5 questions with singer Iris Copperman
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Iris Copperman will perform at Stubb's on Friday. Photo: Nick Walker, courtesy of Interscope Capitol
At just 14 years old, Nashville singer-songwriter Iris Copperman is already turning painful middle school experiences into introspective pop music.
Driving the news: Copperman will open for Fort Worth-native Leon Bridges Friday night at the Andy Roddick Foundation's Lasting Legacies Benefit Concert at Stubb's in Austin.
Copperman spoke with us about her new EP "Middle School Dropout," bullying and her show in Austin.
This conversation has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
1. You've described "Middle School Dropout" as coming out of a difficult chapter. What pushed you to turn that experience into music rather than stepping away from it?
"Music has always been an outlet for me. ... In this case, writing about my middle school days was only the first chapter of learning about kindness and empathy.
- "It shaped how I see people, how I treat them, and even how I move through the world. Writing about it felt like the most honest way to honor that."
2. You're one of the youngest artists signed to Interscope Records. How has that changed your day-to-day life?
"Signing with a label was such an exciting process. My biggest takeaway from having an incredible team is all of the support and creative minds that they have.
- "I want to do well for me, but also do well for them. They bring me such inspiration to work hard and always have a positive mindset as I move throughout my journey."
3. A lot of your story touches on finding purpose outside of traditional school. What do you think adults often misunderstand about how young people learn today?
"Adults often measure growth by grades and structure, but so much real learning happens in the unscheduled hours — the bedroom studio sessions, the sketchbooks, the YouTube tutorials at midnight.
- "The passions and dreams that are being fulfilled by kids and teens every day are so inspiring and are what I want to give through my music."
4. You're performing in Austin for the Andy Roddick Foundation, which focuses on out-of-school opportunities. How do programs like that connect to your own journey?
"I was one of these kids. I had a big dream, and outside of school, I would write and make music every day.
- "The ARF Foundation is such an impactful cause because they are all about identifying kids' dreams and making them feel confident about pursuing them."
5. When people come to see you at Stubb's, what do you hope they walk away understanding about you — or about your music — that they might not expect from a 14-year-old artist?
"I have something to say, and I have a perspective. I think my personal journey is something that people can relate to, whether you're in middle school or an adult.
- "Bullying affects people of all ages, and hopefully, my music can help people of all ages. I just want to bring people into my world and spread kindness and empathy."
If you go: Tickets to Friday's benefit concert are $227.