According to Coalition for the Homeless, in April of this year there were a total of over 60 thousand people who were homeless in New York City. Just over 19 thousand were single adults. But that only counts for the people who live in homeless shelters.
There is very minimal to no information on the percentage of people who were homeless and then proceeded to live a more productive life. But if you ask me what that percentage would look like, I would tell you probably pretty small.
Fortunately, Cooper Phillip is one of those extremely lucky people to rise from the burden of homelessness in a city where the homeless population is the worst in the country.
She came into the situation with endless possibilities. She knew she could accomplish whatever she set out to do, because her mother who was a successful musician saw a lot of talent in her daughter.
“I believe we underestimate ourselves often and our fear takes over. My goal is to show people that they are stronger and can do much more than they think they can”, Cooper says.
Phillip’s story is nothing short from inspirational. And the fact that she is using her story to inspire her listeners makes her one of the up-coming role model figures of today.
Cooper was born in a small town in Russia, raised mainly by her grandmother and Aunt. Her mother was rarely ever around as she was touring the world as a master violin player. With the absence of her mother, Phillip found comfort in music and more specifically Ella Fitzgerald’s music. She taught herself every Fitzgerald song in detail.
As a kid Cooper grew up in an opera house, watching a lot of classic ballets, operas, and classical music. “Growing up in musical theater inspired me to continue learning music,” she says. Not too long after, she enrolled in the well-known Moscow State Classical Academy, where she worked tirelessly on her voice and other musical skills.
When her mother realized her daughter’s pure talent she quit her own career that was flourishing and took her daughter on tour with her across Russia.
At age 17, Cooper moved to New York City with very little money. However, she was determined to pursue a successful career in international music just like her mother. She hustled and worked, performed at weddings and clubs, and slept in the storerooms of restaurants she sang in. She was relentless and set on her goal.
When offered to perform at an important performance in Los Angeles, she didn’t hesitate to take it and never looked back.
With music underlying themes of strength, grace, and empowerment, Cooper has already attracted 10 million followers online with her previous singles. “They love music that makes them feel a certain way,” she says.
“(Living on my own in New York) was a rough experience, but it was so vivid and full of life, so I think it’s one of the best periods of my life. I think it inspired me so much because I saw how many opportunities I can explore. Also, I found a true character in myself because I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone I just found my true self.”
~Cooper Phillip (6/23/2020)
Cooper’s music is a mix of catchy and inspirational pop, there’s a lot to like about her. Thank You Heartbreak really stuck out to me when I was listening to her music, the two parts of what her music usually is were present in this song. The song’s verses were about her story, her chorus was catchy, and the song ends in an empowering way.
Phillip doesn’t really hold anything back in her songs, and seems to be the kind of writer that gets genuinely bothered by holding back something. Her most recent single, Not Perfect, is another example of expressing her true emotions. The song talks about the importance of self-love and confidence.
She hopes this single and her story help people find their own confidence.
“As soon as the lockdown is over I’m going on a world tour.”
~Cooper P.
Cooper tells me that she wants her musical direction to stay honest. “I want my music to speak the truth about me and how I feel about the world,” she says.
She didn’t speak of any more music to be release at any point soon, so I am not expecting much on that end. But nevertheless as always keep your eyes glued to our socials, which you can follow below.
I would like to thank Alex High for connecting me with Cooper Phillip for this week’s article, I am very honored to review such a confident woman and musician.
You can follow Cooper Phillip on Instagram, and Twitter. You can stream her music on Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube.
You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can listen to our playlists on Spotify, and SoundCloud.
Have a fantastic week, and please remember to respect the ones around you and stay home if you don’t feel well. The pandemic feels like it’s settling down, but it isn’t so please stay safe!
In Middle School I played the trombone for my school’s Jazz band, and although I sucked at it I still had fun. As a student, I was always a hard worker and my efforts to play the trombone were no different. I practiced a lot, and sometimes even stayed after school to practice with my teacher. Like I said, I sucked at playing the trombone. And although I was never as good as 
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