Interview: Michael Cooper (Death Of An Era)

We’re always on the lookout for new bands at TNF. Especially when they’re straight awesome – like Death Of An Era. I remembering seeing a music video from their EP The Great Commonwealth which my friend Billy Lewandowski directed, and immediately knew this band was going places.

They’ve also got a new album, Black Bagged, which is out now – and I had the chance to ask drummer Michael Cooper a few questions. Check them out after the jump!

Please introduce yourself and what you do in Death of an Era.

Hello all! My name is Michael Cooper, I play drums in Death of an Era. Thanks for taking the time to hear us out.

You’ve got a new album out, “Black Bagged”. What’s the response been like to it so far?

The response to the new record has been honestly far better than we had anticipated. I continue to see love and positivity for it! To this day I’ve only come across one negative comment, which blows my mind.

How do you feel about the nu-metal revival going on right now? Do you think it’s here to stay?

Nu Metal? Well I feel it’s been evolving for quite some time. I have noticed however that a few new bands have been ripping the Linkin Park style.. It’ll probably pass like most do after time. Kids change and some artists change with them.

What are some death metal records you feel are highly influential?

(Not necessarily death metal, but…) Some heavy records that we’ve been feeling are Betraying the Martyrs’ “Breathe in Life” and Molotov Solution’s “Insurrection.”

Who are your biggest influences?

To those two bands we owe a lot of influence and credit. Them and Bring Me the Horizon have been very inspiring to myself personally.

Best show you’ve ever attended?

Our best show may have to be a hometown show that we played with Beartooth in Columbus earlier this year. The local crowd showed us more love than ever before that night.

First album you ever bought with your own money?

The first record I can remember buying was Eminem – “The Marshall Mathers LP” on cassette. Classic album, and such a huge part of why I became an artist.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Lately I’ve been loving the newest Issues record. That, and I’m constantly jamming the Funk Volume roster (fans of Hip-Hop, check it out).

Do you have any interesting summer plans?

Summer plans? I’m currently searching for a friend with a swimming pool. Columbus people, hit me up. Other than that, Death of an Era is just perfecting our live show until we get back on tour supporting the new record.

Favorite thing about touring? Least favorite?

My favorite thing about touring would have to be seeing the fans that know and love our records. Traveling the country and seeing everything that I never got to see is always a plus. Worst thing? Definitely the fact that I’m deathly sick every single tour. I have the worst case of traveler’s sickness…

Advice for any fans out there trying to start a band, or trying to “make it” in the industry?

My best advice for you youngsters starting a band and trying to “make it” is that when you “make it” it is nothing like what you thought it was. It’s a constant growing process. You aren’t going to see results as fast as you thought. Keep at it and don’t be a fake for the sake of making fans.

Any final words for us, or things you’d like to tell your fans?

I would like to thank you guys for having us and thank the readers for checking out what I have to say! Grab a copy of Black Bagged if you can. Support the music that supports you! Thanks all!

Be sure to check out the song “The Global Movement” right here!