Local musician Devin Cooper is ready to rock Innisfail once more.
The free concert on Dec. 21 will start at 1 p.m. at Tom Lindl Guitar & Entertainment for a second time this year.
In July of 2013, Cooper released his first album, Basement Blues, with good support from Central Alberta radio station Rock 106.7, the Drive and local media.
The 16-year-old Innisfail Jr./Sr. High student started playing guitar at the age of seven. Participating in Tom Lindl Guitar & Entertainment's three music camps, he honed his skills, including self taught drumming, to the point that for Basement Blues, he played all of the instruments, as well as writing and singing for the six-track EP.
His producer completed the mixing, mastering and editing. After making some adjustments, the final edit was ready by the end of that month. The artwork, layout and design for the cover was created before everything was shipped out to Vancouver for production. He received 500 copies of the finished product earlier this year in June, of which 200 are still available.
Cooper describes his music as “bluesy-rock” that's influenced by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and AC/DC's Angus Young. Posters of Aerosmith and Joe Satriani hang on the wall in a jam space in the basement of his home in Innisfail.
“It's got some classic rock aspects as well as some traditional blues stuff,” Cooper said of his style of music.
Appearing on the Drive's Alberta Indie Spotlight gave him the chance to expose his music to the Red Deer and area listening public, something Cooper saw as important.
People will also get the chance to listen to Cooper's music on Dec 21 when he'll play an acoustic set in downtown Innisfail at Tom Lindl Guitar & Entertainment.
“I am looking forward to playing songs off the EP, and possibly a new one if I can get it finished in time,” Cooper said. “If not, then it will happen the next show that I do.”
Turnout for his performances has been good so far, Cooper added.
“My family and friends have all been supportive,” Cooper said. “I enjoy playing shows, but since school (Grade 12) started, I have focused on academics. Once I get a good handle on my school work, then I will book some more shows.”
When asked about a second album, he replied that plans were in place to have a full-length album of nine to 12 songs done by next summer for release.
Cooper is selling his EP for a minimum donation of $10. His music is also available for purchase through iTunes, at Tom Lindl Guitar & Entertainment, and 53rd Street Music in Red Deer. Fans can connect with Cooper on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DevinCooperMusic.
