Exclusive Interview with DAN COONEY

Dan Cooney started putting out his own immersive solo records in the beginning of 2019 after playing in several popular alternative rock bands. His debut release, a 9-track mixtape, combined hip-hop and alternative rock influences. He collaborated with producers Focus Jordan and Gianni Gambuzza later in the year on the singles “SAID THAT” and “GARAGE FLOWERS,” the latter of which became well-known after it was played on 94.3 The Shark’s “Fresh Blood Sunday” block. His first EP, “LONG ISLAND DOESN’T LOVE U,” was released in 2021, and a follow-up was made available in 2023. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

DAN COONEY: There is so much we can tap in with in that regard but to keep it moving along, I’m from Long Island and I loved being creative for such a long time. Whether it was music, television, sports, it all fascinated me, especially the art within those mediums. I think there is art in everything and in all of us, which is real cool. As far as music, I grew up in a few different alternative rock bands that never really turned into anything. I eventually started releasing music under my own name and have been having such a fun time with it.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

DAN COONEY: When I was learning how to play guitar when I was younger, I had a guitar instructor named Ivan. I miss him, he not only taught me how to play but he influenced my taste in music, introduced me to Title Fight and Stone Roses. I am forever indebted to many people, and Ivan is one of them.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DAN COONEY?

DAN COONEY: Man it is so hard to pick a few so bear with me for a moment. When I was young, around 7, I got my first iPod shuffle, for better or for worse. I was listening to Lil Wayne and T.I. As I got older I listened to more alternative rock such as Nirvana, Oasis, Title Fight. When I was working on the solo records for the first time, my two main influences were A$AP Rocky and Rat Boy. I looked up to so many of these artists and bands and still do.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

DAN COONEY: I always try to find that balance in writing records that mean something to me but are also vague enough for someone with fresh ears to understand and relate it to their own experiences. I’ve noticed some people say most of my songs are sad, but I’m cool with that, because that’s what some people need to hear so that they understand they aren’t the only one going through things. I take much pride in that.

5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

DAN COONEY: I sure hope so. There are people who tell me at shows “hey this record is really cool” or “the lyrics in this one are so real”, and that means everything to me, because it shows that the songs resonate with others. I get in my head at times about it, but then I remember these interactions and it keeps me going.

6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?

DAN COONEY:

Even before I started releasing my own music, I had a crazy Oasis phase when I was in this one band, and I mimicked everything Liam Gallagher would do, because naturally I had some growing up to do but I also thought he was the coolest frontman of all time. That sort of carried over when I released my first few solo songs, but to a lesser extent. It is cool to study your favorites and see what works best for them, but it is important not to get too caught up in that. Make it your own. Like I said before, everyone is an artist with their own life experiences. I have the most fun blending all those different styles I take inspiration from, because they are all so different.

7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

DAN COONEY: I think it is super important. Look at a group like Public Enemy for example. The subjects in their music should be studied in schools, our living rooms, kitchens. I love the new documentary ‘Fight The Power: How Hip Hop Changed The World’, because there is so much you can learn and walk away from it with, regardless of political party. I tend to keep my songs mainly about my own experiences, but art that touches on those kinds of subjects are important to the world.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

DAN COONEY: Recently it has been so funny, because I’ll start writing a bunch of songs and then take forever to finish them. Or I just don’t finish them. I like being busy though, so I’m going to finish them all soon to keep me occupied. When I first started, I was reluctant to work with other people, just because of the experiences I had in the bands previously, but I’ve let my guard down a bit since. It is healthy to collab with others.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

DAN COONEY: 2023 was such a weird year for me. To keep it simple, I felt like I lost my smile a bit and needed to make some adjustments. I got it together toward the end of the year, and it has been a great 2024 so far. I’ve got so much in store so it’s about keeping pace and surrounding myself with the people that make life worth it.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

DAN COONEY: All of the people I’ve met through it, the ideas I’ve had in my head that I saw through and people understood, the shows, it’s all been amazing. While it is important to have goals, the journey is still so cool man. I try to take it all in and enjoy life as it comes.