I first met David Cooler while playing in the Edisto River Band, he took over for Elizabeth Hutto on keyboards after she retired from playing live. I remember being aware that he had a big set of shoes to fill and I also remember he did very well filling them with his own style of playing. Like myself David is a self-taught musician where as Elizabeth was classically trained but the flavor to the sauce was the fact that he played his own style and bringing that to the table he affected the resulting sound of the band which was a good thing. I left the band shortly after David joined but one of the most important things I remember is a key element he possesses to this day and that is his ability to relate to people. It’s one of the most important and necessary things any artist or musician should learn and sadly it’s the one thing most never give any thought to. The fact is people love David and David loves people, you can’t buy it, you can’t bottle it, you can’t fake it, you either have it or you don’t and he has it. David will never pass an opportunity to take a picture with someone, to talk to them one on one like they are the only person in the room, to sign a picture or CD caddy, to share a laugh, a thought, even a beer! In my opinion this makes him more successful than most who spend their musical career looking at the paying audience from safely behind a wall of glass and never on the outside with them. As a musician David has taught himself to play several instruments, to write and compose original music, to sing and command an audience, and he has become highly proficient recording and multi-tracking in his home studio. A small town upbringing has not diminished his vision of bigger and greater things but rather he has taken the reins on his career by promoting himself very effectively by knowing and understanding his market and never quitting nor giving up – you have to respect that.
Bio (from the press kit):
David Cooler, three time nominee and two time winner of the 2008-2009 Carolina Music Awards (North and South Carolina) Country Male Vocalist of The Year. David is a native of Bamberg, South Carolina and has been playing music since he was 13 years of age when his parents gave him his first guitar. His greatest inspiration in achieving his success was his mother which he proudly gives the credit. David's love for music and his love of the music of Skynyrd, Uncle Cracker, Hank Williams, Jr., etc., influenced his southern rock/country style. His original songs reflect life as he sees and experiences it through his family and friends. His grassroots upbringing has kept him down to earth and his fans know and experience that country charm he has with everyone he meets. His first CD "Back to the Country" was released in 2004, the second, "Never Say Goodbye" in 2005, and in 2008 "Country to the Bone". His 4th release December 2010 entitled "Livin' My Redneck Ways" and his latest release in 2013 entitled "Dog Huntin Man's Greatest Hits" has already began making a big impact on his fans and are now available in local stores, iTunes and online. David has been afforded many wonderful opportunities throughout his music career. He has traveled with bands all over the southeast then becoming his own songwriter/artist in 2001.
He currently travels the southeast, including, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, performing in many different types of venues. He has opened for Rodney Atkins and Colt Ford. He has also performed at the Suwanee River Music Jam in Live Oak, Florida, the best Jam ever at the biggest country jam in the South on April 21-24, 2010! Performing artists were Mountain Heart, 2010 Best New Artist of the Year Grammy winner Zac Brown Band, John Fogerty, Travis Tritt, Kansas, John Michael Montgomery, Colt Ford, Justin Moore, LoCash Cowboys, Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Thompson and David Cooler. David is certainly fulfilling his lifetime dream as a country music artist/songwriter.
UPDATE 2015:
David has signed a publishing deal with Tabitha Music Ltd./ Tabitha Records of the UK. We wish him great success in all that he does.
