Ben Cooper: The Best Storyteller You've Never Heard Of

Written by Ted Pahl

One of the things I love most about music is that when you are in the presence of something (or someone) that is truly amazing, you know it right away. You may stop what you’re doing to just bask in its greatness, or stop a train of thought to just to feel that much closer to nirvana if only for a few short minutes. If you’re anything like me, you may delve deep into that artist’s other works to see if they’ve simply stolen the magic for one fleeting moment, or if they’ve learned to harness it in a way of which so many others can only dream.

Hailing from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Indie musician Ben Cooper is one such man that has not only captured this magic, but with the help of his friends Alex Kane and Rick Colado, his gift may only be matched by the prolificness with which he writes. Best known for his work with the band Electric President and his own project band, Radical Face, Cooper has had his hands in nine (nine!) released LP’s between the two projects since 2003, plus a litany of additional EP’s and “Bastards” (songs that were intended for their accompanying LP, but lacked either the space or desired tone, but still very worth listening to), culminating in the release of yet another project, a six act serial science fiction rock opera entitled Clone. Despite the 2014 release of the second installment of Radical Face's The Family Tree family saga trilogy and Clone, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. On the docket for 2015 will be the final album of the Radical Face trilogy, as well as long awaited Electric President LP which would bring his total to 11 albums in 12 years.

What sets Cooper apart from other prolific musicians is the fact that his albums are complete. From the first second to the last, a mood is set, a theme is struck, and a story is told. These stories will take the listener to faraway places and times; to peaks and valleys of the broad spectrum of human emotion, often with a bittersweet twist that leaves one feeling both contented yet wistful. A fan favorite is a song from the Radical Face album The Family Tree: The Roots – “Always Gold”, which tells the tale of two 19th century brothers, one quite sedentary and stable, the other a rascal and a vagabond in which the latter always eventually shows back up on the former’s porch looking for a safe haven, only to depart again as suddenly as he appeared. Yet, despite this rascal’s ways, his brother is forever and always at hand to clean up the messes left in his wake. As a man with siblings I would do anything for, this song is easily one of the most relatable in his extensive catalogue. 

Ultimately, the true beauty of Ben Cooper’s work lies with this story telling gift, which permeates all of his efforts. Whether it’s the adventures of Subject 006 in Clone and his epic journey of exploration, exploitation, escape and a final uplifting visit to the ocean, or Electric President’s Sleep Well, a disturbing yet beautiful glimpse into Ben’s “Nightmare Journal”, each album is worth taking your time to thoughtfully consider and digest.  Each track takes its own turn in the spotlight, unrelenting in emotion and mystery; a tale itching to be told. Cooper’s lyrical and musical mastery is truly one absolutely worth absorbing time and again. I for one know I will await his future efforts with well-deserved joy and enthusiasm.

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