Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiamara Cooper.
Hi Xiamara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana—a city built on music, culture, and rhythm. From an early age, music was a constant in my life, as my parents immersed me in every kind of sound and style imaginable. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, my family relocated to the DFW area, seeking new beginnings. I didn’t discover my gift for singing until I was 14, when members of my church began noticing and encouraging me.
Over time, I stepped into the role of worship leader at my church and tested my voice in local vocal competitions across the DFW area, winning several along the way. Yet even with the recognition, I still wrestled with finding my true voice and the confidence to fully embrace myself as an artist.
When the world paused during COVID, I stepped away from music, quietly convincing myself that this path wasn’t meant for me. I pursued other career paths, but each one left me feeling unfulfilled. In January 2024, after several failed attempts to find that satisfaction, I encountered a moment with God that called me back. With the affirmation of my parents and my vocal teacher, Susan Hanlon, I was encouraged to give this dream one more honest try.
When I lost my job in March 2024, I knew it was time to take the leap. I attended my first open mic, Love Mic at Sundown at Granada, and soon found myself spending most Monday nights there—especially after joining the sound team, and through those moments I found community—artists, musicians, and stories that welcomed me into the heart of the DFW music scene.
Now, I’m learning what it means to live this life fully—navigating the beauty and uncertainty of being a gigging musician and emerging artist, as I prepare to release music of my own—one performance, one song, one connection at a time. Each step feels like both a return and a beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path hasn’t been smooth, but the most meaningful journeys never are. I’ve learned that the hardest battle often starts within yourself. For me, that meant coming home after work and choosing to keep going—to sharpen my skills, learn new ones, and push past comfort. It meant showing up to open mics, meeting other artists, and putting myself out there even when it felt uncomfortable.
I challenged myself to grow by embracing the process, letting go of perfection, and allowing myself to make mistakes—to be bad at things long enough to get better. I also had to prepare my heart for rejection and learn not to let “no” make me question my gift or my purpose. Instead, I focused on being ready and willing to step forward when the “yes” came.
I chose to believe that my dedication would speak for itself—that consistency, growth, and faith in the process could shift my reality and move me closer to the life I’m called to live.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a vocalist, performer, and self-taught guitarist, passionate about the way music can bring people joy and stir genuine emotions.
What I’m most proud of is learning to let go of how I might be perceived so I can truly connect with others by being authentically myself. In those moments, I’m reminded that what I do goes beyond me. My purpose isn’t just to express myself or share my truth—it’s to heal, to bring joy, and to create space for people to escape their current reality through music. Whether I’m covering a song or performing one of my own, it’s the connection that makes it all worthwhile.
Over the past two years, I’ve experienced more than I ever imagined possible. This past year alone, I traveled across the country performing—something I never expected to happen so quickly.
I’ve been told my voice carries a range and tone that makes people feel deeply, and that emotional resonance is what I believe sets me apart and keeps me rooted in why I do this.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s never too late to begin, and it’s okay not to have all the answers figured out. Especially when you’re stepping into the public eye, it’s easy to place unrealistic expectations on yourself—to feel like you have to be perfect from the start, or to fear how you’ll be perceived and whether you’ll be accepted.
I’ve learned that waiting for the “perfect” moment only keeps you stuck. Growth doesn’t happen in grand breakthroughs—it happens in the small, daily victories: showing up to practice, choosing consistency, and taking one step at a time. There is no perfect time to start; you simply begin, little by little. Mentally, it can be tough—especially when finances are involved—but progress comes from persistence. Practice doesn’t just make progress; it makes permanence.
I’m motivated by the joy music brings to people and its power to stir emotion. I made it a habit to start saying yes—within reason—especially when opportunities appeared before I felt fully ready or qualified. I remind myself that God wouldn’t place a path in front of me if I wasn’t meant to walk it. With that faith, I continue to put in the work daily, challenge myself, try new things, and trust that growth comes from showing up.
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Image Credits
Manuel Ferrer
