Meet Declan Cooney | Artist and Licensed Massage Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Declan Cooney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Declan, what principle do you value most?
First of all thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Frankly, I put a high value on the simple, yet intricate, concept of communication. That is to say, I believe one of the virtues that I hold in the highest regard is integrity. This can be personal, professional, artistic or moral. The ability to admit when you’re wrong when confronted with new or opposing information is an ingredient in the recipe of a decent human being. I find that if we don’t communicate clearly with one another so much is lost, and much more is left to dissect, disseminate, or decipher. Exploring the methods in which communication varies has always been one of my fascinations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started out writing rap in my rebellious years as a teenager. At the time it was an outlet, but it then slowly evolved into a passion. I got a few shows under my belt at some of the old venues like Big Fish Pub and Cloud 9, before my motorcycle accident in 2012. I was hit by a hit-and-run driver on the I-17, and then ran over by the guy behind him. I couldn’t breathe right for a over a year, and had a pretty dark spell which was made worse by my inability to rap like I used to. I eventually got into doing open mic nights for a few years. I worked until I was able to get myself into a position where I could invest in my art, and fine tune the concept of bringing this unique icon to life. Through this I’ve learned; passion is nothing without perseverance. Art can be just as difficult as surviving, and both rarely come easily or fairly. I would love for those that enjoy my music enough to repeat it, and to share it with those they think would enjoy it too. I believe that music also allows us to take a deeper look into ourselves, as well as at this world that has been created around us. We should remember to take nothing for granted, and keep questioning knowing that all the answers lay out there somewhere – in music, in another being, in the laws of nature… who knows?! That’s the beauty of music; its existence inspires a multitude of dimensions in any individual, a thousand times over.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well depending on the friend, I may take them to play some pool, have some drinks and listen to some of the best metal bands in AZ at The 44 Sports Bar and Nightlife. The lead sound engineer there (Joker) is a dear friend to me, and is an icon himself among the Greater Phoenix music scene who has my deep respect. I would treat them to my 4 favorite Mexican food joints (in no particular order): Tacos Califia, Tacos Chiwas, La Santisimia, and Barrio Queen (because the OG Barrio’s closed, RIP). My wife and I are big dorks, so we would likely take them to Castle’s-n-Coasters for some arcade time and mini-golf. You can’t beat a classic like that. To top off the night I’d make sure we took in something art related, a first Friday if the time was right, the MIM or the Heard Museum, or any one of the many amazing local dance companies that perform almost every month (MAC and Co, CaZo, Scorpius to name a few), We actually just treated ourselves to tickets for Swan Lake in October!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kyle Christian Pinckard is the first name that comes to mind. He helped me piece together my first tried and true EP, recently set into business for himself as an audio engineer, and I think he’s worthy all the praise and then some. He’s technologically adept and a well rounded musician, with an ear for production. I’m very lucky and honored to know this man.

Instagram: https://htp.dsc

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hazethypuppetmaster7548

Image Credits
Friends and Family.