My Next Planet – Band Biography

My Next Planet (MNP) is more than just a band—it’s a story of brotherhood, resilience, legacy, and sonic exploration through time and emotion.

The journey began in the summer of 2015, when musician Justin Coppolino, alongside friend Billy Gale, founded a band called Next Planet. But the roots of this story stretch much further back—to the heart of Philadelphia in the 1980s.

A Legacy Begins

Twin brothers Justin and Johnny Coppolino grew up surrounded by music. Their late father, Tony Santoro, was a passionate guitar player and vocalist, performing in the hard rock band Black Eyed Susan during the early 1990s. Tony filled their childhood home with guitars, inspiration, and a deep love for rock ‘n’ roll. When Tony tragically passed away while the twins were just 14 years old, Justin and Johnny made a vow to carry on his musical legacy and make him proud.

By 1998, that vow materialized into their first serious band—Still Standing. It didn’t take long for them to make a name for themselves. Touring across the country, Still Standing shared stages with powerhouse acts like Alice Cooper, Motion City Soundtrack, Sugarcult, Story of the Year, Plain White T’s, Madina Lake, H2O, Madball, Busta Rhymes, Dashboard Confessional, and many more. Their sound resonated with fans, and their passion was evident in every live performance.

After a long run, Justin and Johnny decided it was time to explore new artistic territory beyond Still Standing. They each began venturing into fresh projects, setting the stage for what would later become My Next Planet.

A Rebirth: My Next Planet

Flash forward to 2023, and My Next Planet was reborn with a clear vision: to tell personal stories through powerful, melodic songwriting rooted in both rock and soul. At the center of this new era is the creative partnership between Justin Coppolino (based in Seattle) and veteran songwriter Michael Caruso (based in Los Angeles). Despite the distance, their musical synergy is undeniable—they craft songs almost exclusively through phone calls and remote collaboration, a modern testament to their unique artistic bond. Justin records in his home studio, while Johnny, now based in Los Angeles, handles mixing, mastering, and production finesse, keeping the family creative circle tightly woven.

With a renewed passion, Justin (vocals and bass) began forming the official lineup for My Next Planet. That’s when he connected with drummer Ray Benitez—a skilled musician and practicing doctor. Ray’s drumming adds a level of precision and flair that breathes life into every song. More than that, his warm personality and grounded presence have become a vital part of the band’s chemistry.

Looking to complete the group, Ray suggested guitarist Chris Wheeler, a long-time musician and friend he met through their daughters’ gymnastics class. Chris turned out to be the missing piece. His soulful guitar playing, extensive gear knowledge, and ear-catching solos added a new depth to the band’s sound. His vocal harmonies with Justin round out the music beautifully, bringing a richness and emotional pull to the songs that resonate with listeners on a deeper level.

The Music: Heart, Hope, and Honesty

The band’s upcoming album, It’s All So Personal, perfectly reflects the soul of My Next Planet. The title says it all—these songs are not just melodies and lyrics; they are windows into the lives, thoughts, and memories of their creators.

Their releases are available on all major streaming platforms and showcases the group’s range—blending rock roots with lyrical depth and melodic sensibility. These songs explore love, loss, joy, and the bittersweet beauty of memory, all wrapped in the band’s signature sound.

A Cosmic Journey

At its core, My Next Planet invites listeners on a journey through space and time—sonically and emotionally. Their music is filled with moments of reflection and release, designed to make you feel something real. Whether it’s the pulse of nostalgia, the ache of heartbreak, or the glimmer of hope on the horizon, MNP brings it all to life with expressive songwriting and musical authenticity.

More than just a band, My Next Planet is a tribute:

To a father’s musical spirit.

To brotherhood that endures.

To friendships that form unexpectedly.

And to the power of music to connect across generations, cities, and even phone lines.

With a debut album on the horizon and more stories to tell, My Next Planet is just getting started—and the world is listening.