Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Cooper.
Cory, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was raised by my grandparents in a small town in southwestern Missouri. As a kid, I developed a passion for singing and performing at everything from school events to state fairs. My goal has alway been to break into the music industry, so I packed my things and headed to Los Angeles after I finished college. Ever since my arrival, I’ve been singing, performing, putting out demos to break into this crazy world called the music business. I recently released an EP that I’m very proud of, where I tried to be very honest and sing about real things people experience. Creatively, I really wanted the music to reflect my journey and how I feel, both the good and bad. The great ups and the very low downs.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
By no means has it been a smooth road. Being an artist trying to break into the music scene is very hard, sometimes downright demoralizing. It can be really lonely. It can be sad and very cruel. You have to be your own cheerleader a lot of the time and that can be hard. It’s easy when you have family or friends to cheer you on when you want to give up or when things are going well, but when it’s just you and your thoughts and things are not so great, it’s very hard. It’s very easy to sink into depression. And since the music business is so dynamic, you feel like you have to constantly keep up with social media and producing content to keep your fanbase engaged and to gain more exposure. It truly never stops and you’re constantly under pressure to do more. It’s a horrible feeling, and you have to fight all the voices of doubt and stay focused on your goals. Thankfully with the support of close friends, family, and staying focused, I’m one of the lucky ones that wake up every day with the energy and drive to keep at it. As long as I do something better something today than I did yesterday, I know it was worth the effort.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Honestly, I’m still working for that one big break. That said, there have been some great moments I’m proud of. One was the first time I performed songs from my latest EP at famed Hotel Cafe in Hollywood where huge acts and Grammy winners have played. There was so much anxiety behind whether the songs would resonate with the audience. One thing unique about performing live is instant feedback through faces and fan reaction, and the positive feedback I received had me glowing. After all the hours invested in producing the music, there was a huge sense of satisfaction that my producer and I created a really solid product.
Another moment I’ll always remember is a show years ago in El Paso, Texas, where the emotion of my performance moved some fans to tears. While I never intentionally try to make people cry, having that level of impact on people through a performance had a profound impact on me. It was such a learning lesson in how to open up and let people access my emotions that I have always carried with me.
I was so thrilled and honored to be asked to sing at the House of Blues Anaheim last year. Performing there is a dream of every artist, which was really exciting and I had a blast singing my heart out.
Live moments aside, it’s the simple moments when fans take the time to write and tell me how much my music means to them and how much they enjoy listening to it that inspires me to keep creating, I’m very thankful for those because it really does mean so much that my work either brought them joy or connected with their personal lives. But I’m very hopeful that my proudest moment is ahead of me. There’s still so much more to do.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As an artist, you live to be on a stage and perform for people. However, in these crazy and uncertain times where all venues are closed due to COVID-19, we have to adapt. There are many people who are lonely and isolated, so I’ve live streamed some performances, and looking for more. The best way to stay updated on my next show is through Instagram (@corycoopermusic).
Beyond that, I plan to get back in the studio this year to develop new music, and really look forward to getting back on a stage to perform for a live crowd.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://
corycoopermusic.com/ - Email: info@corycoopermusic.
com
Image Credit:
B&W image: Allen Henson
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
