Sure we’ve heard about you before, but we think it’s time for Tone Deaf to get to know you a little better. Slip in to something comfortable while we put on some music, pour us a couple of drinks and turn the lights down low. So, tell us about yourselves…Who are you – who who? We really wanna know….
Who are you and what do you do in your act?
Hi. Michael Cooper, I sing and play the guitar in Melbourne three-piece band Celadore.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
OK, I’m just flicking through my records now. There are some Beatles records I’ve stolen from Mum, most of Dad’s Queen LPs. Crowded House. A pretty wild 6-side compilation called “The Great British Rock Invasion”. I think it’s an unspoken agreement that you eventually inherit your parents’ record collection. I’m just speeding up the process.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
The other day we drove from Yamba to Melbourne in one hit and played “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton 9 times. Safe to say I don’t need to listen to that for at least another 3 days. Apart from that, lots of Dylan. Freewheelin’ and Bringing It All Back Home. Great to put on while you’re driving and just zone out.
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‘Home taping is killing the music business was the catch-cry of the record industry in the 1970s, but it managed to survive until now. What do you think is the difference between mates taping copies of friend’s records back in the 80s and 90s and file sharing now?
The difference is the ease in which you can obtain music for free these days. As opposed to going through the effort of taping from vinyl or CD, which obviously takes the length of the album, you can now download hundreds to thousands of songs, anything you want, in that same 45 minutes (I think).
Regardless of that, I think there will always be enough genuine music lovers to keep the industry alive and hopefully artists can maintain the mindset that it’s better for someone to have your music for free, than to not have it at all.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What was the first gig you went to.?Where was it and what was the venue?
The earliest I can remember is going to see John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John and Anthony Warlow at Rod Laver Arena. An amazing triple threat.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
I’ve never actually learnt how to download music illegally, so I would have to say BandCamp. It’s unreal because you can choose what format you want to download the songs in, and most of the time can order a physical copy as well. Yes, you can find our music here…
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
When I was 7 years old I used to put on the Hanson album Middle Of Nowhere and play drums to it from start to finish. So them, and Crowded House. The first and only guitar lesson my Dad ever gave me was teaching me how to play “Better Be Home Soon.”
Have you ever been arrested?
Only by your eyes. But no. When we were in high school I did get a fine for sticking my head out of Tom (bass player)’s car sunroof after a gig.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I always wear black socks. For the extra special nights I wear a pair that have wombats on them.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
Once in Brisbane I was really hungry so I asked if I could use the venue’s kitchen to make some Mi Goreng. They said yes. It was a pretty outrageous time.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I’ve always loved the sound of a guy and a girl singing harmony where the guy sings the higher part. So maybe Katy Steele. Or Laura Imbruglia. I saw her supporting Sebadoh a couple of weeks ago and she was amazing.
Right, let’s get really intimate. Tell us what releases you have that we can listen to with the lights down low, or even better, where we can see you play in person next.
Our new EP The Bright And Blue is out now through Popboomerang Records. We will be playing in person at Revolver this Saturday the 26th of November.
That’s right peeps! And us Tone Deafers are giving away free tix! Woo!
