JP Cooper

John Paul Cooper, known professionally as JP Cooper, is an English singer and songwriter whose distinctively soulful voice has made him a staple in modern British pop music. Blending acoustic warmth with infectious contemporary melodies, he has captivated a global audience while maintaining the grassroots authenticity of an independent artist.

He first gained massive international recognition as the featured vocalist and co-writer on Jonas Blue’s 2016 global smash hit “Perfect Strangers”. However, he quickly proved his staying power as a standalone solo artist with the release of his multi-platinum breakout single “September Song”.

Today, Cooper is celebrated for his deeply emotive songwriting and his unique ability to bridge the gap between intimate acoustic folk, gospel, and stadium ready dance pop. With a catalog that boasts billions of streams, he continues to be one of the most consistent and relatable voices in the UK music scene.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

John Paul Cooper was born on November 1, 1983, and raised in Middleton, a town in Greater Manchester, England. His early childhood was marked by a profound tragedy when his mother passed away when he was just eleven months old. He was subsequently raised by his father, who provided a loving and supportive environment. Growing up in a working class household, music became a vital emotional outlet for Cooper. He was surrounded by his father’s diverse record collection, which exposed him to a wide variety of genres and laid the foundation for his eclectic musical tastes.

How Their Music Career Started

Cooper’s musical journey did not begin with the pop and soul sounds he is famous for today. During his teenage years, he was heavily drawn to the 1990s grunge and alternative rock scenes, teaching himself to play the guitar and fronting various local rock bands. As he matured, his musical interests shifted toward soul and gospel. In a move that would fundamentally shape his vocal delivery, he joined the Manchester Sing Out Gospel Choir.

He began his solo career by performing at open mic nights across Manchester, relying entirely on his acoustic guitar and his powerful voice. He spent years working on the independent circuit, independently recording and releasing a series of EPs and literally selling physical copies out of his backpack after shows.

Career and Breakthrough

After years of relentless independent hustle, Cooper’s grassroots following caught the attention of major industry executives. In 2014, he signed a recording contract with Island Records. Under the label, he released EPs like “Keep the Quiet Out” and “When the Darkness Comes,” slowly building his profile.

His monumental global breakthrough arrived in the summer of 2016 when he collaborated with British producer Jonas Blue on the track “Perfect Strangers”. The tropical house anthem became a massive commercial success, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and dominating radio airplay across Europe. Capitalizing on this massive exposure, Cooper released his solo single “September Song” later that same year. The track was a phenomenal success, charting heavily worldwide and proving that his voice and songwriting could easily carry a major pop record without relying on dance production.

Musical Style and Influences

Cooper is highly regarded for a sound that organically mixes the raw emotion of soul music with the catchy hooks of modern pop. Despite achieving fame on a dance track, his core musical identity remains deeply rooted in acoustic guitar and vocal stacking. His time singing in a gospel choir heavily informs his vocal arrangements, which often feature rich, layered harmonies. He cites a wide range of musical influences, drawing inspiration from legendary soul singers like Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, while still maintaining an appreciation for the lyricism and guitar work of rock bands like Pearl Jam.

Notable Songs and Albums

In September 2017, Cooper released his highly anticipated debut studio album, “Raised Under Grey Skies”. The project was a massive commercial success and featured a string of hit singles, including “Passport Home”, “She’s on My Mind”, and the gospel tinged ballad “Wait”.

In 2022, he released his deeply personal sophomore album, “She”. The album served as a tribute to the important women in his life and showcased a more mature, reflective side of his songwriting. Beyond his standard studio albums, he has also released acoustic projects and a critically acclaimed documentary style live recording titled “Live at the Piece Hall”.

Major Collaborations

Collaboration has played a crucial role in Cooper’s career trajectory. While “Perfect Strangers” remains his most famous joint effort, he has frequently partnered with other prominent artists across various genres. He collaborated with UK garage legend Craig David on the hit track “A Few Questions” and has worked alongside popular acts such as Gabrielle Aplin, Sigala, Stefflon Don, and Norwegian pop star Astrid S.

Personal Life

Despite his global success, Cooper is known for being incredibly grounded and maintaining a relatively private personal life. He is a devoted father and frequently cites his son as his greatest source of motivation and a primary inspiration for his songwriting. For much of his early career, he was instantly recognizable for his long, signature dreadlocks, which he famously decided to cut off as a symbol of personal growth and entering a new chapter of his life and career.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Today, JP Cooper continues to be a prolific force in the music industry. He tours extensively, bringing his intimate acoustic sets and full band performances to sold out venues across the UK, Europe, and beyond. He maintains a strong connection with his fanbase by consistently releasing new music, acoustic sessions, and behind the scenes content. Balancing his major label success with the heart of an independent singer-songwriter, he remains dedicated to crafting honest, soul stirring music for a global audience.