Originating from Memphis, Tennessee, Skillet is an American Christian rock band established in 1996. Its lineup features the husband and wife duo of John Cooper and Korey Cooper, alongside Jen Ledger and Seth Morrison. The band boasts eleven studio albums, including Grammy-nominated works like Collide and Comatose.
Having sold over 12 million albums worldwide and maintaining a hectic touring schedule, John Cooper reflects on significant growth and transformation throughout his career. When he first entered the music business, John had little knowledge of how it operated.
‘I’m not a business guy,’ says John. ‘And I was resistant to the idea to my own detriment. But you have to think about the future if you want some longevity. You have to do things a bit more professionally.’
Exploring new things
John believes that learning to take care of his voice and prioritise self-care were valuable skills he picked up along the way. That realisation empowered him to explore new things musically.
‘If you don’t have something coming out,’ says John, ‘things can get very difficult. I don’t know if it’s just my personality and my life with God, but I always feel like I have something to say. I get inspired by meeting fans and having conversations with people about what they’re going through in their lives.’
John also enjoys reading cultural commentary and learning where societal ideologies come from. He believes the Bible is the ultimate source of truth, and that we can speak against wrong ideas and combat them with the word of God.
‘The Bible is what will set you free. It will bring order and peace to your life. Because the devil tries to confuse everybody. We are to bring everything into subjection under the leadership of Christ.’
The Bible is the Ultimate Source of Truth
Skillet’s latest album, Dominion, boldly proclaims that there is only one King of kings and Lord of lords. ‘What we’re saying is that in reality there is a king, and we are to honour Him. Then He tells us how to live.’
For Skillet, Dominion is a proclamation of hope, looking forward to that day when all wars and famine will cease, and there will be peace. ‘But that only happens as every knee bows and every tongue confesses.’
In his songs, John always alludes to peace being found in a relationship with the Creator. He is passionate about communicating the message that a relationship with God was made possible through the death of Jesus.
‘There is so much in life you can’t control,’ says John. ‘But you can control your own heart.’
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