My Own Co-Pilot – “Textures”
My Own Co-Pilot was formed in 2017 by Michal Kosinski. This past July, My Own Co-Pilot released their debut EP, “Textures”. The EP was written by Michal Kosinski of Sweden, and his friend Derrek of Philadelphia. Michal labeled the EP as a “Swedish/American collaboration at it’s best”. My Own Co-Pilot’s Facebook states that “the band combines a guitar-driven sound with harmonious hardcore vocals”. If you have been following the blog for a while, you know this type of music is right up my alley! “Textures” is a four song EP that packs a punch!
I got the chance to speak with Michal Kosinksi who gave me some background on the band. “It all started a year ago when I started to record music at home. I wrote all the music and searched for someone to do the vocals. I found Derrek’s band, Save Empty Vessels, and emailed him to see if he would be interested in working on these songs with me. And he was! So this is a project where I write and record the music and he does the vocals and lyrics. I do my things here at home, all the way over in Gotherburg, Sweden, and Derrek does his stuff from Philadelphia”. This is why music is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and personal things that we have on this planet. Two men from opposite ends of the Earth were able to collaborate and put together a kick ass EP! Not many other professions can work successfully from such a distance. Music knows no bounds!
“Textures” begins with Exit You, one of two of my favorite songs on the EP. I love the simple drumming and peaceful guitar that leads into the song. The vocals of Derrek immediately reminded me of some early 2000’s Emo songs. The quiet, emotional tone that Derrek takes when singing the verses is exactly what any fan of music from that genre will love. My Own Co-Pilot picks up the pace with hardcore, screaming vocals that make up the chorus. The band did an amazing job of effortlessly transitioning between a soft spoken, slow paced song to hardcore, high speed drumming and guitar riffs that will have crowds going wild! It is so much fun when the flow of a song can be abruptly changed and still fit so perfectly! My Own Co-Pilot continues the EP with When the Missing Return. This song will become a favorite of fans all around. The vocals will have everyone singing along. “I waited at the exit for you to arrive and you didn’t show, so I decided, I wasn’t gonna take it, ANYMORE!” I can picture fans screaming these lyrics along with the band. Something that really attracts me to this song is the background singing that takes place throughout it. The background singing reminds me so much of the early days of Brand New and Taking Back Sunday (you know, every song you still sing along to as if it was just released!).
My Own Co-Pilot finishes the EP with This Crying and Remembering. This Crying is an absolute banger. I love the way the band was able to start off with harder, edgier instrumentals and then slow it down during the middle. The way they put a song together is what every Post-Hardcore/Emo/Alternative fan loves to hear! The EP finishes with Remembering, my other favorite song off of “Textures”. It starts off with fast, upbeat drumming that automatically hooks the listener. You can’t help but bop your head and tap your foot along. This song, in my opinion, is the darkest on the EP. You can feel the emotions put into this song through the vocals and instrumentals. “I consciously choose some that leads me to disaster. I’m left on the hook while they bleed all the wealth… we live to die! WE LIVE TO DIE!” This is the type of lyrics that fans love. Something they can relate to and scream at the top of their lungs with the band!
For being their debut EP, My Own Co-Pilot did a phenomenal job. It tackles sensitive topics, the instrumentals and vocals are calm and composed at times, and hardcore and dark at others. “Textures” is a four song EP that made a lasting impression on me. I cannot wait until they release more material. If it’s anything like their debut EP, it’s going to turn some heads! Make sure you follow My Own Co-Pilot on social media and check out music from “Textures” on the blog’s Spotify playlist: After Hours Review!