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.
Momma's Prayers
JP Cooper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's an army that walks with me when I step out on that road
You ask them every day to accompany me on my way
Woah, you never forget to ask, you got books full of prayers
That stacks, that stacks, that stacks
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm
Yo, them brothers came 'round to the block and tried to spray us
Demons of the night, they came alive and tried to slay us
Whilst I was in my boxers playing COD and San Andreas
I think I owe it all to mommy's prayers
I will remember in December when they never tried to play us
And tryna hit the charts without the radio is chaos
And mommy sat me down and told me they could never stray us
I charted, that was 'cause of mommy's prayers, yeah
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine, yeah
I witnessed harshness, I've felt darkness in the night
Shadows may chase me down, but your words keep them behind
You got me covered and I had no idea
You put your hands together and you dry up all of my tears
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm, mmmm
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm (yo)
bailiffs at my door because the council tried to play us
Then my mommy made a call and in the end, they had to pay us
I don't know how it worked but all I knew was we was way up
I guess it was 'cause of mommy's prayers
I've been stabbed bare times but they couldn't see the chaos
Had a brother in the news, yeah, I see how they portray us
But when I have kids, and they ever disobey us
I'ma warn 'em about the power of their grandmother's prayers, yo
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
The song "Momma's Prayers" by JP Cooper is a tribute to the power of a mother's love and her steadfast prayers for her child's safety and success. The song describes how the mother's prayers have helped the singer overcome challenges in his life, including the threat of violence and financial struggles. The chorus emphasizes the comfort and assurance the singer feels knowing that his mother's prayers will catch him if he falls.
The first verse describes the army of prayers that accompanies the singer as he sets out on his journey. The image of "books full of prayers" stacked up conveys the depth and volume of the mother's devotion to her child. The second verse describes a specific instance when the mother's prayers helped the singer avoid harm when he was under attack. The verse also alludes to the success he has achieved in the music industry, which he attributes to his mother's prayers. In the bridge, the singer acknowledges the difficulties he has faced in life, but his mother's prayers have given him the strength to persevere.
The song's overall message is one of gratitude and respect for the love and sacrifice of a mother. It highlights the importance of familial support in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Line by Line Meaning
Many things you pulled me through and I wouldn't even know
You have helped me through so much but I am not even aware of it.
There's an army that walks with me when I step out on that road
I feel like I have a whole team supporting me when I am out in the world.
You ask them every day to accompany me on my way
You pray every day for me to have companions on my journey through life.
Woah, you never forget to ask, you got books full of prayers
You are so diligent in your prayers for me that you have books filled with them.
And if I fall, what if I fall?
What if I fail or stumble in my pursuits?
These hands will catch it all
You will be there to support me no matter what happens.
Yo, them brothers came 'round to the block and tried to spray us
Some threatening people came to our neighborhood and tried to harm us.
Demons of the night, they came alive and tried to slay us
They seemed like supernatural forces, but they were dangerous all the same.
I think I owe it all to mommy's prayers
I credit my safety and security to your unwavering prayers for me.
I know I'll be just fine
I am confident that I will make it through any challenges I face.
This little light of mine
I have a beacon of hope guiding me through dark times.
I witnessed harshness, I've felt darkness in the night
I have experienced some truly difficult times and moments of fear and uncertainty.
Shadows may chase me down, but your words keep them behind
Although there may be threats or uncertainties in my life, your words and encouragement help me stay strong.
You put your hands together and you dry up all of my tears
When I am upset, your comforting presence and kind words make everything better.
bailiffs at my door because the council tried to play us
There were people trying to take advantage of us and our situation but we stood strong.
Then my mommy made a call and in the end, they had to pay us
Your intervention and assertiveness helped us get what we were owed.
Momma's prayers they guide me
Your prayers provide me with guidance and direction.
Lyrics © Budde Music Publishing GmbH, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HANNAH VASANTH, JOHN PAUL COOPER, MICHAEL EBENAZER KWADJO OMARI OWUO JUNIOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kjsingh8699
Many things you pulled me through and I wouldn't even know
There's an army that walks with me when I step out on that road
You ask them every day to accompany me on my way
Woah, you never forget to ask, you got books full of prayers
That stacks, that stacks, that stacks
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm, mmmm
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm
Yo, them brothers came 'round to the block and tried to spray us
Demons of the night, they came alive and tried to slay us
Whilst I was in my boxers playing COD and San Andreas
I think I owe it all to mommy's prayers
I will remember in December when they never tried to play us
And tryna hit the charts without the radio is chaos
And mommy sat me down and told me they could never stray us
I charted, that was 'cause of mommy's prayers, yeah
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine, yeah
I witnessed harshness, I've felt darkness in the night
Shadows may chase me down, but your words keep them behind
You got me covered and I had no idea
You put your hands together and you dry up all of my tears
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm, mmmm
And if I fall, what if I fall?
These hands will catch it all
Mmmm (yo)
bailiffs at my door because the council tried to play us
Then my mommy made a call and in the end, they had to pay us
I don't know how it worked but all I knew was we was way up
I guess it was 'cause of mommy's prayers
I've been stabbed bare times but they couldn't see the chaos
Had a brother in the news, yeah, I see how they portray us
But when I have kids, and they ever disobey us
I'ma warn 'em about the power of their grandmother's prayers, yo
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers they guide me
Momma's prayers
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
Yes, I know that
I know I'll be just fine
This little light of mine
I know those hands will catch it all
@BeniBoyzGuitarSlamz
Only now after a period of disobedience and recklessness do I see how Mama's prayers guided me and covered me through the darkest valleys. Where would I be without my mum?
@muthonimuthigani7295
I feel this.
Thank you, every mother praying for the goodness of their children.
Thank you, JP Cooper and Stormzy.
@awilliams8637
It's 2:25am and I'm crying in my room so blessed that my mother loves me and is my best friend. Thank you JP Cooper for being brilliant.
@debbiehill254
My grown son just sent me this. Love he acknowledges this mom loves him so much to never skip a day putting him in the hands of Jesus. She'd some tears on this one. God bless all you mom's out there putting their kids in His hands always
@jamilcharles5674
Did anyone else shead tears to this,its so powerful
@Adegail_
What a BEAUTIFUL song 🙏🏾
@MrYoka7
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
~Abraham Lincoln
@nessatenny
Who's excited for the album release tomorroooowww?!?!🎉🎉💃🏾
@jpcoopermusic
🙏🏻 #RaisedUnderGreySkies jpcooper.lnk.to/RaisedUnderGreySkiesYT
@mateom9984
Me!!!