Oregon-based Americana and soul singer/songwriter Grace Cooper captivates audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and raw, emotive sound. Growing up in a musical family, Cooper’s journey began early, and she has continued to evolve as an artist. Now 24 and based in Bend, she released her debut EP, “Three Years Wiser,” at 18. In this Q&A, Cooper opens up about her creative process, her journey as a songwriter and her favorite outdoor spot in Bend. Answers have been edited for concision and clarity.
Source Weekly: What inspired your singer/songwriter journey?
Grace Cooper: I grew up in a musical family. Both my parents have performed professionally- they were in a band in Portland. My dad is a drummer, guitarist and a singer and my mom is primarily a vocalist. Music was always in our home and I started singing as young as two. My family’s support and interest in music were really influential. I started writing my own songs at 13 and learned guitar and piano around the same time. Once I became comfortable with those instruments, I had a way to express myself through songs.
When I was 15, we moved to Bend and I auditioned for a program called, “Make a Band.” The band I joined stayed together beyond the program, which really launched my professional career. We played all over Oregon for three years and during that time, I developed confidence in my songwriting. At 18, I released my EP, “Three Years Wiser,” featuring songs I wrote between ages 17 and 18.
SW: When you’re writing new songs, do you start with a melody, lyrics or an emotion?
GC: I usually start by creating a chord progression on the piano or guitar. Once I find something that resonates, I add a vocal melody and lyrics come last. The inspiration for the words often comes from something I’m going through. When I’m wanting to process an emotion through music, I’m inspired to sit down and create.
SW: Your EP reflects on adolescence. What inspired you to focus on that time?
GC: At 17 and 18, I was dealing with unexpected grief. My EP reflects on what I was going through as a young woman at that time. It wasn’t an intentional choice to highlight that period, but it’s what I had lived and wanted to share.
SW: How has Bend’s music scene influenced you?
GC: I love finding other local solo artists and seeing how they evoke emotion with just their instrument. Meeting talented musicians in this area has given confidence to be myself and helped ease my imposter syndrome when performing solo. The local scene has inspired me to stay true to my music.
SW: Do you have a favorite spot in Bend you like to go to unwind or get inspired when you’re not working on music?
GC: I love being outside, especially at the Cascade lakes. Paddle boarding on Hosmer or Sparks Lake, hiking, skiing or mountain biking — all of those activities bring me closer to nature and make me feel alive. There’s no power like nature to inspire. We live in a beautiful place and I’m lucky to have access to the outdoors and amazing local musicians.
This article appears in Source Weekly October 17, 2024.
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