...broader English version coming up (sooner or later)...

FOR MORE INFO, MUSIC, VIDEOS, PICS PLEASE GO TO OUR PROFILES ON:

http://youtube.com/sopotycz

OR

http://myspace.com/sopotyband

The first steps towards the emergence of the band took place in the year 1993. In the beginning it was formed by the duo 'Chief' (guitar/ vocals) and 'Mr Twiggy' (bass). But the name of the band - Sopoty - didn't come until later with the arrival of the saxophonist Ondra Boháč. The band lacked rhythm, and so this was supplied by Vojtech Klobása on his kit. However, his drumming wasn't really sufficient for our needs, so we said goodbye to him. The band again became a trio for a while, but not for long. The group that was formed around the school which all the members attended attracted guitarist 'Mr Forehead' away from his studies. This historic period full of changes is documented by a number of recordings which include the inspiring 'Rovers Riddle' and 'Bliss'. The band played its first few gigs in this period. It was at one of these that the amazing pianist Josepha Ridding joined forces with the band. With her arrival the professional level of the band rose by 100 per cent. As part of Pepína Ridding's monumental project Circles in Mind, Sopoty became the core of a whole orchestra which presented this musical in two premiere performances. Another member of this band of musicians was Michal Stančík who returned a real sense of beat to the band after rather a long period of rhythmic uncertainty. In this configuration, we played our first real concerts. Unfortunately, saxophonist Ondra Boháč decided to leave the band after a while. In spite of the fact that his departure shocked everybody, and for a long time we felt that without a saxophonist nothing would work, the band didn't cease its activities. On the contrary, in '96 we recorded our first demo. With the concert at our own Graduation Ball, the school era of Sopoty was finished. This concert also brought with it a further departure. Drummer Michal Stančík decided to leave the group due to differing musical views. However, he recommended someone to take his place -'Mr Hat'. This incredible drummer fell into line with the band very quickly, and his mechanical rhythm and creative approach pushes our band forward to this day. In this same year however, Pepína abandoned us - she returned once more to her birthplace, England. A new chapter in the life of Sopoty began in the second half of the year 1996 when we moved into a new rehearsal space and began to play more regularly. In autumn 1997 we recorded a second demo and emerged onto the home scene, namely the Prague club Prosek. The last change in the composition of the band came in 1999. Future psychologist and Chief's uni chum 'Mr. Eye' added to the music the analogue colours produced by the old tried and tested synthesisers of significant historical value. Although originally a guitarist, he adapted fast and so helped create the characteristic sound of the band Sopoty. This last change of personnel ended the period of searching and finding ourselves. In this arrangement, the band have recorded a further three demos [Live at Prosek (1999), Rehearsal Room (2001), and the latest Playing for an Empty Hall (2003)], played around 50 gigs, taken part in the most unbelievable competitions, been on a national tour (Bardzo Cool Tour), twice played for the runners in the International Prague Marathon, decided to make a video (a magnificent project which ended up in silicon heaven along with the hard disk, on which it was edited) etc etc. The latest news is that the band is preparing their proper debut album, and has finally succeded in incorporating a brass section in the arrangement again - so far formed by wild-winds-taming saxophonist Mr. Risha.