This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In this amazing set of music, Ian Cooke combines virtuosic cello performance and masterful singing with looped sounds to create a wondrous canvas for his quirky, insightful, and emotional songs.

Some of Ian’s influences are Queen, ABBA, Bjork, Rufus Wainwright, Joanna Newsom, Bear McCreary, as well as much of the classical music he encountered studying the cello. Born in Adelaide, Australia, and raised in Greeley, Colo., Cooke tours throughout the U.S. frequently. He has 2 full-length albums: The Fall I Fell from 2007, and Fortitude, released in 2011. He recently published a children's book called Cassowary and Fruit Bat, based on a song of his. His next album features songs about dinosaurs.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)