Collette Cooper

Collette Cooper is a British singer/songwriter and actor from Manchester and lives in London, her music is played on the Huey Morgan show on BBC Radio 6 Music and on the arts show with Claudia Winkleman on BBC Radio 2.

Career

Collette Cooper is a singer/songwriter and actor currently working on her debut album, City of Sin, and has produced several music videos to Big Fat Liar and Bonkers. Collette has performed globally, recently performing at several high profile fashion, charity and awards shows[1][2] including the Eva Longoria charity Global Gift Foundation Gala on 30 November 2015, Samuel L. Jackson One For the Boys karaoke benefit in collaboration with GQ on 25 September 2014 [3] and The Gang Show at the Groucho Club on 4 October 2014 in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.[4]

Cooper is also an actor and has worked in theatre and film with the likes of Jane Campion, Michael Winterbottom and Samantha Morton.[5] She plays singer Magdalen in the feature film Set the Thames on Fire by Ben Charles Edwards along with Noel Fielding and Sally Phillips and performs one of her own tracks.

She has worked on Nick Grimshaw’s BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show[6][7] and has rerecorded the novelty song Selfie with Scarlett Johansson for BBC Radio.[8]

Personal life and history

Growing up in Manchester with her brother and two sisters, Cooper was fascinated by her father’s eclectic love for music, in particular his collection of early Country, Blues and Jazz such as Jonny Cash, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davies and Elvis Presleyto name a few. In later years, musically, she and her brother Carl became extremely influenced by their fathers taste.

As she explored music, Cooper found herself immersed in a world of Jazz and Blues led by the likes of Bessie Smith, Nina Simone and Billy Holiday, she loved the rawness, theatre and energy that these early musical idols embodied.

Her passion for music developed into a love of acting and her fascination of film and theatre encouraged her to embark on a career in the arts. At the age of seventeen, Cooper co-developed and toured with her own fringe theatre company, this confirmed to her that the stage and screen is where she belonged.

Cooper studied the Stanislavsky System and moved to London, which was her natural progression towards the world of performing that she felt so at home in, but as all young actors soon learn, London was tough and competitive. Going from audition to audition, Cooper found herself homeless and penniless and this is when she discovered the power of her voice and musical abilities. Singing in jazz clubs and bars across London literally for her supper, her raspy tones and rawness were well received in the haunts that she loved to play.

Cooper has a voice which is so unique and incomparable. Her theatrical, sultry delivery and passion opened her up to the world of music and performing music, she began working with respected jazz musicians and penning her own songs. Collette is often compared to Edith Piaf. She is extraordinary to watch, with her dramatic and haunting performances which stay with you for a long time. She is an extremely visual performer.

Her experiences of London, the characters that she has met along the way and her colorful lifestyle are the main inspiration behind her album ‘City Of Sin’ An eclectic piece with dramatic and sometimes ironic, comedic tones, set on a back drop of blues and jazz. This album is hard to fit into a box, it has a unique sound all of its own. 'City Of Sin' is due for release later this year. City Of Sin was recorded live onto tape using the finest console, co-produced by Dan Lipman and mastered by Tim Young at Metropolis Studios. Her debut single ‘Big Fat Liar’ is regularly played on Radio worldwide and she has fans in Huey Morgan (BBC 6 Music), Claudia Winkleman (BBC Radio 2 ) and Nick Grimshaw (BBC Radio 1) She's a regular feature on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 Arts Show playlist.

'' CC your music is amazing, I love it, I listened & immediately loved the sound, what a voice'' Huey Morgan, BBC 6 Music

'' Just lovely'' Claudia Winkleman, BBC Radio 2

" I am Collette's biggest fan. Her music is some of the best music I've heard. I love her voice, so unique as is her music. Love it" Nick Grimshaw, BBC Radio1

Cooper's infectious energy and talent caught the attention of industry heavyweights like Michael Winterbottom, Samantha Morton and Jane Campion resulting in an extensive career in Film, television and theatre.

Cooper continues to perform at high profile charity and music events across the capital, as well as intimate jazz venues. Recently being invited to perform at the Global Gift Gala hosted by Actress and Charity ambassador Eva Longoria.

Cooper, is also a regular guest teacher for drama and singing performance using the Stanislavsky system at the London contemporary arts academy, "Acting etc[9]

When Cooper is not acting, singing or recording, she's an avid netball player & plays for several clubs in London and the England netball squad for charity matches such as Cancer Research UK.

Cooper cycled to Paris from London to raise money for cancer.[10]

Discography

City of Sin (Due out in 2015)[11]

Music Videos

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ "Groucho fundraiser with Sadie Frost raises close to 20k". Hepatitis C Trust. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  2. ↑ Smith, Ryan. "Ab fab! Daisy Lowe flashes her toned stomach as she steps out in a tied plaid shirt and black skinny jeans at London party". Mail Online. Mail Online. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  3. ↑ "One For the Boys Karaoke Benefit". Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  4. ↑ Austin, Joy. "The Gang Show Supports Teenage Cancer Trust". The Joyous Living. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  5. ↑ "AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE". msn.com. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  6. ↑ "Conor Maynard - R U Joking?!". Youtube. BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  7. ↑ "Water Gun Wake Up at G In the Park". Youtube. BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  8. ↑ "#SELFIE Megamix by BBC Radio 1 + BBC 1Xtra". Soundcloud. BBC Radio 1 + BBC 1Xtra. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  9. ↑ "actingetc". actingetc. Retrieved 2016-04-14.
  10. ↑ "Collette Cooper is Fundraising for Breast Cancer Care". JustGiving.
  11. ↑ "Interview: Urban Jazz Singer Collette Cooper". Louder Than War.

External links

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