JP Cooper praises The X Factor over singer-songwriter talent as he teases surprising collaborations on upcoming album
JP Cooper has been described as one of the biggest singer-songwriters in UK music over the last few years.
And the September Song star has praised shows such as The X Factor for giving fellow singer-songwriters a huge platform for showing off their talent, after Grace Davies landed in the final of the competition last year.
Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, he explained: ‘I think it’s great but I think these kinds of talent competitions have their own place, and their own benefits.
‘It’s great that these people now have their own opportunity to do this, I do think it’s great that they’re choosing to express themselves and there’s somewhere they can do that.’
JP, real name John Paul, released his first EP back in 2012, but his debut in the UK charts came four years later, following his feature on Jonas Blue track Perfect Strangers.
The Manchester-born singer-songwriter has since gained a number of famous fans, including Ed Sheeran and Stormzy – whom he joined up with on Momma’s prayers.
Fans will be pleased to learn the 34-year-old has been back in the studio head of his second album, which will boast some surprising collaborations, including one with Bugzy Malone.
‘I’ve had an amazing start to the year, and I’ve been getting into the studio and writing,’ he continued.
‘I’ve been touring, and I’ve got some collaborations coming up – and I’m just figuring out the best time to release them. I’m expecting to release a lot more new music this year.’
JP has teamed up with coffee roaster Julius Meinl for World Poetry Day, encouraging coffee-lovers to pay for their drinks with a poem.
Discussing why he decided to get involved in the campaign, he explained the personal connection he has to poetry, adding: ‘I’ve been a fan of poetry, particularly spoken word, for quite a while, and it’s been a big source of inspiration to me.
‘I’ve also spent years working in coffee shops – it’s part of my daily ritual! I just want to encourage people to put pen to paper, even if it’s the shortest little piece, it’s so important! It doesn’t cost anything and is massively empowering!
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‘It gives such a sense of purpose and a sense of self.’
JP Cooper is the global ambassador for Julius Meinl’s Pay With A Poem campaign #PayWithAPoem #PoetryForChange. To find out more about the movement and how you can get involved, visit www.facebook.com/JuliusMeinlOfficial and www.meinlcoffee.com.
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