FOOLPROOF!

I came across Paige Kopp for the first time at the 2012 Niagara Falls Night of Art, performing for a sparse crowd outside the Niagara Falls History Museum. The teenager was alone on stage with an acoustic guitar.

So when I listened her debut EP Fool Proof, I wasn't sure what I would hear. What a difference 18 months makes.

One only need look back to Hole to help define Kopp's sound. Foolproof has a post-grunge spirit, particularly in the title track. While other girls – and some boys for that matter – her age are listening to Katy and Justin, it's apparent Kopp would much prefer to rock.

She has admitted to an affinity for all sorts of music from punk to grunge to metal but it seems she's found her groove in the post-grunge alternative brand of music.

Kopp's voice has grit that fits her rhythmic playing style, There's no flashy solos and Kopp keeps the emphasis on the lyrical content of her songs.

All in all, a stellar debut. - Niagara Life Magazine (Richard Hutton)

A growing crop of young musicians in Niagara are proving age is little more than a number when it comes to being talented, and there’s no better example of that than Paige Kopp.

While some may be taken aback by the fact she’s only 15 years old, the singer-songwriter started playing guitar at the age of 10 and singing by the age of 12. With two years of performing live under her belt and an EP of songs recorded, Kopp has accomplished quite a bit for an aspiring musician trying to make her mark in Niagara’s music scene.

While she may not be old enough to order a drink, that hasn’t stopped her from playing at bars, taverns and festivals around southern Ontario. She performs regularly at Taps in Niagara Falls, where she held her EP release party. When she’s not on stage performing, she’s studying at A.N. Myer.

Entertainment Niagara (EN): How long have you been playing in the region?

Paige Kopp (PK): I’ve been performing in the music scene for about 2 years now, it all began with open mics. Then I started getting gigs at different bars, taverns, festivals and charity events. I’ve been playing not only in the region, but also places like Hamilton and Toronto. I was nominated for 3 NMA’s this year including Rising Star, Best New Artist, and Songwriter of the Year and won the Niagara Music Award for Best New Artist. Around the same time, I recorded and released my EP Foolproof at Winding Path Media. With being in the music scene, I’ve learned so much about myself musically and personally. I’ve met so many amazing people. It’s all been such a great experience and I’m looking forward to so many more great times ahead!

EN: Describe your sound:

PK: My music seems to have its own feel and sound to it. I grew up listening to bands ranging from rock and punk music, to metal and grunge that has seemed to have a major influence with my own music style. However, my EP that I just recently released is more alternative rock.

EN: What is your go-to song to get the crowd moving?

PK: My go-to song would have to be “Foolproof”, the song that I named my album after; It’s many people’s favourites of my music. Most people know that song, it’s more of a fast pace and it gets the crowd going!

EN: What is your most memorable on-stage moment?

PK: I’m very lucky and so happy to have had such great experiences with live performances. There are so many memories but I’d have to say seeing people in the audience having a great time, singing along and moving around... connecting with my music is the best feeling. I’ve had quite a few people come up to me after a show who I’ve never met to tell me how my music inspired them and personally, hearing that I’ve helped people and have inspired them through music are the best memories.

EN: What is your favorite part about Niagara’s music scene?

PK: I love how supportive Niagara musicians are of each other. We have a very positive Niagara music scene and it’s improving each day with getting more venues, charities and festivals happening with live music. Musicians love supporting and have complete respect for each other, I love it. Altogether, it’s a very positive scene. - Niagara This Week (Melinda Cheevers)