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BIOGRAPHYThe Lowdown… After 2 years touring throughout Europe & the UK as a singer-songwriter in his own right and a session musician with Universal Music UK/Netherlands, James returns to home turf launching his debut solo album 'Second Season'. Having just co-written 'Beautiful As You' for the Whitlams's "Little Cloud" album, James releases eleven of his own finely crafted pop/rock gems this August. With the single 'Love in London' receiving rave reviews around the globe and having already released the album in the US, UK, Ireland, Sweden and Japan, the Australian launch is a show not to miss! Sydney born, 25-year-old James Cooper is a guitarist, pianist, singer and songwriter. Cooper’s captivating songwriting and intimate vocal style has led to much success already and comparisons to the likes of Matthew Sweet, Ryan Adams and a young Paul Kelly. His musical inspirations include Calexico, Bob Dylan, Josh Ritter, Richard Hawley, The Waifs, Midnight Oil, John Lennon, The Finn Brothers, Laura Cantrell and Ryan Adams. The Line-Up… James will be playing the Australian east coast with his new 5-piece band which includes the album's co-producer Michael Carpenter (78saab, Youthgroup, The City Lights) on Lead Guitar, and Rob MacDowell (Graham Coxon band UK) on Keys. The Record Deals… Having just signed to Littoral Records Australia, life is busy! Cooper relocated to the UK late in 2004 the day after supporting Tim Freedman at Newtown's The Vanguard . He flew to London with a Maton acoustic guitar, a cherry red Epiphone SG that he bought for £150 second hand in Leeds, a month’s rent, and a finished master of his self-funded debut album “Second Season”. Playing both the guitar and piano on the recording, Cooper wrote the majority of the album in a small town in South France called Sarlat on a previous European adventure. It was during this time, a six week hiatus from London, that songs such as “Beautiful As You”, “Couch In Montmatre”, “Save Me From Love” and “Dry Reaching For Grace” came into being. Oddly enough as Cooper arrived in London he was signed up by US independent label Paisley Pop Records based in Portland, Oregon. The record garnered many favourable reviews and is currently on its second pressing in North America. Soon after, Japanese label Wizzard In Vinyl tracked James down in London and signed up the album. To create a special incentive for Japanese fans, Cooper flew back to Australia in September 2005 to work again with “Second Season” co-producer Michael Carpenter on two bonus tracks. The Japanese release features special packaging and additional artwork not featured on the US or Australian releases. Other fantastic opportunities followed, including playing the world famous Ronnie Scott's club, once again supporting Tim Freedman and the UK Launch of “Second Season” at the prestigious Troubadour Club in London (the venue where the likes of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell played in the sixties), a super live performance on Irish FM radio and the release of “Second Season” in yet another territory – this time Sweden! Now for the first time fans will have the chance to buy the Australian edition of “Second Season” with special Australian Artwork and new photos. The album is due for release in Australia on August 12 and you can catch James live on his east coast tour. This is all thanks to Littoral Records who signed the album earlier this year. After touring abroad, James is thrilled to be releasing the album and playing shows to a home crowd. The Touring… An artist with a strong work ethic, in just under two years in the UK, Cooper has played key London venues solo and with his 3-piece UK band ‘The Protectors’ including Ronnie Scott's, The Barfly, The Spitz, 12 Bar Club, The Hope and Anchor, Dingwalls and Troubadour Club. He’s also been touring and working as musical director and guitarist alongside new Universal Netherlands signing, Dublin-born folk singer Amy Kelly, whose album (produced by Keane’s Andy Green) has been released in Holland to high acclaim. The Art School Dropout...? Well not quite. As if music doesn't keep him busy enough, Cooper is a visual artist too. He has recently designed the record sleeve for none other than Sir Paul McCartney's new single “Fine Line” (Parlophone), worked on the album art for Macca’s latest offering, and created the sleeve design for EMI UK's current David Bowie Platinum Collection through Stylorouge, London. The Synopsis... Cooper’s passionate song-craft sees him balladeering on acoustic guitar, vibing up the room with up-tempo acoustic folk/pop, and changing tone colours altogether once he sits behind the piano. Cooper has the talent to pull out the catchy pop hit, the story-telling folk song, or the melting piano ballad. Don’t miss the chance to see him perform in Sydney and Melbourne! See the Tour Page for dates! |
