Shane Cooper is a celebrated South African bassist, composer, and producer whose innovative fusion of jazz and electronic music has made him a leading figure in the contemporary jazz scene. Renowned for his versatile collaborations and critically acclaimed debut album *Oscillations*, Cooper continues to shape the musical landscape with his unique sound and artistic vision.
Shane Cooper, born in 1985 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is a prominent bassist, composer, and producer celebrated as a dynamic force among the new wave of South African jazz artists. His early musical inspirations came from witnessing performances by South African music stalwarts like Steve Newman and Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners of Strange, which ignited his passion for music and set him on the path to becoming a professional musician.
To further his musical journey, Cooper moved to Cape Town and enrolled in the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Cape Town's vibrant jazz and electronic music scene offered him a fertile environment for collaboration and growth, playing a crucial role in his artistic development.
Exploring the intersection of jazz and electronic music, Cooper performs under the name Card On Spokes. This project allows him to craft intricate electronic beats while integrating jazz influences. Card On Spokes has seen him perform alongside international acts like Little Dragon and Daedelus and gain recognition through appearances on BBC Radio and Boiler Room.
Cooper's career is marked by a strong collaborative ethos. His participation in projects such as Babu and the Kyle Shepherd Trio exhibits his adaptability and devotion to collective musical endeavors. He is also linked with prominent South African jazz entities like Mabuta, Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O, and Zim Ngqawana.
Characterized by a fusion of traditional jazz elements with modern electronic experimentation, Cooper's music is at once innovative and rooted in South African musical traditions. His compositions showcase a rich respect for jazz's heritage while embracing contemporary influences and utilizing cutting-edge technology.
Shane Cooper currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. He continues to compose, perform, and produce music, playing an active role in shaping the country's jazz and electronic music landscape.
