10 Quick Ones with DASH COOPER of CO-OP – April 2018
According to a recent press release: “Phoenix desert Hard Rockers CO-OP, fronted by Dash Cooper, son of legendary Rock vocalist Alice Cooper, have announced the release date for their self-titled EMP LABEL GROUP debut, in stores June 15th, and dates for a Spring tour with FLAW. Featuring artwork by Melody Myers (Escape The Fate, Asking Alexandria, Marc Rizzo), CO-OP’s full length debut is a weighty slab of solid Hard Rock, Cooper’s powerful vocals mixing a timeless classic rock undertone with the grit of modern hard rock and melodic hooks over a bottom heavy foundation. No strangers to performance, since forming in 2014, CO-OP, with a current lineup featuring Dash Cooper -Lead Vocals, Jeremy Tabor – Guitar, Justin Swartzentruber – Bass, and drummer Nick Spann, quickly amassed a following in the local Phoenix scene, and within a few years, having shared the stage with rock legends like Motley Crue, The Hollywood Vampires (featuring Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, and Johnny Depp), KISS, and Alice Cooper, the band got the attention of Thom Hazaert and David Ellefson, who signed CO-OP to EMP LABEL GROUP and released the band’s debut EP in 2017, expanding their influence far beyond the confines of Phoenix.” We get Dash to discuss new music, influences, and more in our 10 Quick Ones…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
It’s our debut self titled album that will be released June 15th. We are pretty straightforward with our lyrics but I’m sure there will be people who take what we say to mean one thing or another. 🙂
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
I got into music at a very young age. My parents had me try out for a variety show in my elementary school when I was in kindergarten or 1st grade. I sang a song and got a big applause from the crowd. I guess that feeling of acceptance and joy never left me.
3. Who would be your main five musical influences?
My main 5 influences would probably be The Beatles, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, and anything Andrew McMahon does because his lyrics are amazing.
4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?
Dave Grohl for sure. He writes in an unorthodox way and I’m sure we could create something awesome together!
5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?
I’d say take your favorite classic rock band from the 70’s and then add loads of modern guitar and distortion and you’d pretty much describe us.
6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?
The fans and performing. They go hand in hand. I love giving fans what they want and they give me all the gratification and energy to do awesome shows. I do it because they say they like it and I love the reactions of playing live. No greater feeling.
7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
We are constantly working so we rarely have time to have fun outside of shows. However we do have a standing weekly meeting at my home where my wife Morgan cooks for us all . She’s the best. I would say if we were in that environment, well none of us really drink a lot, but Jeremy, our lead guitar player would jam on the acoustic guitar.
8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?
I would love to be an agent for an NHL Star.
9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a misstep but definitely wish it had been different. I went to college and put my musical career on hold for 6 years. I wish I had done both at the same time. I’d be interested to see where I’d be today but I also believe everything happens for a reason and at a certain time. I’m so happy to be signed with EMP and getting out to live my dream.
10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. That record taught me to think outside the box musically… that there aren’t always boundaries stylistically and lyrically.
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Category: Interviews