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steve cooper

@xstevexcooperx

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punchlines & gut punches💲✖️©️

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I’d say “never change” NoLa, but we know damn well you won’t!!! So refreshing to see an American city staving off refinement culture and optimization obsession, avoiding the bland new construction craze and other soulless, sim cool trend chasing. After this trip, I think I’m putting the Big Easy in my top 3 U.S. walking cities after NY and SF. The boudin boy is back, baby!!! taken in New Orleans, Louisiana by @xstevexcooperx

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8 days ago

With this week’s trip to Nashville, I achieved my goal of visiting Music City quartlery for writes during a 12-month period (it only took 10 months in the end). I’m thrilled to report that, as a result, exactly one person I saw at the bar thought I lived there now.

My affection for and connection to this scene grows with each visit. The scope of the work I’m able to do continues to surprise and the community of people willing to give the kid a shot continues to grow. It’s beginning to feel like these trips should be two or three weeks long instead of one!

We really did it all this week — alt country, pop country, indie psych, kpop — and I’m excited for the prospect of people hearing some of these ideas. My only gripe is that it was an absolute sausage festival top to bottom. Next time Imma need my womens in the mix!!!

Speaking of food, I somehow managed to eat potatoes on only 2 of the 6 days I was there. Anyone who’s been to Nashville knows what a feat this is.

Americanafest was pretty great, too. I got to connect and reconnect with so many friendly, curious industry folks; meet new artists, writers, and producers; and catch a bunch of acts I’d previously only seen online. @rymanwooten really did me in, and the unreleased tune @thecastellows did with @delaneyramsdellmusic at @imfromtexastoo was probably the best song I heard all week. Down here, that’s really sayin’ somethin’.

Back soon, yall! by @xstevexcooperx

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a month ago

I think this is the most I’ve summered in 20 summers. Some extra daddy duty days. A couple more beach trips (the derm said ten years since my last skin cancer means reduced risk—seems sus but we’ll pretend). A few fewer days singing into the void that pitch can be. In the past, I refused to relent, using “outworking people” as an emotional backstop against things simply taking time. The result? Work progressed, by all measures, more quickly and comfortably than ever, and I was able to be more present in my personal life. I got a tiny taste of “balance” this summer, and it tasted pretty good. I wouldn’t eat it every day, but a little treat now and then won’t kill me. by @xstevexcooperx

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2 months ago

yeahhhh buddy!!! 🤘🏼 this cover pic bout sums up the week in Nash. I can’t believe I almost pushed this trip back for fear of CMA Fest making sessions unpredictable. Not only were the sessions spot on (the perfect balance of artist and pitch, country and non-country) but the fest was one of the most productive and fulfilling weeks of industry connection I have experienced in my career. I honestly feel like everyone in the music business should do a summer abroad (in Nashville lol) to see firsthand how folks down there operate — the openness and warmth; the willingness and curiosity — it’s as commendable as it is inspiring.

CMA fest in general is just different. It’s essentially free to the public with hardly any gatekept, wristbanded, or ticketed situations. Unlike any other music ‘conference’ or festival I’ve attended.

My favorite acts of the week were: @anistonpatemusic (wittiest lyricist); @scoot_teasley (effortless tone); @thebandtrippp (rawest shit on broadway); @_kevinpowers (very ready for his closeup); @braxton.keith (duh); @heatherrussellofficial (thaaaaat voiiiiiiiice).

Shouts to everyone who made the time, made the music, and made the intros. They say Americana Fest is no different, so I guess I’ll be seein’ yall in September… by @xstevexcooperx

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4 months ago

I guess there really is a first time for everything by @xstevexcooperx

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5 months ago

big, if true. by @xstevexcooperx

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5 months ago

First time in Paris was special. The public spaces are immaculate, the RBF is intergalactic, and the pant cuts are NOT to be trifled with.

The 11th is the coolest neighborhood I’ve spent time in since pre-waterfront Williamsburg. America snuffed out the snobs and it shows.

Food culture is so international now that you don’t ‘need to go’ to the place of origin to enjoy many of the world’s most famous dishes (especially the European ones), but the way you can walk into a random place — old or new — and get incredible, global fare at a fair price is noticeably different in Paris. There is a pride in it, unlike here where most restaurants are just fronts for overpriced delivery and IG clout. $7 cocktails on the Seine in 70-degree weather with no wait? We would have fumbled that to a private equity “restaurant group,” accepted paying 3x and been served by a trainee who hasn’t made eye contact since Ethel Cain had 10,000 followers. Highest bar for cuisine I’ve experienced in any city, bar none.

People quite obviously can’t stand kids here but ours had a blast. The second-hand smoke makes LA’s AQI look like aromatherapy.

Fastest subway on earth and farrrrrrrrrr fewer people alone on their phones. Our damage is deep but reversible. We just have to stop optimizing literally everything. More has never been more clearly less.

No wi-fi on either flight was diabolique. Watched “Blue Moon,” which I’m surprised more songwriters aren’t talking about. A must for wordsmiths.

Oh, and pain suisse > croissant for sure. “If you’re reading this, I love you.” ❤️🤍💙 by @xstevexcooperx

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6 months ago

you can’t make this stuff up by @xstevexcooperx

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7 months ago

it’s a walk-off! by @xstevexcooperx

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7 months ago

First time I had a Nashville writing trip fully booked before arrival, and it did not disappoint!! Great writes, late nights, restaurants, and rounds.

This week I was floored by two things: how tight-knit this writing community feels, but how open folks are to new people despite how small it is. Becoming involved in the scene here is genuinely encouraged and, while there are crews and cliques, of course, the lack of a gatekeeping vibe is pretty striking. The dialogue and energy are very much geared towards everyone winning together.

Shoutout to the old pals keepin’ a kid around, and the new buds takin’ a chance on a sound!!! by @xstevexcooperx

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8 months ago

ok ok ok got my first lil LA cutski 🍾 new @pirapus “After the End” written with @cheltherollinstone and the guys by @xstevexcooperx

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8 months ago

best january I’ve had in months by @xstevexcooperx

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9 months ago