Back in 1994, I was born in the peaceful suburbs of Virum, just a stone’s throw from Copenhagen, Denmark. While I was miles away from the spicy rhythms of New Orleans and the festive streets of Mardi Gras, I found a bridge to these distant worlds through music. As a kid, my ears were always filled with the soulful tunes of Blues, Soul, and R&B from the golden eras of the 40s, 50s, and 60s.Unlike many of my childhood friends who explored different tunes and pastimes, I was drawn to the rich stories told through the classic beats.
My parents, seeing my budding passion, took me to every live show possible. Legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and The Shadows played live right here in Denmark. However, one concert in 2008 flipped my world upside down. It was Dr. John the Night Tripper at Amager Bio. Even though the band was a bit weary from celebrating Barack Obama’s victory all night, they put on a show that stuck with me forever. It was my first real splash into a sea of Blues, Jazz, Voodoo, and Funk, with a piano player leading the charge.That concert made one thing clear to my parents: I needed to experience New Orleans firsthand.
At 17, I first set foot in The Big Easy. That trip reshaped my life. For the first time, I truly understood how music weaves together history and culture. Suddenly, music wasn’t just about playing notes; it was about connecting to the past and understanding how the struggles and dreams of others have shaped what I loved.Since that first transformative trip, I’ve returned to New Orleans many times, staying for months to soak in, practice, and grasp the very essence of the music that captivates me.
From my first time on stage in Denmark to today, I’ve had the honor of sharing stages with incredible musicians like John Boutté, Dom Pipkin, and many more, each adding a layer to my musical identity.In 2022, I debuted my first album, “I Got Hipped,” which got rave reviews for its groovy vibe. Blues Matters Magazine called it “funky as funk can be,” adding that “New Orleans has given so much in the way of blues music; with this creation, it has given us a little bit more.” With the Chris Copen Trio, we take listeners on a vibrant musical adventure that blends cultures and rhythms into a memorable experience.
Chris Copen is the artistic persona of Christian Wendelboe, a versatile Danish creative known for his work in cultural communication, art, and media production. Under the name Chris Copen, he explores and expresses his musical and artistic talents. Meanwhile, Christian Wendelboe represents his legal name and is a different brand. You can discover more about Christian Wendelboe’s diverse body of work on his website at www.christianwendelboe.dk and follow his latest updates on Instagram.