WEBMOMS

FROM ALT ROCK/POST HARDCORE BAND Hypophora to his latest lo-fi project, the multiinstrumentalist and producer Karum Cooper brings to life his new and exciting project Webmoms, which can only be described as a project rich in influences across the musical spectrum. Join us as we sit down and pick at the mind of highly talented Karum Cooper and discover more about his journey and creation of Webmoms.

WORDS: KIERAN WEBBER PICTURE: CRAIG TAYLOR-BROAD

Hey Karum, how have you been? How’s life been treating you?

“Life’s been treating me pretty well thanks. A little stressed and a little manic at points, but I’ve been the busiest I’ve been in months so that’s something to be thankful for.”

There’s been a hell of a lot of ups and down over the last couple of years so not sure if I’m just desensitised at this point ha!”

So, how did Webmoms come to be and what was the influence behind it?

“Webmoms I guess is my most personal musical venture so far. It’s a combination of all my influences outside of the rock/metal world, and a few from within that world too. All the hip-hop/jazz/fusion/soul artists I’ve listened to rolled up into one and to me... feels like my truest, honest musical and lyrical expression (in the least pretentious way).”

It’s a pretty big shift musically from your previous projects such as Hypophora, what led to this?

“Nothing really led to this, so to speak. I’ve always been into this world or style of music, and actually have been releasing little bits of ‘Webmoms’ stuff on my Soundcloud since age 16. But lockdown, and the last 18 months or so has really pushed me to pursue it as a serious musical avenue.”

“That being said, I actually find a lot of similarities

“I GREW UP PLAYING IN BANDS, JAMMING WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND BOUNCING IDEAS OFF FRIENDS AND BANDMATES”

between Webmoms and the stuff I was writing with Hypophora and other bands. Melodically and harmonically I’m still obsessed with a lot of the same chord shapes, rhythms etc. and find myself re-using many musical ideas that were commonplace in the band stuff.”

You’ve released several singles and an EP since the beginning, but much of your music is collaborative. Do you feel you thrive working with others?

“Absolutely. I grew up playing in bands, jamming with other people and bouncing ideas off friends and bandmates, so that approach to making music comes really naturally. I really enjoy creating on my own, but always find that I rely on a fresh set of ears or a different perspective to give me an idea of where to take a track or let me know what’s missing, how to structure a song etc. etc. That to me is

incredibly important. Also, I’ve not quite yet found my singing voice and I’m blessed to have surrounded myself with insanely talented singers, instrumentalists and producers. It’s sort of a nobrainer getting them involved in my music.”

Do you have any dream collaborations?

“Way too many! Where would I start? Top of my list would probably be Tyler, The Creator. Pharrell, but I heard he’s a bit of an asshole.”

When you started Webmoms did you have an idea of what you wanted to create?

“Sort of. But not really. I’m a fusion kinda guy so I knew I wanted to go for a blend of multiple things, but honestly, I didn’t give myself any borders in terms of genre.

Earlier this year I got really obsessed with acoustic guitars and open tunings. Things just took a drastic turn toward a lofi-folk-pop kinda vibe. Like the track I did with CLB and Daisy Clark. At this point I’ve got no idea what ‘Webmoms’ is. I’m just vibing and making music that I like the sound of.”

Some see living in Cornwall as a hindrance, but I feel you’re proof of someone that is advancing as a musician. Do you feel the idea that you need to leave Cornwall to be successful is somewhat of a myth?

“Thank you. First of all, I think that it is a myth, and you can be successful anywhere. Being in Cornwall definitely makes things a whole lot more difficult. It requires ten times as much hard work to be successful in a place like this compared to bigger cities.

Why should more artists consider playing in Cornwall?

But there’s something much more satisfying and rewarding - an extra challenge I guess - and the added element of having a much less saturated and competitive music scene.”

It’s safe to say that you’re a prominent figure within the Cornish music scene, and as a musician in the industry as a whole. What has changed in the last few years and do you believe Cornwall is about to turn a corner in regard to its flourishing music scene? “Seriously speaking though, it’s a beautiful part of the world and people care a lot about music down here. Maybe because we don’t have such a large number of touring bands? It seems like everyone is so much more grateful when we do get something.”

Am I right in thinking you have your first live show coming up in December? What can we expect from that?

“Well for starters the supports are absolutely insane. I am stoked to have “I really hope Cornwall is about to turn a corner! I’m them on the bill let alone be playing myself. My tight as doing all I can to make that happen, that’s for sure. I think just being included on the UK touring circuit carries so much hope for local artists. Now that we have our own little micro-climate of a music industry; a multiple goodsized venues, promoters, bands, producers, studios and press (like Clunk!) I don’t think it’ll be very long before we make a bigger ripple in the wider UK scene.”

“I’VE GOT A METRIC SHITTONNE OF UNRELEASED MUSIC AND COLLABORATIONS WITH A FEW FAMILIAR NAMES. THE NEXT CHALLENGE IS TO FIGURE OUT WHEN TO RELEASE THEM”

as a nut live band will be bringing all the Webmoms favourites to life. We jam a lot, and improvise a lot, so things could go in any direction really. I really am blessed to have such a talented band help me do what I do. Tunes will be played, drinks will be poured, and dances will be had. I think it’s just going to be a real positive night full of friendly faces and good music.”

How do you feel your recorded music will translate into a live setting?

“Well, I had a festival gig back in July and it was wicked. I think it came across well! I’m not into the idea of playing to backing tracks and live looping with this project. I felt like I needed a full live band to do justice to the nuances and little details, but also to re-interpret them and add their own musical flair. Something I’m so used to, playing with bands throughout the years. Everything is live. There’s a fair bit of improv and on the spot decisions and I’m really loving it. It brings a totally different energy.” Lastly, what can we expect from Webmoms in the future?

“Well, a few more live appearances that’s for sure. I’ve got a metric shit-tonne of unreleased music and collaborations with a few familiar names. I think the next challenge is to figure out how and when to release everything. Eventually I’d love to jump back in the studio and record a full album with my band, rather than selfproducing in my room at 2am after 3 coffees. Something really ground breaking for me personally and musically, I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of what Webmoms is and where I can take it.”

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