Combining the skills of Billie Eilish and Massive Attack, but with her own breed of sexual intensity, we have Gin Cooley. A solo artist from Tennessee, Cooley is totally unique. Not only is she a fresh breath in the pop music scene, but she’s a former runway model, is working on her Doctorate in Applied Psychology, and shoots a bow and arrow. I had a chance to speak with Gin about her single ‘Unattainable’ and other stuff!
Why did you decide to enter the music industry?
Music is something I have always done. When I was a little girl I sang in church, school choirs and ensembles. I took voice lessons as a child and have written songs all my life. I don’t think music is a career choice as much as it’s just a part of who I am. A person can do more than one thing. They can change the course of their journey at any point in their life or throw in a plot change as they are the expert writer of their life story. With that said, I was presented with an opportunity to record music, so I took it. I didn’t seek the opportunity out, but it sort of found me.
Can you tell us about your single ‘Unattainable’?
I wrote ‘Unattainable’ one day when reflecting on the younger version of myself. Committing to a relationship was not on my radar. I was a free-spirited gal and a heartbreaker, I suppose. I had a man ask me to marry him but I said no. I couldn’t bring myself to do it; there was so much life I wanted to live and so much I needed to see and experience. My love was unattainable.
What was the recording and writing process like?
I recorded it with my friend Jazz at Bethel University’s recording studio. At first, I had an entirely different melody in mind. We recorded it, but when I was finished I just wasn’t feeling it. Jazz actually found the beat I ended up using. I listened to it and recorded it soft of “off the cuff”, which is pretty common for me. I sat on the song for a while before I sent it over to my buddy Yoji in LA. Yoji was into it and mixed and mastered it which became the final result.
Does ‘Unattainable’ have any significant meaning for you?
It’s reflective of the younger version of myself.
What do you hope people take from the single?
I can only hope someone out there finds it relatable and enjoys it. Rejection can be quite difficult to overcome, but I hope we learn to not take rejection so personal. Sometimes it’s the other person. Sometimes people aren’t ready to settle for whatever reason. We have to respect that and keep it moving.
What is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
I don’t think either is more challenging. I generally write lyrics first and then decide the melody. Sometimes that can be tricky, but it works for me.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
My kids keep me motivated. I get down like everyone else, but they save me every day, give meaning to my life and inspire me to be my best self.
How would you describe your sound?
I think it’s experimental, dreamy and dark. Sometimes sultry. Mysterious, soft and unpolished.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
Sharing with people. I learn about most artists from other people.
What does the rest of 2020 hold for Gin Cooley?
I am so excited about 2020. It’s been a strange year so far, but what a time to be alive! I am getting my Doctorate in Applied Psychology, so that is what I’ll be doing the rest of the year. As far as music, just sharing my passion and winging it.
Do you have a message for our readers?
The way to live a meaningful life is to decide what you truly value and align your goals with those values. You all deserve to live a life that is meaningful to you. I wish you the best.
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