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+ POP GOES FIZZ:  INSIDE THE MIND OF SINGER/SONGWRITER SCOTT COOPER by Catherine Weddum, Entertainment Editor, Satellite Magazine

In a world of major-label manufactured pop and rock stars, it can be difficult to find an artist that has catchy tunes as well as moving lyrics.  Enter the singer-songwriter.  These musicians, while often solo but can be found as part of a band, often start out their careers as diary-writers and poets, and eventually work up the courage to share their innermost feelings with the public.  This results in epic ballads that tell a personal story, or songs reflecting on life's hardships and the lessons learned.  Sometimes the songs can be downright silly, and sometimes they make you cry.  They always make you feel something.

Scott Cooper is one of these cherished musicians.  Raised in Midland, and currently working and living in Toronto, his light and catchy songs are sure to put a smile on your face.  I had a chance to talk to Scott about life, his career, and recent release of his sophomore album, Popfizz.

After being a "bedroom songwriter" for seven years, what happened that made you want to start recording and performing for others?

Oddly enough, my day job. There's a recording studio in the building where I work, and the whole reality of that got my wheels turning. I thought, if I get access to this facility, maybe I can do something more than these little 4-track songs? So I set out on that path with the challenge to make a "real" record. Fast forward to now, I've just released my second full-length CD (Popfizz) and am pretty excited about it. I now also work as an engineer and producer in that very studio!

What have you enjoyed most about being a performing artist?

The slow realization that I can actually do it. Just before I put my first CD out, I was really scared that people would hate it. It really felt like I was sticking my neck out. If people reject this music, are they rejecting me? But slowly the response rolled in and was positive, which gave me the confidence to keep on truckin' and doing my thing. To this day, I'm just delighted to be able to have an outlet for these songs that I write and have a place to play them for people. How cool is that?

What was it like to have your tracks played in Europe?

It was obviously great, but completely unexpected. I still get a kick out of it when someone I don't know emails me to say they like the music. They could be in the same town, it doesn't matter. It just means so much to me to know that the music is reaching out beyond my family and circle of friends. To think that someone in another country was listening to my stuff, just blows me away. How did that happen!!??

What has been your favourite venue so far? Why?

There's a place in Midland (my hometown) that I like called Cellarman's Alehouse. The hometown vibe is always cool, lots of friends and family. The owner is really laid back and she lets me do whatever I want, so it's a lot of fun with no pressure.

Is there a location or venue that you dream of playing? Why there?

If I could play anywhere it would be the Trinity St. Paul's church in Toronto. I've seen some of the most beautiful shows there and it's hard not to imagine what my own stuff would sound like all snuggled up in the most wonderfully ambient reverb ever! Pick up "The Trinity Session" by Cowboy Junkies - they recorded it there with just one microphone. You'll know what I mean as soon as you hear it.

You have played quite a bit in Southern Ontario. What is one of your most memorable tour/gig moments?

A couple years ago I played this place just outside of Chatham and there were all these seniors that hung out there regularly. Most of them seemed to dig it, but this one old, toothless fellah came up to me during my break and said to me "If you don't turn it down I'm gonna go home and git my lawn mowin' ear plugs!" That guy was awesome!

What do you think about when you are performing?

I wish I could say that I just clear my mind and let it all flow through me, but the truth is I'm just trying to remember the next lyric or chord so I don't derail the whole song! And sometimes I just wonder how I got myself into this situation? Why won't those people stop talking? They must hate me!

Do you have any weird quirks or rituals you do to prepare before a gig?

I just like to chill out for a bit beforehand in my gold Trans-Am. Y'know, shotgun a few Steeler tallboys, listen to mixed tapes and give myself a pep-talk in the rearview mirror. If you wanna call that weird, then whatever.

What is one band or musician that you would die to be able to open for?

I'll say Elvis, because I'd technically HAVE to die to open for him. And seeing as I'm dead, I'll ask Jimi Hendrix to play lead guitar, as long as he promises to play behind his head and light stuff on fire. If he refuses to do that, then I'll get Stevie Ray instead.

Describe your ideal audience.

If people are attentive and seem to be really listening, that's so amazing. I love that connection when it happens. But to be honest, I'm just stoked to have an audience to play for at all. So I don't mind being background music. Plus, it's a great way to sneak into people's heads with subliminal messages and stuff. I change all the lyrics to stuff like "You will buy my CD on the way out!" Works like a charm.

What is in your stereo right now?

Always tons of stuff. Right now I'm on a steady diet of The Frames, Rob Szabo, The Postal Service, Damien Rice, Outkast, Josh Rouse, Interpol, and Shannon Lyon.

If you weren't a musician, what would you be?

A magician, 'cos it's phonetically really close to 'musician' and I'm mentally lazy. Plus, you can get a really hot assistant to saw in half if you want.

Any favourite quotes/lyrics?

"We may be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us." (from the film "Magnolia")

A lesson to live by?

Don't sweat the petty - pet the sweaty.

*****

     Be sure to check out Scott along with Anastasia McCabe at The Staircase Cafe and Theatre on Thursday, April 1 at 8:30pm.  For more information visit www.scottcoopermusic.com.

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