It's the classic rock and roll story: a musician storms onto the scene full of confidence and vigor before fighting a hidden battle with inner demons and emerging on the other side revitalised and full of life.
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At the tender age of 22, Sydney-based musician James Van Cooper has experienced the ups and downs of life as a musician earlier than most.
Van Cooper cut his teeth as a teenager playing Motley Crue-inspired hard rock before his struggles with alcohol encouraged him to get sober and carve out a renewed musical direction.
The new direction has seen Van Cooper emerge as a charismatic alt-country artist and this Saturday, he is set to bring his talents to The Victoria Bathurst for the first time.
"I've already seen a lot of gigs at The Victoria's Little Alberts venue, and we can't wait to provide audiences with a high-energy show," he said.
Van Cooper released his debut album, Coming Home, in September last year, which was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Scott Campbell [Katy Perry, Alanis Morrisette, Stevie Nicks].
"We decided on America for recording because it was an opportunity to create something fresh and different with a host of new musicians," he said.
"The sound is essentially country songs played through loud amps, and the American experience certainly helped shape the album."
Van Cooper describes his songwriting process as a personal, self-explorative recollection of life experiences.
"I had an ex-girlfriend ask me once which of my songs were about, and I had to disappoint her in saying they were all about myself," he said.
"Writing has helped me make sense of so many emotions, and I find some lyrics can be a precursor for events that are about to happen."
"There's no science to songwriting, and I really wish there was."
While Van Cooper continues to bear a significant resemblance to a young Nikki Sixx [Motley Crue's bassist], he said the musical transformation has provided him with a strong sense of artistic clarity.
"I was an angry teenager who was heavily into partying and once I got clean, it no longer felt right to perform fast and heavy," he said.
"Country music has always been a favourite of mine, and it made perfect sense for the genre to form the basis of this new direction."
"I'm thankful for everyone who has given me the opportunity to further my sound."
Van Cooper will be supported by Bathurst musician Gabbi Bolt, who released her debut EP, Grey Into Blue, in October last year.
The event will get under way from 6pm. Tickets cost $15 and are available online.
For more information, visit www.jamesvancoopermusic.com/.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
