Meet Down for the Count's Musicians: Auguste Copeland
In the next of our series of Meet The Band articles, Ruby talks to one of our fantastic violinists Auguste Copeland about all things music!
How/when did you first get involved with Down for the Count?
I first got involved with DFTC in November 2022, when my husband - one of Down for the Count's double bassists - got a phone call at 7am on a Sunday morning from Mike. A violinist had fallen ill and they needed someone extra for a show that afternoon, so Ollie (my husband) put me in the car and took me to Eastbourne.
It was one of the best gigs I’ve ever done and I was really excited to be invited to join the spring tour later on in 2023. Best early morning call ever!
A live recording of "Get Me To The Church On Time" from Auguste's first ever Down for the Count gig. She got the call to do the gig at 7am that morning when another violinist fell ill!
What was your first experience of jazz/swing music?
I grew up surrounded by classical music as my mum is a conductor and my dad loves old Italian film music, mostly by Nino Rota. I was always taught that music has to be understood in order to enjoy it, so I didn’t get into jazz until I was around 16 years old and first started hanging out with people who actually played jazz. I immediately fell in love with it and went to get my first CD in an antique music shop in Manchester. It was Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.
Who are your musical influences?
I have looked up to the world-famous Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman since I was about 5 years old, and have always aspired to develop a violin sound resembling that of his. Later on when my dad introduced me to Nino Rota I also found my passion for film music, mostly Hans Zimmer compositions, as well as grew my love for Brahms, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman.
Most recently I’ve been listening to Stephanie Grappelli, an incredible bass player Linda Oh and an American singer Cody Fry who writes amazing music that’s a lovechild of orchestral film music and pop.
What other musical projects are you involved in outside of Down for the Count?
I have recently started a job at the University of Reading as their Music Coordinator, so I’m currently enjoying helping to facilitate music opportunities for young people, programming concerts and helping them make music in all ways possible.
I have also been working on some musical theatre projects, such as a new musical called In Clay – a jazz manouche/French café jazz musical based on a true story from the First World War. It’s written by Rebecca Simmonds with music by Jack Miles and it was incredible to be a part of it! I’m also super excited about the upcoming concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Carousel which will be performed at the Royal Festival Hall.
What's the best gig you've ever been to?
One of the best gigs I’ve ever been to was actually a Harry Styles concert in London. I was such a One Direction fan in my teens, and it was actually probably the first pop band I listened to alongside all my classical music go-tos, so I was devastated when they broke up before I could see them live. Luckily Harry Styles' music was exactly what I was (and still am) into, so when I moved to the UK and finally went to see him live it felt like such a long time coming, and it was incredible! I went to that gig by myself and had the absolute time of my life.
What are your hobbies when you’re not performing?
I really love binge watching TV shows! I try not to do it all of the time as I’d never get anything done, but I love a good show and a cup of coffee!
I also love reading, mostly science fiction and romance novels, and I keep meaning to learn to play the electric bass. It will happen at some point!
What’s your favourite song to perform with Down for the Count?
I absolutely love playing Mr. Bojangles. I love the harmony and the build up and it just makes me extremely happy every time I get to play it.
What is the best part about being involved with Down for the Count?
The people! It’s such a novelty to find a group of musicians who love the music they’re making as much as people do in Down for the Count. It’s just a wonderful group to be working with, and it never feels like work. It’s really lovely to see audiences enjoying themselves in Down for the Count shows, and I love the fact that we get to play tunes that sometimes haven’t been played for decades, and it’s jazz! I really love being part of the Down for the Count and always look forward to our shows.
We originally knew Auguste as Auguste Janonyte... but in late June she will be getting married to Down for the Count bassist Ollie, and will then be known as Auguste Copeland! From all of us at Down for the Count, huge congratulations on your wedding - Gus and Ollie are one of the most fabulous couples you could ever hope to meet and everyone at Down for the Count wishes them a long and happy marriage to each other.
About the author
Ruby Willis is Down for the Count's marketing and communications officer. When she is not writing Facebook posts and making Instagram reels, she is often performing in short films or physical theatre shows.
