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Aaron Cooper

@aarxn82.bsky.social

780 followers 710 following 1.6K posts

writer/editor at BeardedGentlemenMusic.com - co-host of Crushed Monocle Podcast - photographer - musician - misfit https://linktr.ee/crushedmonoclepodcast

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · Nov 11

Hey, I'm a writer/editor from Chicago who covers music, movies, festivals at BeardedGentlemenMusic.com. I'm also a musician (guitar/bass/drums) and a very very amateur photographer.

I'm also the co-host of Crushed Monocle Podcast
linktr.ee/crushedmonoc...

So yeah, follow me, add me or whatever

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 1d

If the world is so terrible, how are #horror movies our form of escapism? In this piece for @beardedgmusic.bsky.social, I'm taking a closer look at Hedonic Reversal and why we love scary movies so much. Please check it out! I'm very proud of this one!

beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/10/07/h...

Hedonic Reversal | Why The Horror Genre Feels Like Home - Bearded Gentlemen Music

Ahead of the Halloween season, Coop takes a closer look at why we are so obsessed with horror movies and the idea of being scared.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Reposted by Aaron Cooper

Bearded Gentlemen Music @beardedgmusic.bsky.social · 1d

The world is being torn apart by civil unrest, war, and genocide so why are scary movies are our form of escapism? @aarxn82.bsky.social takes a closer look at Hedonic Reversal and how #horror movies have become our safe place.
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/10/07/h...

Hedonic Reversal | Why The Horror Genre Feels Like Home - Bearded Gentlemen Music

Ahead of the Halloween season, Coop takes a closer look at why we are so obsessed with horror movies and the idea of being scared.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 2d

Its the anniversary of Eddie Van Halen's passing. I remember writing this article a few hours after hearing he had passed. Its one of my favorite pieces too. beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2020/10/06/e...

Eddie Van Halen 1955-2020 | The Everyman Guitar God

As rock mourns the loss of an icon, lets take a closer look at how Eddie Van Halen inspired every guitarist whether they know it or not.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 2d

That guy owes me $40

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 2d

Reading commentary on Chicago from people who've never stepped foot in Chicago.

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Reposted by Aaron Cooper

Bearded Gentlemen Music @beardedgmusic.bsky.social · 2d

Not every millennial white woman is impressed by performative politics, Lisa Frank journal entries, or awkward songs about ...uh red woods. So our very own Kelsey has compiled a handy list you can check out if you're looking for a #TaylorSwift alternative.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/10/06/h...

How To Leave Taylor Swift -ly Behind | A Millennial Woman's Guide

A millennial white woman has written a guide with 22 female artists in 2025 that's NOT Taylor Swift and doesn't suck.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 5d

One of the most fulfilling things I've done this year has been giving to my local food pantries and donation centers. It's really hard out there for a lot of people and just knowing that I could be helping someone go to bed with a full stomach, brings me a joy I can't describe.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 5d

It's Bandcamp Friday and I know it's tempting to throw more money at billionaires, but please consider supporting INDEPENDENT artists today (not indie, the genre but artists literally independent from major label backing).

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Reposted by Aaron Cooper

Bearded Gentlemen Music @beardedgmusic.bsky.social · 6d

In a genre that doesn't feature many Black artists, The Paradox just might be the shot in the arm #PopPunk needs. @aarxn82.bsky.social met up with the band to talk about industry plants, overnight stardom, and the best places for authentic Chicago food.
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/10/02/t...

The Paradox | A Conversation at Riot Fest - Bearded Gentlemen Music

On Day 3 of Riot Fest 2025, viral sensation The Paradox sits down with Coop to discuss everything from industry plants to Chicago food.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 7d

Yesterday I posted an interview I did and the site analytics showed that 4 people on Threads clicked on it. (2 on Bluesky) LOL

4 clicks.

The Twitter days before Peen-Lon turned it into an incel circle-jerk, my stuff would get hundreds of hits from that platform alone. Hooray for algorithms.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 8d

While at Riot Fest, I caught up with Loviet to talk about songwriting, stage presence, and ever-present sexism in the music industry. Check it out at @beardedgmusic.bsky.social (photos by Oscar De Leon)

beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/09/30/l...

LOVIET - A Conversation at Riot Fest - Bearded Gentlemen Music

After her opening set at Riot Fest, Loviet sits down with Coop to talk about songwriting, misogyny, and the pressures of rock n' roll!

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Reposted by Aaron Cooper

Bearded Gentlemen Music @beardedgmusic.bsky.social · 8d

Canadian power house, @lovietmusic.bsky.social talks with @aarxn82.bsky.social at @riotfest.bsky.social to discuss songwriting, the pressure of being a woman in the music industry, and how sometimes you've got to do it yourself!
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/09/30/l...

LOVIET - A Conversation at Riot Fest - Bearded Gentlemen Music

After her opening set at Riot Fest, Loviet sits down with Coop to talk about songwriting, misogyny, and the pressures of rock n' roll!

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 9d

Monday nights are for putting the records on.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 9d

Sooooo will there be a WCW-esque extravaganza in memorial of the people who got shot to death yesterday? Will there be plans on putting the victims faces on coins? Anyone? No?

Oh that's right!! I forgot that America only mourns a death when its a MAGA chad faux-christians get aroused by. Silly me.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 11d

Toby Dog is napping in the living room and looks very peaceful.

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 11d

There's actually a real deodorant commercial that uses that Khia song "My Neck, My Back". I don't know if that's gross, awkward, or marketing genius.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 13d

At #RiotFest I got to hang out with Page Hamilton of #HELMET to talk about influencing nu metal, geeking out over jazz, and how to manage rhythm! Check it out at @beardedgmusic.bsky.social or right here with this link:
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/09/25/h...

HELMET at RIOT FEST | A Conversation with Page Hamilton - Bearded Gentlemen Music

After Helmet's playthrough of BETTY at Riot Fest, Coop sits down with Page Hamilton to discuss influence, timing, and the love of that swing!

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Reposted by Aaron Cooper

Bearded Gentlemen Music @beardedgmusic.bsky.social · 13d

After a blistering play through the monumental album BETTY at #RiotFest, @aarxn82.bsky.social caught up with Page Hamilton of HELMET to discuss influence, rhythm, and the importance of the swing!
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/09/25/h...

HELMET at RIOT FEST | A Conversation with Page Hamilton - Bearded Gentlemen Music

After Helmet's playthrough of BETTY at Riot Fest, Coop sits down with Page Hamilton to discuss influence, timing, and the love of that swing!

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 14d

I did 3 interviews at Riot Fest over the weekend!

My goal was to have some diversity in my Riot Fest content. An interview with a woman artist (Loviet), an interview with a legacy artist (Helmet), and an interview with Black artists (The Paradox) and it feels pretty good to have achieved that.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 15d

Representing @beardedgmusic.bsky.social I attended Riot Fest's 20th anniversary for 3 days of punk, metal, hardxore, and John Stamos. Check out my thoughts and some killer photography from Oscar De Leon!
beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2025/09/23/r...

Riot Fest 2025 - 20 Years of Change | Bearded Gentlemen Music

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Coop attends Riot Fest 2025 to experience punk, metal, hardcore, DIY, and a little self-reflection.

beardedgentlemenmusic.com

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 16d

I worked daylight til dark today, then came home and knocked out my Riot Fest coverage article. I've got 3 interviews to edit still but getting the festival coverage out will be VERY satisfying to have over with.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 17d

Hahah

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 17d

I'm currently in a universe where I'm seeing The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, Hanson, and Bad Religion all in a row

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Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 21d

Man, it's just been a long week and I'm exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and probably even spiritually. I'm looking forward to the weekend but I'm praying I have the energy to do 3 days of a music festival.

Aaron Cooper @aarxn82.bsky.social · 21d

Ive been waiting for it to be over so I can binge it all at once

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