Cooper Phillip

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Cooper Phillip- From Russia, Now in LA

Interview conducted June 5, 2020

By Dan Locke

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

How did you discover music?

I was born into a classical music family and grew up in Russia in a Ballet and Opera House.

You mother was a violin player. Do you play violin?

No but I play harp and piano

How did you start to write music?

When I fell in love and l had no other way of expressing my feelings, I wrote my first song “silence”

What was your first performance like?

My first ever performance was when I was two years old. I was performing as part of the choir in the Tchaikovsky opera. I can never forget this experience

How was it to arrive from Russia to NYC with barely any money? How did you survive the first few months in NYC?

I’m very lucky. I met incredible people who inspired me and believed that America will be the right place for my art. I had to go through a lot but I’m here now and life is beautiful.

What types of music did you perform during that time?

I had to work at Russian clubs and perform all kinds of cover songs to be able to afford to pay my lawyer and survive in the country. It was a good experience and taught me to be more flexible and work with people in the room who aren’t listening and you have to engage with them and make them care.

Tell me about your collab with Chaz Mason on “Exceptional Feelings”?

Originally this song was written and recorded by me, but not long I had a show in LA and invited Chaz to sing with me and we created a duet. People really loved this song as a duet and we decided to record it together

A lot of your music deals with love. Have you found love yet?

Yes, I have. I have an amazingly supportive man in my life who believes in me.

Tell me about “Not Perfect”?

“Not Perfect” is about accepting yourself for who you are. Society is limiting us from our expression quite often. And I wanted to inspire people to care less about what they should do and who they should be.

How do you stay healthy while touring?

Water. Hydration is the key. No salt, sugar or late-night meals.

How much did Russia change between the time you left Russia?

A lot. The main thing is me. I changed a lot as well. I see this country in a different light and I love that I’m coming from Russia. My story makes me and my music more unique

In late 2018 to 2019 you toured that part of the world. How were the crowds in Russia?

Amazing, very musical culture. Russia and Ukraine appreciate music so much.

What did you do with the kids from Talent Production in Kiev?

I teach them breathing techniques, explain how our body works with the sound, and show many riffs and run exercises that will allow their sound to be freer and more authentic

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?