2002 in 2008 INTERVIEW
By Michael Debbage
While many associate 1997’s "Chrysalis" as their debut album, reality is that this was 2002’s first Billboard charting album for their prior label Real Music. A closer look at this harmonic married couple in career and life reveals that their freshman effort dated back to 1992 when they released the self produced and distributed "Wings." For over 16 years 2002 have been composing and creating beautiful music.
After a decade of loyalty to their recording label Real Music it appeared that the magnificent duo felt compelled to find a new place to call home as far as a recording label was concerned. Signing a unique exclusive licensing arrangement with Gemini Sun Records, 2002 secured the benefits of label support and distribution, yet managed to maintain ownership of their work. While there was a change in recording labels this did not change the fact that 2002 had become what appeared to be a permanent resident on the Billboard charts with the release of "Deep Still Blue" in 2007.
Since 1997 there has been no turning back for 2002 that has gone on from strength to strength. The true beauty of this writing partnership is that while their music has become more accessible, they have never strayed too far from their original musical form of quietude and peacefulness that contain both sensual and spiritual qualities. Considering the current uncertainty of our economy, 2002 continue to bring relief and shelter to the insecurities of our everyday lives.
So is it art imitating life or life imitating art for this married couple? The answer is a resounding yes on both counts as the high school sweethearts who are apparently eternally linked both in life and careers continue to create beautiful music together. Despite being one of the genre’s most commercially viable artists, Pamela and Randy Copus recently found the time to chat with Mainly Piano.
MD: With both a personal and musical marriage aligned with the stars lets get the obvious question out of the way. How did you meet? When you first met was it purely business or pleasure or affirmative in both categories?
PC: We met in high school. I was 15, Randy was 17. I had just moved to Texas from Kentucky. I was very shy and of course had no friends just yet. I was walking through the theater building in high school and heard a "hey you!" Startled, I kept walking. Not to be ignored, Randy decided it was time for something extreme. So he yelled "Do you speak Venusian?" How could I ignore a challenge like that? So I turned and replied "yes I do" and then kept walking. He was fascinated.
Over the next few months we got to know each other and began dating (once I turned 16). We both felt as if we'd known each other before somehow. There was always something so familiar there.
RC: We were in high school when we met, so we didn't have a lot of business going on then. But we did have music in common - we loved the same rock bands, and those were not always the usual groups the other teenagers were getting into at the time. We also both had an appreciation for other types of music - Jazz, classical, electronic, anything that was good and original.
MD: Living in a 24 -7 relationship how do you keep it alive and fresh?
PC: Basically we are like 2 parts of the same person rather than two separate people. We both bend and change to pick up whatever slack needs to be managed. We know that the other one can always be counted upon to rescue when a rescue is needed. And boy things do get crazy around here and rescues are not uncommon. I know we both long for more alone time but we realize it will come when it is meant to be. Right now there are other pressing matters. Our love is strong enough to understand patience.
RC: It's easy; we both love what we do, both as individuals and as a team. It never gets old because it's always changing. There's something about working and striving toward a common goal that seems to automatically keep us excited about it all. Plus we're best friends, which creates a dynamic of its own.
MD: Many of your casual listeners associate your 1997 "Chrysalis" release as your debut recording when in actual fact it was your Real Music debut. Your freshman effort dates back to "Wings" in 1992. While "Wings" and "Savitri" (1995) were commendable recordings "Chrysalis" was certainly a breakthrough recording. What transpired between 1995 and 1997?
PC: Wow, so much happened. Those were blurry years to be sure. We self-released "Wings" in November 1992 and "Savitri" in February 1995. We did not seek out a record deal (as most bands did back then). We simply did it ourselves. We created the master recording, planned the artwork, manufactured the CDs (and cassettes!) and found distribution. Things were going quite well. We had national distribution and some pretty nice sales.
