The Copyrights
We caught up with Adam Fletcher of The Copyrights as the band heads to FEST 24 to talk about new developments, finding time to write, and favorite Illinois bands.
Scene Point Blank: What's new with The Copyrights in 2026 as we head into FEST 24?
Adam Fletcher: We've been hiding out for a couple years with a few occasional shows here and there. Everyone in the band has been busy with life. We all live in different cities so it's not always easy to get us all together in the same room. You bet we're looking forward to being in the same room with all of our friends at Fest this year though!
Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you played (in Copyrights)?
Adam Fletcher: Let's see... our first was at FEST 5. I think we've only missed 2 years since then? Honestly, I can't exactly remember. Things get confusing. I think this might be our 18th Fest?
Scene Point Blank: How many bands are you in at FEST 24?
Adam Fletcher: Only one band this year.
Scene Point Blank: One of the great things about Fest is how you can pop in for a guest appearance with friends. Are you working on any cameos or surprises along those lines this year?
Adam Fletcher: We've done that a few times in the past and it's always fun. As of now we don't have anything planned but that's not to say some impromptu jam may or may not end up happening.
Scene Point Blank: Do you have a favorite moment along these lines from past Fests -- either performing or as a spectator?
Adam Fletcher: Oh this one is too hard to answer! There's been so many....Paint It Black playing in a U-Haul truck, Frank Turner in the parking lot, so many nights hanging out until the morning with friends from all over the world. Honestly, someone needs to write a book.
Scene Point Blank: Do you check out comedy or wrestling?
Adam Fletcher: I used to go check out the comedy more often than I have in recent years. I always really liked the comedy stage because it's a nice breath of fresh air from so much loud music.
Scene Point Blank: What bands are you looking forward to most at FEST 24?
Adam Fletcher: I'm excited to see Home Front, I've never seen them before so that should be rad. The usual suspects: F.Y.P/Toys That Kill/ Underground Railroad crew is always a blast. I'm stoked to see Iron Reagan too.
Scene Point Blank: What is your decision-making method for choosing a band when you have a schedule conflict (e.g. 2 bands playing at the same time)?
Adam Fletcher: I'm going to be honest here... After 18 years of festing I rarely go watch bands anymore. For me the Fest experience is all about hanging out with friends who I rarely get to spend time with. The open container laws the city passed during COVID was a real blessing. I love being able to hang outside in the Florida sun and catch up with friends over a few drinks, and usually that's what I spend most of my weekend doing.
Scene Point Blank: You released Alone In A Dome a few years ago. Like most of us, we slow down as we age and have other commitments. What sets the gears of The Copyrights in motion in 2026? What inspires a new song or recording session?
Adam Fletcher: Yes it's been a few years, but we're still making new music from time to time. Usually Luke will hit me up with some song ideas and then we just started making demos. Those eventually turn into finished songs. We all still enjoy playing music together and working on making the best songs we can.
Scene Point Blank: The last record was on Fat -- are you sticking with the label in its new iteration?
Adam Fletcher: Fat has been great to us. Hopeless owns Fat now, but I don't know how much that'll really change things for us. From what I've been told we're still welcome to release new material on Fat, so that'll be where we stay for now.
Scene Point Blank: You've always had a lot of EPs, even before the current digital/singles landscape. How do you view albums vs. singles as it relates to releasing new material?
Adam Fletcher: Unfortunately 7" is my favorite format. Nothing beats getting up to flip the record to the B-side as soon as you sit down, and storing thousands of heat sensitive pieces of wax in big heavy boxes you get to carry around. Oh, and I forgot to mention they're also expensive now! Albums are great and we've made 7 of them, but for us there's usually a "big picture" or theme to each of our full-length albums. Not like a crazy rock opera or anything but just a vibe for each individual album.
Scene Point Blank: How do you see The Copyrights releasing new material in the current media landscape?
Adam Fletcher: We'll probably keep doing what we've always done: release an occasional album or single every few years. I'll admit we're not great at navigating this current media landscape. I'm not really a fan of the content creation from bands on social media. Nothing makes me turned off by a band more than their over exposure and constant bullshit updates. Please stop!
Scene Point Blank: What about touring. How feasible is it with your current situations?
Adam Fletcher: It's not easy, but can do it if everyone in the band can find the time. Inflation has made touring very expensive, and we're not the most popular band in the world so doing it really is a labor of love.
Scene Point Blank: How has touring, or even one-offs like Fest, changed for you as you grow older?
Adam Fletcher: We usually all have to fly in now. In the past we'd just jump in the van and drive across the country. Which makes it harder now because there's a higher overhead cost just to get us all there. No complaints though! We're just happy we still occasionally get the opportunity to play all around the world.
Scene Point Blank: How do you approach a Fest set? Is it different than other shows?
Adam Fletcher: We usually have our annual once a year band practice to prepare for Fest. We always play two sets, so we try to dust off some old tunes to fill out two sets. Since the crowd is familiar with us we can bust out some deep cuts and they know the songs. If it were a normal show we'd stick to the script and just play the hits.
Scene Point Blank: Who are your favorite Illinois bands right now? Are any at FEST 24?
Adam Fletcher: Pet Mosquito, The Brokedowns... No, but they should both play Fest next year!
