would have but I didnt end up even getting my own drum set til I was 18.

SD.com: Ever take any lessons?

Daniel: Nope. I am completly self taught. Although, I would never be against lessons if I found a good teacher.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?

Daniel: I have A LOT more than 5 influences for sure but some that come to mind are Paul Mazurkiewicz, Mike Portnoy, Derek Roddy, Joey Jordison, Flo Mounier

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?

Daniel: I really admire a lot of jazz drummers like Buddy Rich. I also been admire and have been influenced by a lot of newer death metal bands.  Alex from despised icon, Vitek From Decapitated to name a few. And once again, of course 1 take Roddy!

 

 

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation

Daniel: The new Into Eternity, Defleshed (Royal Straight Flesh), Strung Out (Exile in Oblivion), Hate Eternal (I monarch), All Shall Perish (The price of existance)…and tomorrow the new Arsis!!!! hell yeah!

SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?

Daniel: That’s a very tough question. I have my nights where I think may playing was ok, or not terrible. But as with most people, you are your own worst critic. It seems that I always think I could have played better. It can be a bad thing sometimes, but I guess helps me strive to always improve my playing and to keep practicing harder.

SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?

Daniel: I love premier drums but Im gunning for my next kit to be Spaun.  I play a mixture of different cymbal companies.

 

 

SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Daniel: I liked to have a good chunk of time to warm up and stretch really good. Maybe drink a bit of sugar free rockstar. Go through the set in my head in hopes that it will go semi smoothly.

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…

Daniel: Practice your ass off. If you want to improve you have to make the effort.  Also, always remember that no matter the persons skill level, you can always learn something from another drummer. There is always gonna be things that another drummer can do better than you,
regardless if he or she is “better” than you or not.

 

 

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

Daniel: Too many awesome performances to put that stamp on one

 

 

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life? 

Daniel: Well considering that music is my life right now, I really cant imagine life not being behind a drum kit. Some how I would always want to be involved in music in some sort of way. On the other hand I could see myself GQ’d out in a suit for work as an Executive of some sort. I know it’s crazy but why not huh.  But metal will always be life and that’s all that really matters!