David Cooler: A Poet for the Common Man "I don't look backwards - I look forward," words of the famous country music legend, Loretta Lynn. These words also emulate in the life and mind of another aspiring artist/musician, David Cooler, whose upcoming CD release has created a local buzz. This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to spend some time talking with the very multi-talented yet modest musician, David Cooler, along with his wife Michelle and their five year old son, Austin at their home right outside of Bamberg, SC. I became very interested in this guy's plight, so to speak, after hearing him play at last month's Southern Steel 2005 event and after learning of his upcoming new CD release with ASA Productions. Quite simply stated, this guy is good! And I can guarantee you that I am not alone in my opinion. At that event I heard more than once, "man who is that guy?" David shared with me how his musical inclination got its start beginning with his first guitar given to him by his parents when he was only thirteen years old. Soon after, he joined his high school band playing the snare drum, bass drums and tri-toms. Right out of high school at the age of seventeen, David became the pianist for his very first band and he has since played gigs all over, learning as he went along. "I just jumped in head first" said David when asked about his first gigs. And jump he did. This self-taught musician released his first CD, Back to the Country, last year. This CD sold out within the first few weeks of release. After listening to it, I can see why. Like I said, the guy is good and just in case you are wondering what makes David Cooler any different than any other local aspiring musician, well I would like to share with you a little about this guy, what sets him apart, and why he is as good as he is. Likened to that of a poet for the common man, David Cooler writes the story lines of our lives and plays them with passion and purpose. He started writing these songs originally just for special occasions such as Christmas and for birthday gifts for his family and he ended up having enough songs to put together a CD, thus, Back to the Country was made. Songs like The Good Times and When My Eyes Saw Your Eyes tell the stories of the good ol' days and of life as it happens, his life and ultimately our lives, as well. He has the ability to eloquently convey what is important and he does it with a song. Not only does he write this stuff down on paper, he gets up and plays it and sings it too. Now that's talent! He is somewhat of a modest guy, but he has the charisma and charm to go along with all that talent and those characteristics formulate what I call a recipe for greatness in this particular industry. David's music spans several genres and his "stories" churn out a soulful southern rock music mix which has a country, R&B and bluesy style. I asked David about his particular style and he proclaimed that he refuses to be artistically compromised by having to adopt a particular style, therefore he does not. "My music is a form of self-expression and communication, not style." "It flows from within." Now I don't know about you all but that is style enough for me in and of itself. When asked who was his biggest influence or inspiration, I thought he would respond with some late great legend just because a lot of musicians do, but he only boasted of his family, particularly his mother. After talking with this guy, it didn't surprise me much when he gave his answer. This is because David, who is not unlike many other country boys who are themselves because of where they came from, is a self proclaimed "mama's boy." Yep that's right, he admitted it and with no reservation! Now don't go pointing any fingers, whoever met a good ol' country boy that didn't love his mama! David "done no wrong" in the eyes of his mama and it is she who has inspired him most and it is for her that he wrote There You Are on his first CD and Never Say Goodbye titling his newest CD. I would've liked to have met this lady because it appears that she raised a fine son. Sadly she and David's father have passed on but it is her memory that continues to inspire and influence his writings. With the talent this guy has, I was curious about any record deals that may be in the works and David shared with me the details of a record deal that he scored with his first CD last summer with Midland Production out of Nashville. Unfortunately, it did not work out for him. The long and short of it for this story is that David was discovered by Mike "Sonny" Day and offered a record deal with Bobby G. Rice, owner of Midland Production. Unfortunately, however, no agreement could be reached within the terms of that particular contract. Hey, no skin off of his back! Instead of giving up, he continued on and has since signed on with ASA Productions and has recorded yet another CD, Never Say Goodbye, scheduled to be released in early October. This CD is in dedication to his late parents, Alvin N. and Marion H. Cooler and has eight new tracks of his latest creations. This new CD will also include four tracks that have been re-mastered from his first CD. With the help of ASA Productions, David will be able to broaden his venues and CD distribution and that is the reason for including these tracks from the first CD onto the new one. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to hear his first CD, you will get the chance to enjoy a few of the favorites among fans upon this newest release. I'm excited about the debut of this CD to say the least as no one has had the privilege of hearing it yet. I, like everyone else, have to wait anxiously until it comes out and I can tell you that I will be in line to get mine! (For sale locations and booking information check the magazine). I'm telling you, you just have to hear this guy play! Just before I proceeded to wrap this interview up David requested that I express his gratitude to all of his loyal fans and to all of the businesses for which he has entertained in the past year or so for giving him the opportunity to do what he loves best and to be able to take care of his family while doing it. From David Cooler to all of you, "Thank you." Like I told you, David's a well bred country boy and hospitality and kindness matter. David's goal was to make a living playing music and insofar he has accomplished that goal thanks to all of his supporters and his gift of musical talent. Taking the process one step at a time is his philosophy and there is in no real hurry for fame or glory, just the desire to write, play, and sing his music to all of the fans who wish to enjoy and experience it. David Cooler entertains local southern rock and country music fans about three times per week in Orangeburg and the surrounding areas (check the magazine for his schedule) and has a loyal fan base with a large following. I can tell you that he has scored one more fan with me! If you are thinking about going out for some local live and extraordinary entertainment check out David's schedule and look him up, you won't be disappointed! Tell him I sent ya.... Until next time... Written by: Jacqueline M. Hancock, Staff Writer for The Southern Gentleman Magazine