Photo by Samantha Sutcliffe
In April, singer-songwriter Mo Troper released his debut record, Beloved. The album is his “most personal and volatile collection of songs,” with lead single “Star Wars” “about how much I love Star Wars and how much I hate partying and bro-intellectual mental masturbation.” Now, the Los Angeles-via-Portland artist returns with another deeply personal piece of music — although, this song was not written by him.
“I grew up listening to the first two Sheryl Crow records with my mom, so I’d say she was a pretty big early influence,” Troper tells Consequence of Sound. “‘If It Makes You Happy’ is one of the most perfect pop singles ever and it would probably have so much more ’90s revival’ cred if it were written by a band like Teenage Fanclub.”
While Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy” may be geared towards pop, Troper’s spin results in a more stripped down, DIY aesthetic that gives the song a new edge. “This latest, characteristically lo-fi and melodic installment in Troper’s catalog is proof that a seasoned artist can be graceful and brutal in the same breath,” describes the press release — a statement proven true by his captivating cover. Give it a listen below.
Troper’s “If It Makes You Happy” is the first release off an upcoming covers compilation from Good Cheer Records, which will arrive this winter.