Dan Cooney - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Dan Cooney. We discussed writing and recording upcoming EP ‘Long Island Doesn’t Love U Part 2’, how his style has progressed since his latest EP, songwriting, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Always an honor speaking to you
Your new EP ‘Long Island Doesn’t Love U 2’ is coming this Spring. What can you tell us about it so far?
I am really excited for it to finally be on its way out. It has been a minute and so much in my life has changed since LIDLU 1, for better or for worse. Two of the six songs, Pretend and Tuesday, are out now. Going to be doing a run of CDs and some paintings will be for sale at the release show in May TBA.
How does it differ from your first EP?
What I find really cool about 2 is how I believe I was able to progress with my style and overall interests, which will be heard throughout the project, yet still being able to keep the specific theme of the first EP. It reminds me a bit of A$AP Rocky, one of my favorite artists. He of course has his trilogy where it keeps a similar aesthetic along the way but that last album he is ‘At Long Last’ A$AP. I think the cover art for 2, which was done by my brothers Focus Jordan and Hallowed House Media, shows that I am at long last rising above critics, above people who I thought were my friends who really were just looking for quick pops. It’s bigger than the noise, and the artwork displays that with the way I am sitting in front of the lettering and the newspapers along the edge.
Can you tell us more about your writing process and the meaning behind the songs?
Some songs I had written in late 2021, others as recent as last month. There were a few track lists I had already curated that I believed were set in stone, but changed as time went on. That is one of the best parts about this EP, it has been ever-changing. The writing process has been different, with contributions from more friends and producers. I value community, and wanted to further that with the creative process.
What’s your favorite part of writing songs? What can be the most challenging aspect of writing?
I love turning feelings I have or experiences I go through, whether good or bad, into a song. It’s the same way with my painting.
I can be in a horrible mood and instead of just letting it overtake me I can pick up a canvas and paint it out or go to HQ and express myself. I wish I could give myself more credit in that regard, because it isn’t always something I think about. It is a beautiful thing.
Can you tell us more about the recording process? What came easiest in the process and what took more time?
This time around, like I mentioned before, community was important. I immersed myself in several different studios, such as Rockwood, The Durst House, and my new home studio LIDLU HQ. Having three different safe havens definitely gave me so many new ideas and I think even some risks were taken on 2. This helped combat any writers block or lack of motivation I may have been feeling.
Who is featured on the EP?
I wanted to get King Khona and Jake Perry on here for sure. I have gotten to know them so well since the release of LIDLU 1, and they have become two of my best friends. There’s a ton of new producers I worked with on 2 as well. Santino Nox, Fonzie from POSTERCHILD is on there, Gianni Gambuzza one of the OGs, Nick Cherrey, Dully, and more contributions.
What else is coming up for you in 2023?
Every week leading up to the release of LONG ISLAND DOESN’T LOVE U 2, I am streaming on Twitch, whether it be painting, playing music from the EP, or talking about the process, there is a lot that I want to share that often slips my mind, so I want people to definitely tune in and hear more of the lore.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
LONG ISLAND DOESN’T LOVE U PART 2 is coming very soon! Thank you all for the continued support and allowing me to grow in my life.
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