What is your name?Johanna Cooper but everyone calls me Jo.
What is your genre of music?
Pop/Soul and Dance
Give us a little bio about you.
Born and raised in Sydney Australia and love it. I gave up my job in the corporate world to follow my dream of singing. I always knew that I wanted to sing from a very young age however my parents didn’t agree to it being a ‘real job’. I write my own songs and have nearly finished my very first album. I talk a lot and love my coffee.
What made you go into music?
I have loved music as long as I can remember. It all really started when one of my music teachers gave me an ultimatum of singing at the school cabaret or getting afternoon detention for talking and humming too much in class that I noticed I could hold a tune. I loved it and couldn’t believe how absolutely terrified I was of doing it in the first place. I was seriously considering afternoon detention and having to face my dad who was extremely strict over singing in public.
Are you signed?
Totally independent
Your brand new single ‘Touch The Sky’ what’s the meaning behind?
Touch The Sky was a break from the deep and meaningful and extremely fun to write and record. It’s upbeat and catchy, I had reached a point of being pretty stressed and needed a night out and I feel that my mood and frame of mind comes out pretty clearly in the song. It’s a feel good track.
You are releasing your debut album mid 2016, what can you tell us about that?
I can’t wait to release it, I’m sure everyone feels that way. It’s been a great experience, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I love that I was able to write every song, which makes it a very personal journey. There wasn’t a specific direction when I started writing this album so the tracks are all very different.
Will you be doing any gigs or a Tour?
Yes, I always organize shows after my releases.
If you are, where are will you be heading?
The plan is to head to the UK and look at doing a few home shows in Sydney as well.
You are working with Quite Great PR, how did that come about?
When I released my first single I wanted to release it in the UK but I never got there, so I decided I would go ahead and release it anyway without being there. Quite Great were a brilliant partner who worked with me to get the track and video out to the world. I really enjoyed working with them so here we are again.
You performed on ‘ The Morning Show’, how did that come about and what was your best memory?
I released my first single ‘Stupid Boy’ and it was a year later that someone filmed part of my show were there was a dance routine, the network saw it on my Fan Page and contacted my PR. It was great timing as I had just released my EP. The fact that I wasn’t nervous was my best memory of the entire experience, I couldn’t believe it but no nerves at all.
You also performed at The Rugby League at half time for the ‘The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ how did that feel?
It was an amazing experience and so much fun, I was taken out on a mattress, which was a first for me
Do you play any instruments?
No, I am taking piano lessons however to make songwriting a bit easier.
Who are your influences?
I have many but to name a few, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Etta James
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Many different ways, mostly life experiences and events, my mood has a lot to do with what I write at the time. I have also written songs from hearing random sounds, which inspires a tune/melody. One of my tracks was born from a sound the lift was making. You really can’t plan what is going to be an influence on a track.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Making more albums and touring would be the plan for now, who knows these goals are always changing.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I have a few other projects I’m working on, otherwise I’m in a café drinking lots of coffee and generally talking to strangers.
If you could collaborate with a UK Artist who would it be?
There are a few, but two that immediately come to mind are Gorge Michael and Paul Epworth. These two would be a dream to collaborate with.
If you could collaborate with a USA Artist who would it be?
There are a few, but two that immediately come to mind are Dr Dre, Frank Ocean, Beyoncé or Bruno Mars
Where is your dream venue or festival to perform in UK?
Glastonbury Festival, Royal Albert Hall, O2 Academy Oxford
Where is your dream venue or festival to perform in USA?
Anywhere in New Orleans and Coachella
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Un-break my heart – Toni Braxton
I will survive – Gloria Gaynor
If you could get one of your tracks on a TV show, which would it be?
I think Don’t Turn Back or Running Free would make great TV syncs.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be true to yourself, as you can’t please everyone.
Don’t assume anything.
You’re not more entitled nor less entitled to follow your dreams and be happy.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
You have to be doing music for genuine reasons, you need to be passionate and love what you do first and foremost.
What quote or saying do you always stick by? I have three that I love:
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
“Do what is right, not what is easy”
“Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you”
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Mmmmm, five ok, water, lip-gloss, microphone, good energy, and my voice, there you go there’s five J
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoCooperSings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocoopermusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jocooper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jocoopermusic
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/touch-the-sky-single/id930575092
