Sonicbids Artist of the Week: Cooper Thomson

Posted by Marya Mclaughlin on May 23, 2011 09:28 AM
Marya Mclaughlin
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Cooper Thomson comes from a school of writing that exists half a block up from Springsteen, just down and around the corner from Waits, a place where what you say can be just as important as how you say it. With the accessibility of The Beatles and the delivery of The Velvet Underground, Thomson is creating a new genre on his own while paying homage to those who came before him. We recently had the chance to chat with Thomson the beginning of his musical journey, how social networking has worked for him, and where you can catch him next.



When/How did you first start playing music?

I got my first guitar when I was about ten, but didn't really begin in earnest until I was about twelve. I always thought I wanted to be the next Jimmy Page or Angus Young, but none of the guys I was jamming with at the time wanted to sing, and at some point, we all wanted to play songs with vocals. I think Punk Rock Girl was one of the first tunes I stepped up to the mic to sing, only because someone had to. The rest is history.

What's the best gig you ever played?

Tough call. I just moved to New York, and I have to say, I've enjoyed the shows I've played here so far. Aside from that, one of the last shows I played in L.A. was at Largo, which was a club I'd always wanted to play, so that was great.

How has social media effected the way you market/promote your music?

Its effect cannot be underestimated. Obviously mailing lists are great, being able to post new songs on social networking sites is fantastic, and, now that I think of it, I actually met the producer of my latest recording through social networking. It opens up places that weren't open before.

What's your prediction for the next big advancement in how we find/listen to/share music?

I suspect and hope that the industry moves to a subscription service model, much like Netflix. You pay a few bucks a month and get access to anything online. I know a few sites out there are bringing this model to the forefront, and I've been told it's coming along in Europe, but I guess we'll see what happens in North America.

What's your next big gig coming up? When/Where?

I'll be playing around town through the summer, but the next big show will likely be CMJ in the fall.

Check out more on Cooper Thomson here.



















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