Q: You once said:
“Music has the power to heal and dramatically shift the energy in a room and it’s always been there for me. A good song can stay with you forever.”
We think that’s beautiful. What song is that for you?
EDDIE COHN: There’s probably a long list of songs but I think Let Down by Radiohead is what comes to mind first. It’s one of those songs that will stay with me forever. There’s an unforgettable depth from the production, the lyrics, vocals and the layers of sounds. Beyond words really. Sheer beauty in songwriting.
Q: What does your music say about you?
EDDIE: I think my music is incredibly unique and personal. Sort of a cornucopia of sounds. There’s a lot of nuance and thought and many layers to the production. I’m also trying to create a feeling of hope and a certain sense of accessibility in my music. I’m constantly challenging myself and searching for new ways to express myself and produce all the sounds and elements I hear in my head. I’m also trying to create music that is a little outside of the norm and stands the test of time. I think if you listen to my catalog of music you’ll also hear someone who is trying to stretch the boundaries of genres.
Q: You have had quite the musical journey, tell us a little bit more about that.
EDDIE: Well it’s quite a long journey and without taking up too much space, I’ll try to summarize it as succinctly as I can. I think a true artist has an uncanny way of connecting with their own unique voice and doesn’t get caught up in what the rest of the world is doing. I’m inspired by bands and artists who are unpredictable. Who don’t get caught up in the trends of society, but instead, go out on a limb and take risks. I’m deeply inspired by bands like Radiohead, NIN, U2 and Beck because it feels like they’re not following trends but searching for new ways to express themselves. Whether it’s through songwriting, DJing, writing or podcasting, I’m trying to find my own unique voice and create something that evokes a feeling of depth. I used to box myself in and think I could only create in one medium, but it’s incredibly liberating to use multiple outlets to try and find ways to express myself.
Q: What do you miss most about live performances?
EDDIE: The energy and the improvisation and mistakes that can happen when you’re jamming on stage with a band. We’ve become a world that is often too careful and often too predictable. The energy of a live show is so liberating and intoxicating because almost anything can happen.
Q: As a former DJ, do you remix your own tracks?
EDDIE: It’s funny but I never have before mostly because on my previous records, the music was probably too slow or dark. But it’s definitely something I’m looking to get into with my new record. A lot of the songs on this upcoming record were recorded at a much faster BPM so there’s an excellent chance you’ll be hearing some remixed versions of these new songs.
Q: Tell us a little bit more about your upcoming record.
EDDIE: It was an incredibly therapeutic record for me. It’s called Dystopian Days and it was recorded and inspired by the bizarre look of 2020. We all had our own unique experience of living through an unprecedented time but for me, I won’t ever forget the anxiety I felt in 2020. Living through a pandemic, then the protests and riots and the forest fires in California. The sky in LA was this apocalyptic orange and grey color. Sirens were blaring night in and night out and I felt like I was suffocating as the city of LA was seemingly caving in on itself. I felt like I had no choice but to sing and write about the strange world around me. After I finished my previous album, I wasn’t sure if or when I would write music again but living through such a tumultuous time, I almost felt like I had no choice but to sing and write this collection of songs.
Interviewed by Stephanie Pankewich
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