Kieran Cooper Newsletter Interview

Thanks to Kieran for answering these questions:

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

I’m taking some time out after my album release to work on new material and really fine tune my set. Then I’ll be starting a nationwide tour, probably around August/September. I’m hoping to play anywhere and everywhere to get my music to as many people as possible, like in the good old days. I’m really looking forward to gigging and/or busking everyday! Once that’s over I’ll hit the studio to record my third album. I already have around 30 demos underway for it.

Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?

When I started finding out about more and more local artists/bands and started listening to Kiwi FM a lot I was really surprised to find out just how much was out there. And a lot of it is really great stuff.

At the moment I’m enjoying and getting influence from Fleur Jack, Tiny Ruins, the Verlaines, White Rabbit Black Monkey, Princess Chelsea, Fear Of The Dark, Decortica, The Headless Chickens, Ryan Kershaw, Jackal, Die! Die! Die!, El Bajo, The Nowhere Effect. And loads more I can’t think of right now!

Oh and David Kilgour. His Sugar Mouth album is stunning. A big favourite at the moment.

What will your next release be?

I’ll release another album. Probably in the same acoustic, organic style of Yes, No, Sincerely. I’m a big fan of albums. The music industry is very singles orientated at the moment and I find that very limited. You get your hit product and then move on to the next thing.

Singles are good if it’s a really good song but they should leave you wanting more, wanting to hear all the work around that track. I’m hoping to appeal to people who identify with that.

How do you believe you fit into the NZ music industry?

I fit into the DIY independent musician category. And I’m proud of that because the most exciting music is often underground. Musicians can do exactly what they want, absolute creativity!

I’m not saying that being signed is bad! There are a lot of great labels like Arch Hill, Lil Chief, Flying Nun etc who release fantastic music. I just don’t think it’s the be all and end all when you can do it yourself in a smaller country like NZ. If you have the time and dedication!

How do you describe your music?

Alternative Singer-Songwriter. It’s not truly alternative but with the narrowing mainstream scope you could say it is ‘different’. My first release In Search Of Reason was written over a long period of time and has emphasis on alternative rock and almost industrial drum machines and synths.

Yes, No, Sincerely is my move into an acoustic singer-songwriter style. It feels most natural for me. There’s just something about one person, an acoustic guitar and vocals. It can be so expressive and genuine.

What is the best part of being a musician?

I’m a musician for the sole purpose of writing and performing the best music I can. I don’t want to be a rockstar or anything like that. So when I write music I’m proud of I feel like I’m doing the right thing. The bonus is people letting you know that they enjoy that music and get their own experience from it. The complete artistic process.

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

I’ll let you know when I get back from my tour :)

What inspired you to become a musician?

Everything. I can’t switch it off. I tried to walk away from it once and I got really depressed. I need to express myself musically to feel complete.