The University of South Carolina is known as the place where Hootie and the Blowfish first got their start. Ever since then, Columbia has become a melting pot of all kinds of music. However, the love for country music continues to prevail, leading a USC alumnus to become the next big thing taking Nashville by storm.
I got the opportunity to interview Pat Cooper, who graduated in 2012 and was a brother of Sigma Chi fraternity. Check out what USC means to Pat, what we get to look forward to regarding his music, and even his celebrity crush.
The Odyssey: How long have you been performing music?
Pat Cooper: I have been performing music since I was in college. Karaoke was the only thing I had ever done before I moved to Nashville.
TO: Who are artists that are an inspiration for your sound?
PC: A combination of Keith Whitley, George Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Eric Church and Jason Aldean.
TO: I read that you started playing guitar. Do you feel like you've grown a lot as an artist since you started playing an instrument?
PC: Absolutely. Never played before I moved to Nashville and still have a ways to go but I am much improved currently.
TO: Was moving to Nashville a difficult transition for you?
PC: Not really, it was different because I was used to knowing everyone and their mother in Georgia and the Carolinas, but it was kinda fun. It was like being a freshman in college again going through rush. A fresh start was kinda cool.
TO: What do you miss most about The University of South Carolina?
PC: There are a ton of things I miss about USC and college in general. I had a great four years at USC in the Sigma Chi fraternity and supporting our athletics, which were at an all-time high while I was a student. I met some of my best friends who have supported me since day one and those very people have given me the inspiration and courage to move to Nashville and go after music.
TO: If you could perform with one artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why
PC: George Strait or Eric Church, my two biggest influences.
TO: Who would you consider your biggest fan?
PC: (laughing) My little brother or my mama.
TO: What are you working on releasing next?
PC: I just released my latest single 'Down to This' on iTunes a month ago, on March 10th. But I plan on releasing more tunes in the fall! Really excited about them.
TO: Where did the inspiration for "Reckless" come from?
PC: Truth be told, I've always just been risk-taking, do before you think, dare devil in all aspects of my life, and the song idea 'Reckless from the Start' was originally inspired by that aspect of my life. Always being reckless with everything, wrecking cars, wrecking anything I touched. So it went from that to being reckless with gal's hearts and it just took off from there. Me and James McNair had a lot fun writing that song! It means a lot to me.
TO: What did you take from your experience as a member of Sigma Chi that helped you in your professional career?
PC: Way too much to even list! The values of Sigma Chi and the tools to become a better man are in the bylaws, and what the brothers instill in new members is something I recommend to any young man going through Greek life in college. From how to treat ladies to how to be successful in life. I matured a great, great deal from freshman to senior year and Sigma Chi has a lot to do with it!
TO: What is your dream venue to play at?
PC: I'd have to say Red Rocks in Colorado. The coolest venue out there in my opinion.
TO: Where is the place you like to go most often to write your music?
PC: I enjoy writing outdoors when the weather is nice, but I don't really have a favorite place. Just a great group of my friends to write with is more important to me than the place. I enjoy writing anywhere.
TO: Who is your celebrity crush?
PC: Jennifer Aniston has always had my heart, but recently I'd say I'm definitely crushing on Charlotte McKinney the most.
TO: Have you ever spoken to Darius Rucker?
PC: I've spoken to Darius quite a few times but it has always been about Gamecock football or other similar topics, but never about music. I've sat in the same box with him a handful of times but I tend to never bring up my music in conversation unless I am asked about it. I just never want to be 'that guy' who talks about himself. It's just how I was raised.
TO: Do you plan to write any songs specifically about your time at Carolina?
PC: Absolutely, and all of my songs are from experiences from South Carolina and Georgia. I just haven't written specifically about it. I will though, there is no doubt!
To learn more about Pat Cooper check out his website and check out his song “Reckless" here.
