The "Better Days" EP is about reaching for the light at the end of the tunnel. It's optimism seasoned with hard truths, regret and disappointments. Wisdom doesn't come without some pain and scars and the songs of "Better Days" reflect…
Read more“Singer/songwriter Chris McCooey garners high praise for his EP Better Days. A mix of Americana and some pop rock gems, Better Days features McCooey’s immersive vocals and thought-provoking lyrics.” - Garth Thomas
“Is it possible to know an artist really truly in just six songs? I think that’s entirely the case in the new EP Better Days from California Bay Area’s Chris McCooey. Parlaying the roots-Americana sound that can be found in the 70s rockers like The Eagles and even James Taylor, McCooey’s enviable brand of songwriting is a call back to those stylings, but he promptly makes it his own.” - Anne Hollister
“McCooey has a voice that holds integrity and still, there’s something a little mischievous happening behind the curtains. He’s not just a run-of-the-mill singer. In the opening song, “Better Days” he molds the listener to his laid back style, with just a hint of caffeinated rhythms.” - Chadwick Easton
Nov 10 2021
Latest single, "We Found Love', drop Friday, November 12
"We Found Love" drops this Friday, November 12. "We Found Love" is an upbeat rocker with hints of 80's nostalgia that celebrates community, friendship and being found. The tune looks back at a time when we were in the perfect place, with the right people who knew us and loved us just as we were. In addition to Chris McCooey on vocals and acoustic guitar, the song features Max Butler on electric guitars, bass and synth, Thomas DeBourbon on drums and Anne-Marie Pleau on Hammond.
To pre-save the song or link to it on Friday, click: https://hypeddit.com/chrismccooey/wefoundlove
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Jul 23 2021
Come be in my video for "When This is Over" this Sunday, July 25 in Walnut Creek, CA
Join my Sunday, July 25 at 3pm in Walnut Creek, CA to be in my new music video for "When This is Over". I'm out doing my street, pop music gig and we're going to "spontaneously" capture our experience…
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Jul 23 2021
"When This is Over" is out now!
Check it out on your favorite service: https://chrismccooey.hearnow.com/when-this-is-over
Come listen. Sign up to the email list or connect with me on social media and let me know what you think!
“When this is Over”
Words by Chris McCooey
Music by…
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May 13 2021
"Living Out Loud" Radio Edit single is dropping Friday, 5/14! Lyric video on Youtube!
Pre-save the single here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chrismccooey/living-out-loud-radio-edit
Sing along with the lyric video on Youtube when it premieres tomorrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS912PWoApc
May 3 2021
Pre-save my new single "Living Out Loud (Radio Edit)"
Pre-save my new single "Living Out Loud (Radio Edit)" on Spotify: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chrismccooey/living-out-loud-radio-edit (powered by @distrokid)
Apr 6 2021
Pop Up Performances in April and May
Chris will be grabbing a street corner in Walnut Creek for a few pop up performances in April and May. Come out to
Cypress Mini Plaza
1389 N Main St Walnut Creek CA 94596
on
- Friday, 4/16/21: 6:30-9pm
- Saturday, 4/24/21…
Mar 26 2021
Lovers and Cynics is my next single
San Francisco Bay Area-based Singer/Songwriter Chris McCooey is a product of the Bay Area: Born and raised, he has haunted SF, Oakland and Berkeley and they have left their mark on Chris’ writing, playing and his voice as an artist. Raised on grooves, heart, twang, soul, gospel and rock and roll, McCooey’s unique brand of musical storytelling contains collages, vignettes that recollect and muse about what he has seen, how he has felt and who he has known in these parts of this big world.
Drawing upon his roots, McCooey’s music mixes elements of anthemic heartland rock, country ballads and rhythm and blues-influenced pop. On the lyrical side of things, he deftly explores universal themes and narratives of hope, love, loss, long suffering, aspiration and self-determination. To fully capture his singular vision and unique take on the California sound – something less surf boards and Beach Boys and more of a modern and rootsy style giving nod to 70s-era Golden State singer-songwriters (ala Jackson Browne and Eagles) – McCooey’s original songs are brought to life with a 5-piece band of music industry veterans.
While forming the full band, McCooey reached out to Oakland based multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, music director and local pal Max Butler (Chuck Prophet). Building out McCooey’s adept, seemingly-effortless songwriting prowess, heartfelt guitar work and innately-superb rock vocal croon (exhibiting a near-perfect balance of radio-friendly smoothness and gritty emotional intensity), Butler weaves in his live rock performance immediacy; His years of experience playing live to various audiences around the world act as guide. Joining Chris and Max to round out the sonic landscape as a core band member, SF Bay Area musician, drummer/multi-instrumentalist Thomas deBourbon (Small Crush) brings a youthful energy and edge.
“I am fortunate to have breath in my lungs and all the blessings I can count and am painfully aware of so many who are less fortunate, McCooey reflects upon his main purpose(s) in life, and in his music. “I hope my time this side of eternity counts for something and I can leave something behind that matters or means something to someone. This music is one channel on that radio. So welcome aboard.”
Look Up. Live Loud. Love Louder!