Martin Cooper (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Cooper
|
|
|---|---|
Cooper performing with OMD in 2018
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 1 October 1958 Liverpool, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Associated acts | Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, The Listening Pool, Dalek I Love You, Dave Hughes, Godot |
Martin Cooper, born on October 1, 1958, is a talented English artist known for both his music and his paintings. He is a key member of the famous band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, often called OMD. In the band, Martin plays keyboards and sometimes the saxophone. He first joined OMD in 1980 and has been a part of their musical journey for many years.
Contents
Discovering Martin Cooper
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Martin Cooper grew up in Liverpool, England. From a young age, he showed an interest in art. He studied art at the Laird School of Art in Birkenhead. Later, in 1980, he earned a top degree in Fine Arts from the Sheffield College of Art. This early training helped shape his artistic skills.
A Career in Music
Martin Cooper's musical journey began in the late 1970s. He became well-known for his work with OMD.
Joining Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
From 1980 to 1989, Martin was a member of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. This group was famous for its "new wave" and "synth-pop" sound. New wave music often uses electronic instruments and has catchy melodies. Before officially joining OMD, Martin sometimes played the saxophone at their live shows. He also contributed pre-recorded saxophone parts to their songs. Martin also played with another band called Dalek I Love You. In 1981, he briefly left OMD to work on a project called Godot with Dave Hughes.
Songwriting Success and Film Scores
Martin Cooper wasn't just a performer; he also helped write some of OMD's songs. One of his biggest successes was the song "Souvenir." He co-wrote this popular song with Paul Humphreys. "Souvenir" was a huge hit, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. Besides his work with OMD, Martin and Dave Hughes also created music for movies. They composed film scores for films like C.H.U.D. and Knights and Armour.
New Musical Adventures
After OMD took a break in 1989, Martin explored new musical paths. He formed a band called The Listening Pool. He teamed up with former OMD members Paul Humphreys and Malcolm Holmes. They even started their own record label, called Telegraph Records. A record label helps artists produce and sell their music. The Listening Pool released one album, Still Life. Interestingly, one of Martin's own paintings was used for the album cover! The band continued until 1996.
In 2007, Martin Cooper rejoined OMD. He has been recording new music and touring with the band ever since.
Martin Cooper as a Painter
When Martin wasn't making music, he spent a lot of time painting. He is a skilled painter. Many of his artworks are "still life" pictures. A still life painting shows objects that don't move, like fruit, flowers, or everyday items arranged in a specific way. His passion for painting is a big part of his artistic life.
Family Life
Martin Cooper is married to Alexandra Bibby. Alexandra is a talented classical pianist. They have two sons named Gabriel (Gabe) and Arthur.
