Patrick is one of Gainesville, Florida's hidden treasures. But not for long. Patrick has recently embarked upon a publishing career by doing what he does best: write songs.
Born in a quiet suburb of Minnesota, he began teaching himself how to play guitar at 15. He was no stranger to small-town music scenes like Gainesville when he arrived in the 80s. It was during this time that Patrick played guitar and wrote songs for award winning bands My Friend Steve and Big White Undies. The Undies crossed paths and shared stages with the likes of Blues Traveller, Jump Little Children, Medeski Martin and Wood, Iggy Pop, The Village People and The Aquarium Rescue Unit, while My Friend Steve toured nationally and opened for bands like Pearl Jam and Sister Hazel.
It has taken a few years, but Patrick is now ready to share his songs with the world. He never thought he could have the teenager-like fascination with the guitar again, but he does. Playing day in and day out, Patrick has literally wore a hole in his Takamine guitar, which he proudly only finger picks. Beneath his melodic strumming and poetic vocals resonates the influence of the great singer/songwriters. Koch describes his variation of songs as grave, truth to power, with a little bit of love. Patience and the use of his subconscious mind are the biggest parts of his song writing process. His songs, "Mine and Yours" and "Stepping Stones" resound with his personal experiences in love, while his "Song before the war" brings to mind political and social hope.
Back in the 90s, before Patrick's career as a musician in Gainesville took off, he was a gymnastics teacher for kids. He carries his lessons teaching with him in his music and life, and says that gymnastics has taught him that there are abilities you can get to, but you have to take steps towards them. He says that Trees & Records was a perfect fit for him because it is there to remind him of what he's working for. "There's a tree outside by a lake somewhere with my name on it."
To check out some of Patrick's latest demos...click here!
