Interview with country-rocker Devin Cooper

Interview with country-rocker Devin Cooper

Today on What On What's Good with Jovin Tardif, I am here with country rocker Devin Cooper.  He just recently released his debut full-length album Good Things.  Cooper was also named a 2022 SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist.  Today in our interview, Devin discusses the first song he played on the guitar, his favourite place to tour in western Canada, his latest single Back Pocket, songwriting tips, and who he would like to collaborate with.

1. What was the first song that you remember playing on the guitar at 7 years old?

The first song I remember playing was Smoke on The Water, by Deep Purple.  I think my Dad actually showed me how to play it the day I got my guitar.  I think everyone in the world knows how to play it (haha). 

2. What is your favourite place to tour in western Canada and why?

Bo’s Bar & Stage in Red Deer, AB. The room is unreal, great sound, great food, and even better people. You are treated so well there.

3. What can you tell us about your latest single, Back Pocket?

Written by Cooper and Drew Gregory and fuelled by a driving drum beat and unforgettable harmonies, “Back Pocket” celebrates the power found in partnership. 

“After we wrote this song I really understood that anything is possible when you have the right person in your corner. It’s true that a good solid relationship allows you to literally take on anything and I hope that when people hear this song the first thing that comes to mind is someone who has been there for them, through the highs and lows."

4. Do you have any tips for writing songs?

Write. Write. Write. Write. Write.  It’s a numbers game.  The more you work the creative muscle of writing, the easier it gets.  Doesn’t mean you’re always going to get something good - you know what they say: "practice makes you… better”.

5. Who would you like to collaborate with and why?

I would love to collaborate with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.  Growing up on the blues, southern rock, and hot rods, I feel like we could chat for days and never run out of things to talk about.  We both have the same hobbies (hot rods) and like the same music, so I feel like it would be the perfect collaboration.  Also, the fact that Billy Gibbons is just the coolest person ever - anything I did with him couldn’t not be cool. 

6. Where can we see you next?

May 13th, 2022 - Bo’s Bar and Stage - Red Deer, AB (Full Band)

June 2nd, 2022 - Windy City Opry, - Lethbridge, AB (Songwriter Round)

June 11th, 2022 - Royal Canadian Legion - Innisfail, AB (Duo)

July 23rd, 2022 - Monashee Music Festival - Sicamous, BC (Full Band)