It's been a rather unusual time for Bathurst-based musician James Van Cooper during the pandemic, with the 24-year-old having spent a significant chunk of his adult life performing and touring.
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But the alternative country/rock musician is set to return to the stage at The Victoria Bathurst later this month for his first solo gig in nearly 18 months.
Van Cooper said audiences can expect an "anxious, excitable first show back."
"I'm in the finishing touches of recording a new EP, so I'll be performing some new songs off that, and it'll be the first in a succession of new releases over the next 18 months," he said.
"Over the course of the pandemic, I've gone to make three different albums, and each time I got close, some dramatic escalation of restrictions would force us out of the studio, so it's a great feeling to nearly have this EP done."
Van Cooper said he spent the first year of the pandemic in a bit of rut over the pause on live music and touring, which later transformed into a burning desire to return to gigs with a bang.
"Prior to the pandemic, I'd been touring 46 to 48 weeks a year since I was 15 years old so when I stopped, it was hard to find purpose for a while there; I envy those who were able to pivot into online, monetised gigs," he said.
"With that said, I've been so thankful to have been in Bathurst throughout this period, as there's been more freedom to move, and even score the odd gig or two in a supporting role."
Van Cooper has recently joined the live band of fellow local musician Andy Nelson, and has taught guitar to a number of local students.
While the stage is well and truly where Van Cooper feels the most at home, he said the downtime has helped him construct a healthy duality between life on and off stage.
"Off stage, I have people to look after, a house to keep running, bills to pay and ensure there's petrol in my nan's hybrid," he said.
"But on stage, I have one job: to ensure a room full of people has a good time, and it's the same for every performer."
Van Cooper said now's the time to approach the live music industry with plenty of optimism again, with the worst of the pandemic now seemingly past.
"It's time to go and have fun again, we have to believe in this 'new normal' way of life to move on," he said.
"I seriously cannot wait to go on tour again, there's too many favourite cafes of mine around the world that are long overdue a visit."
Van Cooper's gig will take place in Little Alberts on Saturday, November 20. Tickets cost $32.74 and are available via Eventbrite. For more on Van Cooper, visit www.jamesvancoopermusic.com.
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