Graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in business, Geoff Koch followed his heart and went into the entertainment business first as a freelance session singer and jingle producer but quickly turned to music in television and film. His credits include “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin”, “Pocahontas”, “Mulan”, over 200 episodes of television and 40 feature films as a singer, producer and songwriter and even as an actor. He was the primary songwriter on “Walker Texas Ranger” for most of its run. His wife is Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame artist Kellie Coffey. Since moving to Oklahoma, Koch has continued working in the industry scoring projects and having songs placed in films as well as acting, voiceovers and writing.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Secretly, yes. It wasn’t until my senior year of college when I sang a solo in front of 5,000 people at the Greek Theater that I finally decided to pursue it. I couldn’t sleep for two days after that performance. Then I fell in love with working in recording studios and was a sponge for everything having to do with the business.
What is your role in the music industry?
Depends on the day really. Right now I’m producing songs for several releases by my wife but I am also teaching music business courses at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO). I have a couple of documentaries that I will be scoring this fall. As long as it’s creative, I love it.
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Projects? Career highlight?
My career highlight is whatever I am working on next. The fun part (and maddening part) of the business is you never get “there”. There is always more to learn and room to grow as an artist. My wife and I have a gospel song that we wrote entitled “Grace By Faith” that we are releasing this fall.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
Oklahoma has some great studios but for me me it’s our home studio. That is part of what made the move to Oklahoma so workable, being able to do state of the art recording at home. But I do love just going to a studio and being the talent where all I have to do is sing or produce and others are engineering and worrying about everything else. For that, Castle Row Studios is incredible. Dying to work at Michael Trepagnier’s Cardinal Song Studio, too. He’s a lot of fun to work with.
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organizations you would recommend other connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
The networking opportunities are exploding in Oklahoma. I think it starts with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office kind of being a hub. In film, there is deadCenter Film Festival and because I also work as an actor Chris Freihoffer’s Casting office at the Actor Factory is a great source for what’s coming up on that end. On the music side, the ACM@UCO is central to growing the music industry in the state. There are opportunities for classes to improve your skills and meet others in the industry and hear from top industry folks through master classes. That doesn’t just apply to college students but anyone looking to learn and grow their career. The key to networking is finding ways to help others achieve their dreams. Do that and everything just clicks.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
I’m on social media and have a website duet-inc.com. Check out Kellie Coffey on Apple Music and the streaming services. A lot coming out this fall.
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Study your craft, work hard and make sure you have a life and have fun. The good stuff and the inspiration comes from faith, life, kids, love… And realize that you are never 100% ready to do anything. You jump in and just do it. Things will work out.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma reminds me of California when I started in the business. It’s the spirit here that is so amazing. Oklahoma has a can do attitude and people aren’t afraid to work hard. The cost of living makes sense for an artist and as the industry grows you can just see what’s coming. Hold on, it’s going to be a crazy ride!
Favorite quote (if applicable)
Walt Whitman: Who you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.
The key to being an artist is being willing to show who you are… who you really are… the private in public. When your art reflects that it shines through all the clutter, all the noise and just rings true.