Video Premiere & Web-Exclusive Interview

Musician: DANA COOPER

Lyric Video Premiere: “BEND MY KNEE”

DANA COOPER PREMIERES POWERFUL, TIMELY LYRIC VIDEO “BEND MY KNEE”

Dana Cooper premieres his new powerful, timely lyric video “Bend My Knee,” which captures the essence of why Cooper continues to write, unapologetically, from the heart.

Cooper is the recipient of multiple artistic acknowledgments, including the Nashville Music Award Nomination Best Pop Album. After over 50 years of performing and recording, he has released 32 studio albums.

What is one main thing you learned about yourself after writing “Bend My Knee”—this powerful and timely song that so many of us need right now?
It was time to vent my frustration and write a song that resonated with so many other people going through the same anxieties.

You’ve always written from the heart—whether it’s about your beliefs, injustice, politics, love—you don’t hold back. But we are now in unique and scary times. Were you tempted to hold back this time? Were you afraid to say some things?
I hesitated for a while, reluctant to upset some of my listeners. For a long time I have tried to gain fans and not alienate people. The outrageousness of our current leadership brought me to a point where I couldn’t hold back any longer.

There are so many who feel helpless during this unique political time—where people are trying to suppress voices. What can we do to keep the faith—and realize our voice still matters?
There is a powerful movement bent on suppressing free speech, the press, outspoken artists. While we still have some free speech remaining, it is imperative we exercise it. Bruce Springsteen really kicked open the door for other songwriters to step up to the plate.

Other than spread the heck out of this song so that everyone hears this important, timely song—what would you like the listener to leave with—after hearing this song?
I hope people feel empowered to voice their resistance to policies that go against the very fiber of what the USA was founded on. Sometimes all we need is to know we are not helpless—that there are others who feel the same way we do.

We hope this is part of a collection of songs—because we need more songs like this. We need songwriters like you to be our collective voice. Are there more timely songs like this that you’ve written or are in the process of writing?
I am in the midst of writing a collection of songs for another album project. As usual, I’m covering a wide range of topics. But yes, there are a few songs in the works that address the issues we face going forward.

What song from your vast catalog is similar to this song? Or maybe is a companion piece or a must listen to song—that will help us better understand you and how you have always championed speaking your mind.
“Sit This One Out” is a song about the power of boycotting. “Orphan Army” is a song paralleling my father’s wartime experience with those of a young Iraq war veteran. “World of Hurt” is another song addressing the effects of war on our veterans. “My America” is my view on our history and my love for what we ideally stand for.

You’ve written with other songwriters who weren’t afraid to speak their mind. Is there a song by someone else that you like listening to—that continues to inspire you?
There are so many: Don Henry “Beautiful Fool,” Bob Dylan “With God on Our Side,” Gerry O’Beirne “The Holy Ground,” Buffy Saint-Marie “My Country ’tis of Thy People You’re Dying,” and Eric Bogle “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.”

You were friends with Tom Prasada-Rao—a musician we lost way too soon on Juneteenth, 2024. Tell us about a song you wrote together (and recently recorded)—“Song for Myself” on The Ghost of Tucumcari. Do you still play that song live? Why is that song still so special to you?
Tom was simply one of the kindest men I’ve known—also one of the most musical beings. For decades, whenever we met—we would say let’s write a song together. Finally, toward the end of his life, we shared a concert together, and that night as I listened to Tom sing and play—a melody came to me. I showed it to Tom, and in the next few days we finished “Song for Myself.” I play the song almost every night! Each time, I do I feel Tom’s presence.

What advice would you like to offer other songwriters who want to stand up and speak their mind right now?
Don’t be afraid, even if you are. We live in volatile times, and our vocation is threatened into extinction. You may lose some fans but you will probably gain even more.

What’s next for you? How can new fans stay updated?
Right now, I’m gratefully on a writing streak. Along with “Bend My Knee,” I’ve begun recording some songs for a new album. Not sure when it will be finished, but I plan on releasing some singles over the upcoming months. I’m on Facebook and Instagram but the best way for folks to keep ups with what I’m doing is on my website https://www.danacoopermusic.com

https://www.danacoopermusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Dana-Cooper-Music/100071047601833/
https://www.indieairradio.com/artists/a-f/dana-cooper/
https://www.instagram.com/danacoopermusic/
https://www.patreon.com/join/danacooper