“With her stunning voice, beautiful looks and intense drive, COOPER PHILLIP captures the undivided attention of the eyes and ears around her. COOPER has always been a small town girl with dreams bigger than anyone could fully imagine. Born in Russia to a family of classical musicians, her early years were shaped being raised by her grandmother and aunt while her mother, a master violin player, toured around the world with various symphonies. This separation led COOPER to take comfort in music at an early age where she was mesmerized by the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald. She learned her songs inside and out, noticing every nuance of Ella’s phrasing and jazz intonations. At 12 years old, COOPER permanently went to live with her mother. It was a major adjustment for both of them, but her mom soon realized her daughter had a gift and decided to help expand her musical talents. She enrolled COOPER in the prestigious Moscow State Classical Academy where she studied classical piano, theory, harp, jazz, blues, ballet and voice. And it was her vocal teacher at the academy who would prove to be the most pivotal in her development when she introduced her to the music of Mariah Carey. COOPER was obsessed.” Click Here To Read More About Cooper Philliip
I grew up in a classical music environment. Both of my parents are classical musicians. My mom plays violin and my dad plays clarinet and saxophone. I grew up attending the most amazing classical operas and ballets. This had a huge impact on my songwriting. When I started singing professionally I studied Stevie Wonder’s singing technique. Also among the top of my influences was Mariah Carey. I remember the first time I heard her sing, it was magical and inspiring. I could not imagine a human singing like that. I was fascinated by her voice and singing ability. And finally, soul and gospel music were and are huge influences in my life and music.
2.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
I believe that every artist is unique and needs to stay authentic to their sound and brand. I plan to be true to myself, write as much music as possible, and perform as much as possible. The rest will work itself out.
3.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?
I will stay independent for now while I grow my brand and write my music. The moment will come when labels will be knocking on my door and will treat me as a partner rather than just a product. Labels are not interested in developing talent anymore. They just want to hop aboard a moving ship, throw some money at it, and ride the waves. My goal as an artist is to create the interest and the buzz around my story and music. As I said before, the rest will work itself out.
Yes, I think it’s pretty much dead. Everything is visual now and technology is moving faster than the light. You have to keep learning new ways to promote yourself without a huge budget. Also, it appears that visual branding and your character are more important than your songs. People don’t want to think and focus. This is why the attention span is 30 seconds and you have to engage them within that short window of time.
5.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
Social media is a “free” tool for every musician to market themselves. First of all, you have to study your audience and understand what they like and what they don’t. Creating original and unique content is a priority for every single artist of this generation. The most creative artist will win, not necessarily the most educated or talented musically.
6.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life and has that had any effect on your path to becoming a musician?
I had asthma for over 10 years. This stopped me from many things. I started singing believing that healthy breathing habits would give me more freedom and health. What a feeling of empowerment overcoming that period of my life was. It taught me that I needed to say strong, focus, and work hard and I could accomplish anything. I keep saying it, but do what you can do, and the rest will work itself out.
You have to stay true to yourself and create amazing art that comes through from your heart and soul. I don’t think people who write music for money are sellouts. We all have to eat and if people are buying, then people are enjoying. For me, however, it must be true, vulnerable, and raw. When these elements are there your audience has no choice, but to fully connect with you and your art.
8.) When you do music, what would you like your listeners to get out of your music?
Inspiration is my main focus when I write my songs. All of us are going through or have gone through tough times and I’d like my music to be very inspiring for all those people who are hustling and struggling right now. Confidence, self love, and hard work is something that brought me to this point of my career. I’m very grateful for all the support and love from my fans.