Cooper is a self-made, self-taught musician who manages to exist effortlessly within two scenes generally considered to be at varying ends of the sonic spectrum. Learning his craft on the Indie Rock scene, but later connecting with the Sing Out Gospel Gospel Choir, Cooper’s exquisite vocal and adroitly played guitar seamlessly encompasses the best of both worlds. It’s Indie with soul, soul with heart. This is meaningful music from the mind of a man who’s lived life, loss and longing. He defines the idea of what it is to be a truly singular artist who both defies convention and resists comparison. “I don’t want to be seen as a singer/ songwriter because people lump you into that sulky troubadour box,” points out JP with a quick laugh. “I want to be a bit more than that. I want to make great music and grow. I’ve always loved and admired artists that evolve; people like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Björk. Hopefully I can be an artist who will explore and transform in a similar way.”
Though it might seem like music is in his DNA, JP wasn’t bought up in a particularly musical household. However, his Granddad, a commercial artist and dad, also an artist, taught him something that would prove invaluable to his own artistic endeavors in years to come. “My dad went to study at art school and my Granddad told him, ‘Never get a job in art ‘cause it’ll be something that you don’t love anymore. It’ll be a job not a hobby’. That really stuck with me years later when I began to teach myself guitar. You need to know your a,b,c’s, but the main thing is to have fun with it, to play with it like a child would, ignore the rules. The fact I’m completely clueless about what chords I’m playing works in my favour. I’m a complete blagger! But that’s really nice I think; I can stay wide-eyed about it.”
Bought up during the guitar-laden years of Britpop, like many young Manchester teens, JP played in various bands throughout school. Broadening his musical tastes beyond Oasis by regularly visiting eponymous record store, the Vinyl Exchange, it was there the young music enthusiast discovered everything from Björk to Aphex Twin, Donny Hathaway and Rufus Wainwright. Deciding to go solo while at college, JP was finally able to fully draw on his various influences and begin to experiment with the sort of artist he wanted to be. “I realised that I didn’t want to have to rely on anybody – as long as I could play and I could write then I’d be pretty self-sufficient. And I could make the music I wanted to make without having to compromise.” Teaching himself guitar, JP began testing his sound out at Open Mic nights and quickly started getting booked to play all over Manchester. Within a year he rose to selling out 250 capacity venue, the Deaf Institute. However, because he was a white guy with a guitar, he found himself increasingly booked at folk / indie / band nights. Ill at ease in a scene into which he was thrust, slowly his audience began to diversify as the subtleties in his music began to emerge. He joined Manchester’s Sing Out Gospel Choir and released a series of three mixtapes, noticing a growing fanbase within the urban world. Soon he was not only selling out venues like the Gorilla in Manchester, but he was hitting capacity at shows in London too. “As soon I found an outlet into the soul and urban world, everything changed overnight. Since then it’s grown and grown and I’ve found my audience. It’s really nice to be embraced by that world.”
Three years ago, he became a dad for the first time and a year later faced a difficult decision. Supporting himself by working in a bar so he could be with his son every morning and night, when Island Records offered him a development deal, he knew it would mean a lot of travel to London. “I didn’t want to miss any of my son growing up, but I also had to build a future for us both. It got to the point where I’d had this massive dream of doing music and all this amazing stuff was happening, but at the same time I was away from all of the things that are home to me.”
It’s a subject he covers on Closer, found on his 2015 EP, When The Darkness Comes. After signing to Island Records 18 months ago, JP released two EP’s, which combined have had over 5 million plays. The first, Keep The Quiet Out, was produced by the Confectionary [Bonkaz, Jacob Banks]. The most recent (When The Darkness Comes), produced by the duo One-Bit, features six perfectly executed vignettes. The EP is deeply personable yet utterly relatable. “It’s about relationships, people’s struggles, family and the human mind, the weirdness of it, the complexities of it,” explains JP.
He not only has a large online following, but he has a large and loyal live fanbase too. Last year, he sold out four headline shows in London, including the The Scala the Village Underground and Koko. The EP’s, along with his engaging live performances, have won JP a legion of fans as disparate as his sounds; the likes of Boy George, The Cast Of EastEnders, Maverick Sabre, Sean Mendez and Stormzy have all sung his praises, while recent collaborations with the likes of George the Poet have seen Cooper diversify a little into the spoken world arena. “It’s not my world at all but it’s taught me loads,” he muses. “The whole imagination behind it all inspires me to want to be better.”
Next up is JP’s debut album proper which promises to be bigger and bolder affair, while retaining a sense of simplicity and honesty. Featuring elements of Hip Hop, stand-up soul and Country-inflected guitar, there will also be some unexpected twists and turns. JP isn’t an artist that deals in the formulaic, the predictable or the conventional. “It’s going to be bold,” he decides. “I’ve enjoyed some spot plays on Radio and I know I’m lucky to have those because what I do really doesn’t sound like anything else on there. I’d like to carry on down that route. I don’t want my music to sound like everything else that’s being put out at the minute.”
JP Cooper isn’t the sort of artist to list his ambitions as being awards and accolades. That’s not why he makes music. He’s isn’t here to make cookie-cutter sounds that cynically appeal to a mass market. Rather he wants to challenge the idea’s of what music people should – and shouldn’t – be making. “There’s no façade. I’m just somebody who lives life and writes about it. It’s a human experience. I’m not untouchable,” he points out. “I think people trust what I do because of the way that I am; there’s no front. I think that makes people want to find out more. Hopefully when they do find out more, they’ll like what they hear. I know nothing’s promised, and I know I’ve been doing this for a few years now, but it feels just like the beginning. And that’s really exciting.”
However, he was hailed as ‘Future Sound of 2015’ by BBC Radio One’s Zane Lowe, supported soul singer Angie Stone, sold out a UK tour of his own, and had a coveted slot at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
His EP 'When The Darkness Comes' was reviewed in 2015 as "combining folk, blues, soul and gospel, ... [showcasing] Cooper’s talent for both songwriting and lyricism which releases true emotion – not only for himself but also the listener."
Sources:
This info was taken from when he was featured in The Telegraph and listed for his gig at The Cluny in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Cheerleader
JP Cooper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna put some roots down, baby
We got something good
In a world gone crazy
Give me your hand, I'm never gonna let go
Here in you arms, I finally feel at home
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
You know I made my mind up
Sorry, darling, you're stuck with me
Talking to your father
Asking for his blessing
I wanna tell the whole world
Sing it from the rooftops
This is your love song
Are you gonna sing along?
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
In JP Cooper's song "Cheerleader", the singer is expressing his unwavering commitment to his partner. He vows to put down roots with her and promises never to let go of her hand. He's found something good and secure in their love, even amidst the chaos of the world around them. The singer is willing to give everything he has to his partner, including his heart, his coat, and his wallet, and he jokes that he'll even laugh at his partner's bad jokes. He declares himself as the only cheerleader his partner will ever need.
The lyrics reflect a strong sense of devotion and loyalty, as the singer is ready to tell the whole world about his love and sing it from the rooftops. The chorus, where the singer repeatedly asks for love, reinforces his desire for a strong, lasting relationship.
Overall, "Cheerleader" is a love song that emphasizes the importance of commitment, support, and trust in a relationship. It highlights the power of love to provide a sense of stability and security amidst the turbulence of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Hangin' up my boots now
I'm done with my wandering ways and looking to settle down
Gonna put some roots down, baby
I'm ready to commit and build a life with you
We got something good
Our love is special and worth holding onto
In a world gone crazy
Despite all the chaos and uncertainty around us, we have each other
Give me your hand, I'm never gonna let go
I'm here for you through thick and thin, always holding your hand
Here in your arms, I finally feel at home
Being with you makes me feel safe and loved, like I belong
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'm willing to give you everything I have, including my heart and belongings
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'll be there for you even when things aren't going well or you're not at your best
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
I'll always be here to support and encourage you, through good times and bad
Take my name, put yours in front of it
I want to join our names together and make our love official
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm happy to share everything with you, including my finances
You know I made my mind up
I'm certain about my love for you and want to be with you forever
Sorry, darling, you're stuck with me
I'm committed to you and not going anywhere
Talking to your father
I want to show respect and ask for permission before making things official
Asking for his blessing
I want to honor the traditions and values your family holds dear
I wanna tell the whole world
I'm so in love with you that I want everyone to know
Sing it from the rooftops
I want to shout my love for you from the highest point
This is your love song
Our love is so special, it deserves a song all its own
Are you gonna sing along?
Do you feel the same way about our love as I do, and will you join me in celebrating it?
So gimme love, gimme love, give me your love
I crave your love and affection, it's all I need
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ben Hudson Mcildowie, John Paul Cooper, Teemu William Brunila
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed Makki
Lyrics :
Hangin' up my boots now
Gonna put some roots down, baby
We got something good
In a world gone crazy
Give me your hand, I'm never gonna let go
Here in you arms, I finally feel at home
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
You know I made my mind up
Sorry, darling, you're stuck with me
Talking to your father
Asking for his blessing
I wanna tell the whole world, sing it from the rooftops
This is your love song, are you gonna sing along
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
JustNicole
[Verse 1]
Hanging up my boots now, gotta put some roots down, baby
We got something good and the world gon' crazy
Give me your hand, I’m never gonna let go
Here in your arms I finally feel at home
[Chorus]
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughing when your jokes ain't funny
I’m the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you could even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
[Verse 2]
You know I made my mind up, sorry darling, you're stuck with me
Talking to your father, asking for his blessing
I wanna tell the whole world, singing from the rooftops
And this is your love song, are you gonna sing along?
[Chorus]
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughing when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you’ll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you could even take my wallet
I’m the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
[Bridge]
So give me love, give me love, give me your love
Give me love, give me love, give me your love
Give me love, give me love, give me your love
So give me love, give me love, give me your love
Give me love, give me love, give me your love
Give me love, give me love, give me your love
[Chorus]
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I’ll be laughing when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you could even take my wallet
I’m the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
JustBeliene
He does NOT get enough recognition! A down to earth guy that can actually sing and writes all of his own music?! Very rare nowadays. And the fact that he doesn’t chase the spotlight makes me love him even more ❤️
BigYikes
It's not rare 😂
BigYikes
Mwaniki Mwaniki no it's not
Y E
@BigYikes it is what it is
BigYikes
@Y E it eez what it eez*
Jaki Y
BigYikes 😂
Jack Morrall
JP Cooper is so underrated it's annoying! Raw talent, forever delivering heartwarming music, deserves a lot more recognition.
David F
Beautiful vocals👍
Brother EDEN
Thank you, JP. And congrats on all your success. Those of us that have longed followed and loved you couldn't be more proud that the MUSIC level maintained as consistent as it always was. This latest is no exception. What a novel way to propose. But then, you're JP.
Ahmed Makki
Lyrics :
Hangin' up my boots now
Gonna put some roots down, baby
We got something good
In a world gone crazy
Give me your hand, I'm never gonna let go
Here in you arms, I finally feel at home
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
You know I made my mind up
Sorry, darling, you're stuck with me
Talking to your father
Asking for his blessing
I wanna tell the whole world, sing it from the rooftops
This is your love song, are you gonna sing along
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
So gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Gimme love, gimme love
Give me your love
Take my heart, take my coat, honey
I'll be laughin' when your jokes ain't funny
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need
Take my name, put yours in front of it
Darling, you can even take my wallet
I'm the only cheerleader that you'll ever need