A Quick Chat with Hein Cooper

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for My Own?
This record has been a completely new way of life for me. Post-COVID it felt like I was starting again after losing my momentum through lack of touring, and my third album not connecting like the first two. I was also left without a record deal or management for the first time in 10 years, so I didn’t have the usual things I thought I needed. This was completely new territory. I was forced to take on the role of producing the album myself and releasing it under my own label, as well as being the artist writing, recording, and sharing the story. It was all me, and although it was challenging, it was so satisfying having that new level of connection with my art from start to finish. So I called the album My Own, and I really do feel connected to it in a deeper way. The songs have really embodied that self-empowerment and learning.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
I love Radiohead, Bon Iver, Ziggy Alberts and more recently The Blaze, all for different reasons. Radiohead because of the way Thom Yorke expresses his feelings towards deep world issues and personal contradictions—I also feel really drawn to express those things. Bon Iver and Thom Yorke for their abstract way of approaching songwriting and production to surprise the listener. Ziggy for his independent approach and heart to create a really special live experience, and The Blaze for their unique approach to electronic and house music. I’m really drawn to electronic music right now and although this record is far more folk, I’m working on this tour through Australia in May/June/July to present it in a way that blends folk with electronic and will be experimenting with this blend with new music in 2025.

What’s the creative process like for you?
Walking around all day thinking about it. Honestly, it’s an obsession. I’ll go to the shops and just zone in my mind on how I can make what I’m thinking about. I’ll go for runs and think about it. It’s endless plotting and scheming. My notes are constantly full of new ideas that will either be lyrics or ideas on how to produce/record. Then I’ll spend most nights in the studio with my mics and instruments laying it all down. Then I find time to finalise the productions, make the content to promote it, and keep it flowing as much as possible.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry, what would it be?
I’d lower the cost of living so people had the time and space again to take part in live music. I think it’s such a shame that we’re facing such challenges with disposable income because live music is such a special thing and it’s the first on the chopping block as people try to save money.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
Destructive, empty and confused. Music is therapy for me and I’m so grateful for it.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
The most valuable tools you have are already yours. Have the courage and discipline to be able to do as much of the creation on your own and sharpen that knife because it’s far more valuable than any amount of money from a record label. Independence is sustainability and the slow burn of building something authentic and beautiful will always last longer than the fast flicker of a trending band that sold out and now has to outsource and constantly battle those debts.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with or met?
Probably Ziggy Alberts. He’s one of the most calculated, efficient and talented artists I’ve met and truly cares about expressing himself in an authentic way and spreading a positive message through his music to help the environment and society to be a healthy, free and beautiful place. I really respect him for that.

Any upcoming shows?
I’m touring through all of Australia on my biggest tour around the country to date on a co-headline tour with my friend Gaudion, and I’m very excited to be sharing this album live for the first time!

Tour Dates
Fri 16 May – Solbar, Maroochydore QLD
Sat 17 May – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay NSW
Thu 22 May – Qirkz, Abermain NSW
Fri 23 May – The Loft on Broadway, Sydney NSW
Sat 24 May – Heritage Hotel, Bulli NSW
Sun 25 May – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW
Thu 29 May – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC
Fri 30 May – Bells Beach Brewing, Torquay VIC
Sat 31 May – Alt Road Wines, Winchelsea South VIC
Sun 01 Jun – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool VIC
Fri 06 Jun – Milton Theatre, Milton NSW
Sat 07 Jun – Dissent Café and Bar, Canberra ACT
Thu 12 Jun – Lefty's Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
Fri 04 Jul – Settler's Tavern, Margaret River WA
Sat 05 Jul – Suburban Vibes, Fremantle WA

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