An Introduction to Cooper Turnbull at Bar Lubitsch

An Introduction to Cooper Turnbull at Bar Lubitsch

On a warm Thursday evening in Hollywood, the velvet glow of Bar Lubitsch set the stage for a moment that felt both intimate and electric. Nestled just off Santa Monica Boulevard, this vintage-inspired venue—equal parts speakeasy charm and indie haven—hosted a showcase by We Found New Music, curated by Grant Owens. And front and center was Cooper Turnbull, whose soulful acoustic set would the room into quiet reverence.

But before the lights dimmed and the first chord rang out, we caught up with Cooper outside the venue—leaning against the brick façade, guitar case at his feet, and a thoughtful grin that hinted at stories waiting to be told. In this exclusive Highwire Daze interview, Cooper opens up about his journey that led him to this very sidewalk in front of Bar Lubitsch. From Jack Johnson-esque warmth to John Mayer-level introspection, Turnbull’s artistry is a blend of heart, grit, and undeniable talent.

This conversation captures the pulse of a rising voice in indie music—one that’s carving out space with authenticity and soul.

We’re doing five minutes with Cooper Turnbull. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there?
Hello, I’m Cooper Turnbull. I’m going to be based out of the Westwood area. I’m also based in Sydney. The music scene is lively at the moment.  It’s great, especially in LA, especially in this area. There are so many talented artists that are going unrecognized, and gigs like this are great because you get to find a bunch of new artists. I’ve made so many friends from the We Found New Music events and gigs, so it’s great. Thank you, Grant!

Your upcoming EP, do you have a name for it yet?
Currently we’re running with The Stars Shine Politely, but I guess we’ll see. Things change. I’m very indecisive and I change my mind all the time.

Select two songs you’re going to perform tonight and what inspired the lyrics.
The first one Persephone’s Pride is one of the songs I’m performing tonight and it was inspired by the Greek tale of Persephone and Demeter and the whole Greek mythology and folklore behind that.  And I’m kind of using it as a metaphor for regret. I like explaining but also, I like leaving songs up for interpretation, but this one’s a bit more cut and dry.

Okay. Another one. One that’s not mythology based. Away I’m playing tonight, which I wrote when I was 17 years old. It was during COVID, and my girlfriend had just broken up with me. And then I went to lockdown with no friends for two years. So, it was quite hard, but I got some music out of it. And it’s the only one I have out right now as well. It’s on Spotify and can buy it online.

What can one expect from your live shows?
They can expect a bit of banter. They can expect a lot of sadness. Maybe not the happiest songs. But I have like one kind of happy song. And that’s about it. So, if you feel like crying or learning about Greek mythology, it’s a great place to go.

If you could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
I’m just going to Hozier right now. He’s huge. I’ve loved him since Take Me To Church in 2014. I think he’s incredibly underrated. I think he just had a huge increase in attention with Too Sweet because it hit number one.  He’s just a huge inspiration. I love everything about Hozier.

What were your first impressions of Los Angeles when you arrived here?
GI lived here for eight years when I was younger. When I was three years old to eleven years old. And I had a bit of of a rose-colored glasses.  So coming back, it was a bit of a shock. I lived more towards the valley. So now that I’m in the middle of LA, it’s different. I love it. I think it’s so artsy and amazing.  There’s a lot going on right now as well.  I think LA is kind of a bastion of creativity. There’s no other place like California and LA specifically.

Have you ever pet or ran over a kangaroo?
I have not run over a kangaroo. I wouldn’t try to pet one unless they’re at a zoo.  They’re running around wild because they can take you out so easily. Especially red kangaroos are pretty crazy. But they’re everywhere. I love kangaroos.

What’s up for you next?
Next, I’m going to keep writing music, I’m going to keep performing music locally, and I’m going to release my EP October 11th this year.

Cooper Turnbull returns to Bar Lubitsch for We Found New Music on September 11th!

(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Denise Johnson)

Cooper Turnbull on Instagram