Melbourne-based progressive rock and metal composer Leonard Kopilas has long been an independent force in the world of genre-blurring music. With six solo albums under his belt, as well as stints with renowned bands like Vanishing Point and Gamma Ray, his career has been a testament to both artistic persistence and musical evolution. His latest album, Sigma, released in February, showcases his ever-expanding approach to composition, production, and thematic storytelling.
Unlike some of his past works, Sigma is not bound by a single overarching theme. Instead, Kopilas allows his inspiration to dictate the direction of each track, following a natural creative flow. “There are no overall themes to my latest album,” he explains. “I’m just following my inspiration from song to song. Overall, I think the production is better, and I tried to add a few more solos. I also explored melodic themes and form in a greater way, sharing the motifs around different instruments and textures.”
Kopilas’ musical journey has been deeply shaped by his time with Vanishing Point and Gamma Ray, experiences that exposed him to the rigors and rewards of performing at a high level. “To share the stage with Kai Hansen is an absolute honour. The entire Gamma Ray band are metal legends and pioneers, and I learned so much from playing with them—particularly in terms of confidence and professionalism,” he says. “Vanishing Point are still my friends, and although their lineup has changed since those days, I have fond memories of that time. It taught me a lot about writing, recording, and the importance of brotherhood in a working band.”
As an independent artist, Kopilas has navigated the challenges of self-releasing music, accumulating valuable lessons along the way. “Don’t quit your day job!” he jokes, before adding, “But also, art matters for its own sake. There’s a mental health aspect to creativity that is often overlooked as we chase our way toward paying the bills. We only really lose when we quit.”
His songwriting process is intuitive, beginning with a single spark of inspiration. “The first step is always a musical impulse. That may be a melody, a rhythmic sequence, or simply a mood I’m trying to convey,” he explains. “Once the initial idea emerges, I let the rest of the music unfold naturally. It’s an intuitive process, but it’s backed by theoretical knowledge and practical technique, both of which help me shape the music until I’m satisfied with the result.”
Although proficient on multiple instruments, Kopilas gravitates toward the keyboard as his primary writing tool. “That’s where my strength lies,” he says. “But sometimes, I’ll sketch an idea in MIDI without even playing a note, just to approach a song from a different angle.”
Beyond music, Kopilas has also delved into the world of fiction, having authored two novels. He sees strong parallels between writing music and storytelling, particularly in the way structure and pacing play a crucial role. “Form has always been a composer’s challenge, and storytelling faces similar issues—how far to stray from the main ideas to support them, tempo and pace, elements of surprise, and keeping the listener or reader engaged.”
His musical influences are as diverse as his creative pursuits. “J.S. Bach is my biggest influence. I believe the musical world today stands on his shoulders,” he says. “Iron Maiden is a huge inspiration as well, along with Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, and many other artists across various genres.”
Kopilas’ academic background in composition at La Trobe University further shaped his musical outlook. “It opened my eyes to styles I might not have otherwise been aware of. It also helped me focus on my strengths and embrace the experimental side of music. Studying composition instilled discipline in me, allowing me to turn abstract ideas into structured pieces rather than leaving them floating in my head.”
Balancing his roles as a composer, performer, and music educator is no small feat, but Kopilas has found ways to manage. “I lack sleep, mostly,” he laughs. “I’ve learned to sacrifice some things to make time for my passions. I also know when to rest and when to create. Having a family that understands and supports my interests makes a huge difference.”
Looking back at his body of work, he finds himself most connected to his latest album. “Every new album holds a special place for me, mainly because of the sense of achievement I feel once it’s completed.”
As for what’s next, Kopilas remains committed to writing and creating. “I’ll keep writing, and apart from some cover bands I play in, there are no plans for original live shows. But I’m always open to collaboration—if time allows.”
Sigma is out now; stream/download it from Bandcamp.
