Skillet’s John Cooper on ‘Transformers’: ‘We’ve Been Trying to Get a Song in a Movie for a Long Time’

Skillet Frontman on Scoring ‘Transformers’ Soundtrack

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” raked in $116.4 million over this past July 4 weekend, according to early studio totals, making the alien-robot action film the highest-grossing opening of the year.

Those checking out the soundtrack for the film will find hard rock band Skillet‘s latest single, “Awake and Alive (Remix),” alongside Linkin Park (you guessed that one, right?), Paramore, Staind and Theory of a Deadman on the compilation.

Skillet lead vocalist and bass player John Cooper has been gunning for a spot on a film soundtrack for years.

“We’ve been trying to get a song in a movie for a long time,” Cooper, 36. told MLive.com. “But the song did well on mainstream rock radio, and I think that did something for us. It’s a first step.”

The particular “Awake and Alive” feature on the soundtrack comes off Skillet’s Awake and Remixed four-song EP.

“Those songs are almost re-envisioned,” Cooper said of the switched-up versions on the release.

Skillet recently wrapped up the Avalanche Tour, and Cooper says his latest project is writing music for the band’s next studio project. He’s hoping it will drop next year.

“I’ve written about 20 new songs,” he said, “and my goal is 20 more.”

Watch Skillet’s Video for ‘Awake and Alive’

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She is an award-winning writer and has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne regarding Audio Ink Radio at anne@audioinkradio.com.

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