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  Wild Report: CokerChurch December 5th, 2009 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  CokerChurch

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  CokerChurch

  Fate has a funny way of showing up in the nick of time and having her way with us, does she not? A sometimes dark mistress, a tickle of premonition…and other times she is the giver of life’s greatest gifts.

  Such is the case with the pairing of two very professional, very different artists that Lady Fate has cast into my path, making me quite the happy little scenester.

  Hard work, gifted talents and strong dedication led these two gentlemen to join forces in their very sturdy erection of not just any “church” but rather their kick-ass band they aptly call “COKERCHURCH”.

  So going back a few years, the 2 were performing separately around town and beyond. Everything was cool with their solo acts…but what could be better than the brilliant idea to actually combine talents and form an even stronger foundation than before. Thus laid the brickwork for the fine musical institution we now know as COKERCHURCH. Sure there are many, many things that succeed in their singularity but are even better together: PB & J. Milk & Cookies. Cheech & Chong. Tequila & Clothes….(okay so cancel that last one, I was feeling silly)---

  Then there is Jefferson Coker & Kevin Church.

  There could not be two more totally different personalities as Jefferson & Kevin. Perhaps their extraordinary individual strengths are what make them such a well-oiled machine. One has an aura that is almost intimidating or slightly sinister in nature (in a good way). The other, bottled energetic sunshine spilling across the stage. 2 compelling songwriters, 2 guitarists side-by-side, each with sexy vocals and a charm that’s uniquely appealing in their own way, COKERCHURCH is truly something different. They have over 80 original songs-all of them fantastic- filled with lyrics that touch you down deep. Their music MEANS something and they share a common belief that their studio CDs need to sound exactly like you hear live. With COKERCHURCH, what you see is what you get--They are serious about their craft.

  Jefferson has worked very hard to live this dream. Living most of his forming years moving from one hospital room to another, this strong and incredible person overcame the odds and is a true musical miracle. He began singing in the church choir at age 8. His earliest musical memory is at age 4 or 5, standing on the dining room table and singing “American Pie” word for word. As for the instrumentals, “I had a drum set but it was too loud!” So a year later, a neighbor taught him three chords. “That was my only training,” he says, “Nothing formal. I spent so much time in the hospital that writing and music was all I did.” And it turns out that was the gift of Lady Fate once again. The fiercely determined Coker explains that when it comes to his songwriting, “I couldn’t be fake. Had to be something I have gone through. About Church he says, “Kevin is a great songwriter. He can write a song about anything”, he tells me with a laugh. However besides his talent as a musician, he is also a great friend. “Honesty,” Coker continues, “He tells it how it is. I have complete trust in him with money or anything else. Plus we read each other well on stage and that was our chemistry from the very first time”.

  Turns out the very first time was about 18 months ago when they were introduced by a mutual friend at an open mic night. Coker had moved back from Seattle and Church had recently arrived here from Gastonia, NC. They left their careers behind (Microsoft/Zaxby’s corporate training) and ran with what they were born to do as full-time music-makers. Together, they have lived and played in places like Chattanooga, Athens, Memphis, Seattle & Charlotte, so how fortunate Charleston is to have them here bringing their art to us live, large and local! The duo uses temporary fill-ins on drums and bass to round out their shows. Presently joining them is drummer Obie Morant (Big Black Building, Plane Jane) and various other talents on bass.

  The first gig was at Hurricane Alley where they were the Thursday house band for 6 months. It was a typically slow night for the venue but when word broke on the duo, they brought in the crowds. I asked a friend why they thought that was and they explained, “Their music has a wide range of influence that makes it so eclectic that it really cannot be put into one category.” Those influences include: Black Crows, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Pete Townsend, Hank Jr, Bob Dylan, Hank Sr, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Quite the mix! People liked that and it worked. More recently, COKERCHURCH can be found at Shooters, O’Brion’s, Montreux to name a few. They have enjoyed a lifestyle of festivals like the The Frolic, Four Oaks NC , Rocktoberfest in Awendaw, and the Saints & Sinners Rally opening for the Marshall Tucker Band. Jefferson was named a nominee for the 2008 Artist of the Year by Radio.SC. This past May, Kevin won the opportunity to perform at Muddy Waters for the Palmetto Acoustic Open Mic Challenge. He had the honor of performing among other great acoustic acts and made it to the final round of the Top Three. (Many there tell me he could’ve taken all). His take on songwriting? “It’s true life–with a little embellishing”, he says. That embellishment is a hoot to witness as the boys’ noses grow longer and their list of achievements surpasses that. At a recent practice, I laughed at their fine humor and was moved by their deep sentiment. The lyrically driven “Vote”, the masterful honesty of “One More Notch”, the melodic beauty of “Lets Be Real” are examples of very powerful pieces in a collection of grand wonders, too many to list. Personal fun favorites are “Behind Closed Doors” and “Feeling Pretty Good”. Let me assure you, however, they’re all so good, my favorites are constantly changing. COKERCHURCH simply has a style, humor, charisma and musical chemistry that draws you in and envelopes you in unique charm. It just wouldn’t be fair to keep it all to myself so I met with them and we decided to share it with you also:

  THE INTERVIEW:

  JW: You have aptly titled your kind of music as “Carolina Blues” and have certainly earned your very own genre, in my book ϑ Please tell me a little about what Carolina Blues means to you.

  KC: Well we are from the Carolinas, so it is basically North Carolina and South Carolina meeting up in different styles of music.

  JC: Kevin’s a little more Country; I am a little more Rock & Blues. It’s a great mix. The Carolinas are known for Blues, Country, Southern Rock and “that beach sound”; we’ve just mashed them all into one.

  JW: Interesting stuff. Tell me about a few of your songs that you’re most happy with and explain the message behind them.

  JC: “One More NotchԖFor one, I lived that song, every word. Kevin wrote a song “To Each His Own”, a real anthem with a message of live and let live. It really speaks to me.

  KC: Jefferson’s “One More Notch” is a brilliant song. It talks about the struggles of addictions, how we cope and the reality of how bad they can get. A Little Change speaks about where we’re at right now. The dynamic of change, being as simple as coins in your pocket to give someone else or the change needed to make you a better person or people around you.

  JW: Cool! Yes and we all have different types of “addictions” or challenges we overcome so that’s why I really love that one. It’s very relatable. We can all surely always use a “little more change” as well. No such thing as perfection. Although CC’s music is pretty close (laughs). Do you guys find a certain theme to your songwriting?

  JC: I use my life experience. I’ve seen a lot.

  KC: I guess we would describe it as everyday occurrences we watch happen. We don’t want just one style, want to be as different as possible to give both the listener–and ourselves–an outlet.

  JW: Definitely. So what were you like as kids?

  KC: Quiet. Shy. But smart.

  JW: Haha and obviously modest. So tell me, what is it that inspires you?

  KC: Certain situations past & present are what influence me to write. I try to stay busy & focused on something at all times. It is a gift and I wouldn’t want to become stagnant.

  JW: So tell me a little bit more about the other guys rounding out the mix.

  KC: Well Jaden, each band mate we have is kind of a hired gun who also has a lot of other bands or projects going on at the same time. So it’s always different, always subject to change. We are really honored to have Obie with us, that’s for sure.

  JW: Yeah I saw him the other night and he is really cool! So how does it feel up there at a live show; what do you love most?

  JC: You know, playing as a duo is great, raw and honest, but when you add that rhythm section, it gives the songs a whole new life. I can’t stop moving. When we play onstage, Kev & I have this connection. I can just look at him and know what’s coming.

  KC: It is just so great to watch the people and have them relate to what I am saying as I am saying it. That’s the best part.

  JW: What’s your philosophy about music? And life??

  JC: Music is what got me through my younger years in the hospital. It’s everything.

  KC: Something about music, Man, it IS life!! Each lyric or melody brings some memory or familiarity later in life...so that we can be reminded by that very moment. It takes us somewhere else.

  JW: That’s exactly how I feel —Music is life, it is everything. (We go on to reflect about music playing overhead as we eat our dinner and it is so true!!)---What quote or even your own lyric best describes your outlook?

  JC: “These walls of hate, tear ‘em down” (Coker, Vote) and this from Mark Twain: “The difference between the right word and the wrong word is like the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.

KC: “No matter how bad it gets, we’ll be okay”---OR---“Footsteps lead to footsteps which lead back to you”. IE: We all take certain footsteps and follow certain paths, make our own ways.

  JW: This world of entertainment that we’re in, it takes a lot, what is it that keeps you going?

  KC: Knowing that it is what I am born to do. Things just fall into place that remind me.

  JC: We have a story to tell. The only way to get it out there is to, well, get it out there and tell it!!!

  JW: You both left the corporate world to pursue a dream. Any helpful tips to others who may want to get into this as a profession?

  KC: Get out there and do it. Over time, you develop your following and the places you frequent & play.

  JC: Leave your ego at the door.

  JW: Is there one specific instance or person that you can attribute to sort of lighting the fire that led you to where you’re at today?

  JC: The time I spent and people I knew in Seattle and my children. They’re a huge inspiration.

  KC: Several. My parents. Andre Evans, my co-writer and friend. Chris Englehardt who helped me learn to produce. Also Tim Lawter (ex-bassist Marshall Tucker). We did several recordings together in his Spartanberg studio, worked out creativity. I learned a lot in that time frame.

  JW: What has been your biggest challenge?

  JC: I’ve always had a problem talking to people. The microphone has been like a wall to me. I guess you could call it stage fright. Sort of.

  KC: Getting to the point to where I felt comfortable and confident enough in what I had to say.

  JW: You’re both doing great, too. I have seen a lot of changes in you in just the time I have known you. So what do you like best about your profession?

  KC: Being able to be creative and get paid for it.

  JW: Spare time?

  KC: Friends, family and Fall weather. I love being able to be free and go wherever you want to go.

  JC: My kids. If you have them, well, you know how it is.

  JW: What do you think of the local music scene here, as opposed to other places you’ve been?

  KC: There is a lot going on here. A lot of opportunity and people seem to appreciate more here.

  JC: I’ve lived here (aside from time in Seattle) most of my life. The scene is trying but not really welcoming to original music. It’s getting better though. So to all you musicians reading this, play your songs, get them heard, change the world. All the covers we play are someone else’s originals, after all.

  JW: What’s your favorite venue?

  JC: Montreux in Summerville has been very supportive of our original music. Shooters as well, they treat us like family.

  KC: I like Home Team BBQ a lot because they have all-original music there. Also Mike at Henry’s is great and so are Shooter’s and Montreux, of course. We love those guys.

  JW: Favorite local artist?

KC: Cary Anne Hearst and Skye Paige. Both are staples in what they are doing. Their music is their own and they both seem to have similar influences and tastes to mine.

  JC: The Dalidrama is a favorite. Oh and even though he didn’t say me, Kevin Church (laughing).

  JW: Do you remember the very first song you ever heard? What were you doing?

  JC: The first I can remember honestly is Bing Crosby “White Christmas”

  KC: Well my parents were listening to Cat Stevens at my birth so I associate that. Also the Hillbillies on TV. At age 5, I became a Beatles fan. I wanted to sound just like them. Both my parents and my Grandma liked them. I wanted to find out what they had to be able to cross generations.

  JW: Awesome--what a beautiful first memory, Jefferson! And Kev, you were thinking like that---at that age? Wow, you weren’t kidding–smart kid (laughs). So, I think we discussed this earlier. Music really does have the magic power of transporting us back to another time. Is there a certain song that does it for you?

  JC: American Pie but every song does a little something. It’s like the soundtrack of my life. I can think of a point in my life and recall a song that meant something to me.

  KC: ALL songs do that for me.

  JW: Well cool, gentlemen. Thanks so much for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add about The Grand Erection of COKERCHURCH??

  KC: And just like that…(as witty as can be and without missing a beat he responds): Oh yeah, well I hope our erection ends in a Happy Ending.

  JW: (we are all laughing really hard now): Are these guys the Bomb, or what?

  Happy endings? Well luckily for friends and followers of this fine band, there is no end in sight. Ya know, I think…he just…may be onto something there! In a nutshell, if the newest constellation consisted of only two rising stars, I am quite certain it would be called COKERCHURCH. It’s a heavenly alignment and their pairing is sparkling brightly, standing out from the rest. Indeed.

  This is Jaden Wylder & that’s your Wild Report for what’s cool in the Lowcountry.

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  Hunter Wilson

  Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts

  Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.

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