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Will the Real Citizen Cope Please Stand Up?

Photo by Alex Elena

A stack of old concert posters is piled on the kitchen table and Clarence Greenwood is bent over them, pen in hand, scribbling his autograph—or rather, he’s signing his stage name, Citizen Cope. He stops and looks at his merch man Keir with concern. “I just signed 2012 on a 2011.” He thinks for a moment, and then shrugs it off.

Six days after a four-week tour, Cope is still winding down. His gear is still in his car, his suitcase still sits unpacked on the TV-room floor and he moves like molasses, as if he could easily sleep for 24 hours straight if given the chance.

Then again, maybe that’s the natural gait of this laid-back singer/songwriter. It seems to match the slow, semi-Southern drawl and quiet, slightly slurred quality of his speaking and singing voice.

Keir grabs the newly signed posters and takes off. Cope finds a large white container in the fridge, scoops an unnaturally green powder into a glass and mixes a power drink. The spoon quickly and loudly clinking, he says with a coy half smile, “My fish food.” His blue eyes twinkle. When he’s done stirring, he hunkers down for a chat.

“I’m at a real transformation point right now. The intensity of the way the music has touched people is pretty profound,” he says. “Doing shows, you try to do it like it’s the last time you’ll do it. These people love you. They spent all this time to go there. And I love them; I don’t want to let them down,” he says genuinely. Then he adds, compelled to explain why the pressure is worth the effort, “When you carry that kind of intensity, you’re bound to get something back from it.”

This month on the road comes on the heels of releasing his fifth album, One Lovely Day. It’s been ten years since his eponymous debut album and the contrasts between these two efforts are as subtle and stark as their similarities.

Stylistically, they share the same breezy, calm tone—soulful, rhythmic, pop-like. His latest, though, feels more cohesive—even to him. His consistent mellow singing drawl now has a crisper delivery. The lyrics remain personal, but the stories aren’t told through characters anymore. Instead, Cope puts himself entirely in the first-person spotlight. One cut on the new album, “A Wonder,” directly (and, by his own admission, subconsciously) references “Contact,” a song from Citizen Cope that he rarely even plays live anymore. But the biggest difference between these records is that Cope’s in total control—writing, producing and now releasing his albums on his own label.

“I remember, early on, saying a prayer that I could just do something authentic and not necessarily be about personal achievement,” he recalls. “If it could be authentic, then I felt like it would reach people. That’s the best thing that you can have.”

Staying true to himself while finding opportunities to attract and connect with fans has been an epic challenge. His journey has been frustratingly complex, but it started simply.

Comments

There are 17 comments associated with this post

Grand Staircase December 18, 2012, 17:56:07

Beautiful article!

chantal December 19, 2012, 11:59:23

sounds like a lovely guy – always humble, always real.

Ric December 19, 2012, 14:53:05

Hands down, one of the very best artists around!

Hattrick December 19, 2012, 18:59:54

Had the good fortune of seeing Cope twice in Austin back in ’09. His stage presence says everything about his personality: Easy going and aiming to please. Own all his albums to date.

Darla December 19, 2012, 19:39:29

Saw him in Columbus and going to see him in Cleveland. He is incredible. Have all his CD’s and love them all. If you get a chance to see him live, do it.

Paulierock December 19, 2012, 22:26:39

I am one of those fan that this article mentions .. I’ve seen Cope 16 times and #17 will be in Fed 2013 down in Athens .. The band and The Man are just the best thing that has happen to music in a very long time !!

marty December 19, 2012, 22:28:10

saw him in Dewey Beach,and twice at 930 club in dc!my favorite singer since Elvis cant get enough of his music a real class act!!

Rose December 20, 2012, 19:48:54

Saw him twice, once solo in Flagstaff AZ, and this past September at Stubbs in Austin TX, best shows I have ever gone to, cant wait for the next time.

Nancy December 20, 2012, 20:06:49

He’s the real deal…...loved him since I saw him on South St. in Phil.

Mitch December 20, 2012, 23:07:53

Clarence is not only musically gifted but he is a really nice and down to earth person .Have been fortunate enough to have met and spent a small amount of time with him .He is on the road to fame and i wish him all the success in the world .He is a gift to all of his fans and music lovers world wide .

Megan December 31, 2012, 13:21:32

Such a legit, stand up guy… Lucky enough to see in both Knoxville and Asheville…and to top it off we met him in the elevator in Knoxville. Luv this fella and his music!

Craig January 3, 2013, 09:41:06

1 of the best artist I’ve ever heard. My favorite music right now can listen to this all day. Have seen him 4 or 5 *. If you get a chance you have to, I say you have to, go see his acoustic show. Thanks for the great music and keep on making it

Scott Free January 26, 2013, 07:45:55

Rare is a man with his soul in his voice; Clarence, we all hear your pain and your beauty, your sincerity and struggles in every line, every note. Will catch you again in DC (6 times now, I think). Keep doin’ what you are doin’ and we’ll all be there to share it gladly with you, oh my brother.

Julienne February 15, 2013, 15:42:28

Cope’s music is hypnotic. My brother gave me The Clarence Greenwood Recordings cd and I fell in love with his music. I ordered all his other cd’s and went to see him live. I have tickets to see his acoustic show next month. His music is absolutely captivating.

Dawn Surgest February 28, 2013, 10:07:32

Cope is very authentic! Cool & down to earth!

Stefan March 6, 2013, 17:07:02

Thanks for the great article. Have seen Cope playing live twice here in Europe (Belgium, and Germany) and was surprised about how many people do love his music like I do. Just can’t get enough…

Ruthie April 5, 2013, 00:59:11

Love this article – Cope is most definitely a genuine artist. Just saw him two weeks ago in HOB Houston, he’s truly amazing!