Dublin rapper Craig Cooney jumps into what’s sure to be an exciting new year for the rising artist with the release of a new single “Realise” produced by Chris Kabs, the melodic rap song features Craig’s signature quick and thoughtful lyrics, as well as a chance for him to show off his impressive singing voice. The song is about a girl who doesn’t see her full potential. She feels insecure and doesn’t realise she is deeply loved, which is something that Craig knows a lot of women face.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I feel I'm a voice for the ordinary everyday person, I write about the highs and the lows of daily life, I don't glamourise anything, I like to stick to my roots and I feel a lot of people lose that. My music can be enjoyed by all ages.
Who inspired you to make music?
I got the push from a video I uploaded and soon met my close friends Ciaran Casey and Cosmin Cantor. My partner was very supportive and told me to go for it. Together we all came together collectively to show with the right people beside you, you can achieve great things.
Your latest track is 'Realise'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
It's a funny story, I showed the track to my partner as i got inspiration for the track as I wanted to write it about her, when I showed her the track in its early phases, she didnt like it lol (i think she was having a bad day) I really took it to heart so I decided I would write it for my 6 year old daughter. We went for the relationship story for the visuals, you can watch it on youtube, But i want people to take what they will from it , make it their own and enjoy it,
What is your creative process like?
It varies from project to project but lately I have been working with producers telling them what I like and they will send me over rough versions, I'll then record demos over them and then it would be time to meet up and work together that's when extra instruments are added, effects etc. I do enjoy it that way but as I mentioned it's not always the case.
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
I think its that I can achieve a lot more than I ever thought I could, I used to really limit myself and doing music has shown me to explore life and break boundaries. It had a massive effect on my personal life , something I'll always be grateful for.
Do you think that education is important?
I do and I don't, I know that doesn't really answer the question but if it's a creative field you want to get into I dont think education is important as sometimes it can hinder your creativity , I didn't go to college or study music in school. I just do what I enjoy and I really feel that's the best way for me, I know incredible artists and people in the industry who have gone to college and just like myself they are very happy with the decision they made.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Just be yourself , don't limit yourself and let other doubt you or get you down , life is for living and its for enjoying too.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I think it's great for undiscovered artists, with the right hashtags you can land on pages alongside your favourite artists, reach is incredible too and some underground artists will come to find that their biggest fan base could be in a different country. At the same time it can become extremely overpopulated, when I started rapping I didn't see too many others from my area or county, but that soon changed and rappers were popping up everywhere, that's when I decided to start singing on tracks to remove myself from what I felt was an overpopulated market, People are quick to judge and a lot of rap in ireland can sound the same, whereas i would rap about emotion, thoughts and love but lot of rappers here tend to just do what sounds good which is fine , but I always say it , if these rappers are playing a role they can't really do a happy song or a sad one as they have moulded this character by me being me i have the freedom to do what I want.
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
The birth of my child, It truly was a life changing experience, such a variety of emotions felt and at the end of it all you get to hold your creation, there's nothing quite like it.
What are your plans for the future?
I'll continue to have fun, that's the most important , i'll be gigging a lot more and will release my debut E.P , I really feel like i'm only getting started and i'm so excited to see where this takes me, the journey is slow but i have to enjoy it , focus on me and my team.