Oliver Scales Copeland, the Australian musician behind An Oliver SC Project, has been immersed in music since childhood. Starting guitar at the age of four, he credits his early exposure to his mother’s classical and tango influences and his father’s love for blues legends like Jimi Hendrix and The Shadows. This foundation laid the groundwork for a dynamic career that has spanned genres and instruments.
“My mother played violin and sang, so I was influenced a lot by her, especially in classical and tango styles,” Oliver reflects. “My dad loved blues, and that inspired me to pick up the guitar. Though initially, I played bass in school bands and a regional Sydney band before joining a few metal bands in my late teens and early twenties.”
Now venturing solo, Oliver is channeling his diverse experiences into his own compositions.
Oliver’s upcoming progressive metal EP showcases his ability to combine different influences. “This EP will be released song by song over the next few months, as I’m still in the mixing stage for most tracks,” he explains. “It’s inspired by bands like Periphery, Tesseract, Intervals, and Meshuggah. Compared to my past work, the breakdowns are more complex, and the solos are more defined rather than improvised.”
While progressive metal is his favorite genre to compose in, Oliver enjoys exploring others. “I thoroughly enjoy funk, reggae, and psychedelic rock. My mood often dictates what I write,” he shares. This versatility is evident across his recordings, available on his website and Bandcamp.
After years of playing in bands, Oliver transitioned to solo work to embrace creative freedom. “I loved being in bands and playing to crowds, but working solo allows me to expand my craft—playing guitar, vocals, and drums,” he says. The collaborative nature of bands, however, still influences his solo compositions. “The various sections we used to compose as a band have helped shape my approach to guitar riffs, drums, and bass accompaniments.”
For Oliver, songwriting often begins with guitar riffs, though he occasionally starts with bass, as with the track “Serene Excitement.”
In addition to performing, Oliver is deeply involved in producing his work from his home studio. He admits the learning curve for mixing and mastering has been challenging but rewarding. “I’ve relied on YouTube and advice from other audio engineers to improve my skills,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Oliver plans to open a commercial music studio to expand his career as a producer and session musician. “I’m searching for the right space and honing my skills. The studio will offer recording, mixing, mastering, and tuition services, alongside my session work.”
Oliver’s passion for music is rooted in its ability to inspire. “I hope my music encourages others to reach for the stars,” he says. As he envisions the next five years, his goals include running a full-time music studio and sharing his expertise through tuition.
