A Sydney-based singer-songwriter, Jo Cooper is also an anti-bullying advocate whose legal stoush with her body corporate (about the right of strata owners to have pets in their homes) fuelled her newest single 'Gasoline'.
A saga that dragged out over the course of seven years, Cooper's battle led to a host of verbal, emotional and physical bullying.'Gasoline' is fuel to become an inspirational, articulate, and strong person that refuses to succumb to those more powerful.
As a result of her experiences, Jo has launched The Good Warrior initiative which aims to combat adult bullying and help individuals not only heal from their experiences but find the strength and courage in their voice.
"The events of the past nearly seven years have taught me to never underestimate how so few will stand up for what is right and just how incredibly hurtful people can be to others," Jo explains.
Who is Jo Cooper... A singer-songwriter, passionate, lots of energy, who hates injustice, fanatical about facts and truth, detests liars and bullies and loves a good debate. Don't lie to me, I always pick it and make you trip over your lies.
I sound like... Empowerment with a fighting spirit. I'm not 100 per cent sure who I sound like to be honest.
My first gig was... A friend's birthday party in Sydney.
In the studio I usually... Laugh a lot, re-write lyrics, and love belting out the long ad-libs. I'm very expressive, so my biggest struggle is keeping close to the microphone. I also feel like I nail the vocals when I'm on the way home in the car, very frustrating.
If I could tour with anyone... Sia and Beyonce.
Social media is... A love-hate relationship.
My favourite app at the moment is... TikTok. I'm amused with some of the strange content and what people lose their minds over; some crazy stuff.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was... The time I saw my now mother-in-law struggling to peg my g-string up on a hills hoist on my very first visit to meet her in the country.
Later, I heard her talking to my now father-in-law saying she wasn't sure how girls wear those things; I died a little. We laugh about it now.
Life on the road can be... It's been a while; I'd say a mix of fun and exhaustion.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Pineapple and cucumber juice.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in was... A violent relationship with my first boyfriend.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... I'm more comfortable being my own spokesperson.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Portugal. I just love everything about it. There is a vibe that just captures your heart. I can still smell the air and feel the sun on my face from visiting. Oh, and the port is just so smooth.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Based on musicians alive today, Barbra Streisand, I just love her and her voice; Bruno Mars, because his music is one big party; and Celine Dion, so we can finally do that duet I've belted out in the car for so many years. Together I feel the four of us would have a seriously great party and may even write a song, what a dream.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Zigni, a dish my parents made for us, which is a dish they also grew up with in North Africa; or trout and prawn dumplings. I love dumplings.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I'm actually referred to as 'The Dog Lady'. I'd say I'm a huge lover of our furry friends.
In October 2020, after five-plus years I changed laws [2020] NSWCA 250 (the Cooper Case) and legislation in NSW for the right of strata owners to have pets in their strata homes. I don't trust anyone who doesn't love pets, they are far more superior than us humans.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... I'm not the biggest drinker, so I'd say the best quality coffee.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... A few months ago. I go through phases of gym and outdoor exercise. I walk everywhere.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Grocery shopping and cleaning bathrooms.
Do you have any phobias... Not sure if it's a phobia. I really hate cheese, I will not handle anything that has cheese on it and if cheese touches my plate, it's all over.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Not really my thing. Life is one, big reality show.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? My friends and sister – who have gone to the effort of scooping out Turkish delight chocolate filling and replacing it with feta cheese to gift me.
Yes, I love Turkish delight and I hate feta cheese, to the point it is not allowed in my home. I would make them a cake full of chillies or something they hate on their birthday.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I've been told a mix of Xena Warrior Princess and Wonder Woman; for my obsession with truth, justice, and my tenacity to help those who are unable to defend themselves.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Bridgerton'. The forbidden love, fashion, and era make it fantastic.
