A landmark photography project
Photography by Emily Biggin and Katie O'Neill
Raised Under Grey Skies
JP Cooper is a singer - songwriter from Manchester who is signed to Island Records. In 2016, JP featured on Jonas Blues’ number one hit, ‘Perfect Strangers’, which was followed by his solo hit single ‘September Song’. In 2018, he released his debut album, ‘Raised Under Grey Skies’, which took a top 10 spot in the album charts, it featured a collaboration with award winning grime artist, Stormzy. JP opened for Stevie Wonder at Hyde Park in 2019, which he states is a career highlight.
JPs recording career began in 2012 with the release of two extended plays ‘EP1’ and ‘EP2’ and the release of ‘EP3’ the following year. Three more extended plays: ‘Keep the Quiet Out’, ‘When the Darkness Comes’ and ‘Too Close’ were released between 2014 and 2020.
His acclaimed debut album, ‘Raised Under Grey Skies’ was released in October 2017, propelled to silver status in the UK and a million sales worldwide, by the success of colossal hit ‘September Song’. JP's impressive list of musical collaborations include: Mali-Kia Hood, Don Diablo, Astrid S, Bugzy Malone, Stefflon Don, Craig David and Emily Burns
JPs highly anticipated second album 'She' was released in 2022.
Born John Paul Cooper in Middleton, Manchester in 1983, JP attended Cardinal Langley RC High School who’s alumni include comedian Steve Coogan, footballer Paul Scholes, musician and DJ Clint Boon, Liam Fray of The Courteeners and fashion designer John Richmond.
The Reason Why
Covers EP
Too Close
THE SHOOT: Deansgate - Castlefield Basin
JP's choice of location for the photography provided a backdrop of both the old and modern Manchester
Student reflection: Emily Biggin
The shoot with JP cooper was an amazing experience for me, not only was he friendly and easy going, he was great to work with and a natural in front of the camera. JP was really cooperative when being posed and directed.
The one thing I was most worried about on the shoot was the weather. Before we arrived at the first location it had been pouring down with rain, however the skies soon cleared allowing us to capture some strong shots against some iconic Mancunian backdrops. As we moved into Castlefield Basin the clouds gathered once more, so we took advantage of our portable LED light to illuminate some of the darker locations - these produced some of my favourite images.
I was nervous at the start of the shoot, but as we chatted and we got to know JP, I relaxed and began to enjoy the experience - and of course the bonus of adding some great images to my photography portfolio.
