An interview with Citizen Cope

What can you say about Citizen Cope? His music is soulful and unique. It is full of passion and heart, making his audience feel seemingly at one with the sounds coming out of their speakers. I recently had the chance to go to one of his shows and my experience was one that will never be forgotten. Stepping foot on stage with the lights low, the quiet crowd comes to life. Loud and passionate, the fans chant “cope, cope, cope.” When he begins to play it as if the audience goes into there own special place of peace and happiness, feeling as if all is right in the world and there is no place else they would rather be. I spoke with a young girl in the crowd before the set began. I asked simply “why do you like Citizen Cope so much?” she replied “his music gets me through those tough times in life. Those times when you feel down or unhappy, you listen to his music and suddenly you are ok again. I literally love him ” After the set was finished I would have to say that she was absolutely right.

Phone interview with Cope a.k.a. Clarence Greenwood
Q: “Where did the name Citizen Cope come from?”
A: “It was a nickname that I had when I was younger and it just stuck.”

Q: “Who were your biggest musical influences?”
A: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Randy Newman, The Beatles. The production of the music was great and the emotion and heart was there.”

Q: “How did the D.C. culture influence your style of music?”
A: “chuck brown was a big influence on my music, just his spirit and as a good person and live performer. Chuck early on helped me out a lot. I guess I got a lot of things from D.C. like gogo music and stuff like that.”

Q: “What is your favorite/most meaningful song to perform live?”
A: “I don’t really have a favorite, they just kind of come in and out of favor.”

Q: “What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?”
A: “I guess it would be getting your music heard. I mean the easy part is getting into the studio and making it, but the biggest challenge is getting it heard.”

Q: “What message would you like your music to send to your fans?”
A: “Just positive vibes, you know hope, inspiration, and hopefully joy.”