Sam Cooper plays guitar and sings, and also plays banjo, violin, keys, bass, and kinda whatever.
On the album "Spiritual Billionaire," Derek Bondy plays trombone, Nathan Crockett plays violin, Jesse Dettwiler plays cello, Dan Pisarcik plays drums, Joel Meredith plays pedal steel, Justin Ringle plays trumpet, Andy Rosenberg plays saxophone, and Scott Wilkensen plays viola. And Sam plays stuff too.
Influences
The Beatles, Radiohead, Wilco, David Bowie, Joanna Newsom, Beck, Beethoven, The Shins, many more.
Sounds Like
A girl once told me I sounded like Devendra Banhart but with better lyrics. Then she told me she was on acid.
Hi! I'm Sam. I've lived in Portland for a couple years now. Lately, I've had the honor of playing in one of my favorite bands, Horse Feathers. We're recording a brand new album that will be released in March 2010, and that's super exciting! I'm also working on making a new album of my own songs. I play a lot of instruments, but I think this new solo album will just be guitar and vocals, which is how I usually perform.
I was born and bred in Boulder, Colorado. I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 14, so I guess that means I've been working on music for a dozen years. I was lucky enough to go to a high school with tons of opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills, and that gave me a real decent foundation for what I'm doing now. I played in several bands in Colorado, both as a "front-man" and as a lead guitarist. When I moved to Portland, I decided to start learning new instruments. Now I play banjo, fiddle, mandolin, accordion, piano, bass, drums, and probably some other stuff too. Actually, I recently bought a charango. It's fly.
Anyway, besides Horse Feathers and my solo songs, I've played and/or recorded with a bunch of Portland bands, including but possibly not limited to Jared Mees and the Grown Children, Tchotchkes, Autopilot is for Lovers, Leonard Mynx, Galveston, Invisible Rockets, and the Ivonrose Family Jamboree (my truest homeys).
In 2008, I recorded an album called 'Spiritual Billionaire' with Dan Pisarcik at his studio 'The Alice House.' I recommend that anybody looking to make some recordings in Portland get in contact with him. He's got chops. Later that year, while on tour with Jared Mees, I recorded a rap album in the van called 'Rapsody Encogido.' I sold out of this album (albeit I only made five copies). I'm still sifting through offers from major hip hop labels to release it on a larger scale. In 2007, I recorded an album called 'Murray Manor,' in the apartment building of the same name, located on Belmont. Around that time I got pseudo-evicted. I'll tell you the story sometime. If you're interested in getting any of these albums, come to one of my shows, or write me a message!
I'm usually pretty good about posting all the shows I play here on myspace, so please check the schedule often! I'll be touring pretty extensively with Horse Feathers for the next year or two, so where ever you are around the country, and around the world, I hope to see you soon!
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How I made my profile: I used Dave & Jay's amazing myspace editor.
well, shit! i had no idea you were in town tonight. i'll try seeing you in denver tomorrow. you gotta let people know when you're near. (hope all's well)
YOU guys were amazing! My roommates and I literally haven't stopped listening to your CDs. We love your music with a good fire and some wine. :) Stay in touch. I'd love to open a show for you again in the future.
Sam Cooper plays guitar and sings, and also plays banjo, violin, keys, bass, and kinda whatever. 
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