Jeff Cohen Talks New Music, Live Plans And More

American songwriter, producer and publisher Jeff Cohen will tour the UK this year and has a new EP release planned. We spoke to him about his plans:

When did you begin songwriting?

I actually began songwriting even before I played an instrument probably when I was about 11 or 12. I would sing into a tape recorder about whichever girl I had a crush on at the time !

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is sitting with my grandmother as she played piano. She was a first grade teacher and her favorite song was “Close To You” by The Carpenters. Every time we went to visit, she would play me that song.

 

You will be releasing your new music very soon. How did you want to approach the making of the material?

I am aiming to release an EP in the fall of 2025. The approach to this collection of recordings has been very different than in the past. This time I recorded three or four songs at a time instead of a full record. We actually have enough songs for a full length album, but have decided to release what you could call Side A and Side B as two different projects then will combine them as a vinyl.

 

Where did you record the record and who produced it?

Have been very fortunate to work with some incredible musicians and engineers on this project. I’ve produced all the tracks except All The Light which I did with the musical genius and good friend Jeff Trott at his studio. Jeff has co-written lots of Sheryl Crow’s greatest hits plus produced artists such as Hootie and The Blowfish, Sara Evans and more. Some of the tracks were recorded with superstar producer Brad Hill (Brothers Osbourne.Maren Morris) at his studio and some with Chris Utley Engineer to the Stars at two different studios in Nashville. On all of those tracks, the musical director was David Dorn, who himself is an award winning keyboard player, producer and arranger. He has such a great ear and makes all recordings better. Last and definitely not least would be working with the super talented Fraser Watt. Fraser is my go to guy for almost all projects I work on. He recorded and produced all the vocals on this collection except All The Light which Jeff Trott did. If you have a chance to work with any of these guys definitely do it !

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

So many fun moments when recording an album. One that comes to mind is on one of the songs where Craig Young was playing bass. On the first take he started playing this lick that took the energy level of the room up 1 million notches. It took the song to another level. Those are the kind of moments that feel magical in a studio.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

No real specific answer here. Based mostly from Acoustic instruments but we were all over the map. Used a few different mics and settings too.

 

One of your tracks is the single ‘All The Light’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

All The Light is very interesting progression of how a song was written and recorded. I started the song during Covid lockdown. During that time, it was really evident to me that there were certain people in our lives. Who are there for you even when they aren’t physically there and I also hoped that certain people in my life knew that I was there for them even if I wasn’t physically there. After writing the chorus and the music for the song , I called my friend the award winning songwriter Paul Duncan to help me finish the verse lyrics as I thought his heart and style would add an element to the song. And then was writing with one of my favorite collaborators the amazing Jenn Bostic and played her the song. I told her I didn’t think the music and melodies were good enough on the verses. She started playing a breathtaking piano part for the verses and I knew at that moment it made the song so much better. Jenn and I then wrote the verses to these new chords keeping some of the lines Paul and I did and adding some new ones. That night I was playing the song at home and thought it was missing a bridge so at about 1 AM wrote a few lines in about 5 minutes that just fell out of sky. Gotta love when that happens ! Very personal song for me and honored to been able to work on it with Jenn, Paul and Trott.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

I wouldn’t necessarily say this was a difficult album to write. Songs like All The Light, Boat on A River, and Heavy (which is about after my Dad passed away) all are quite personal and I look forward to releasing them into the world.

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest probably my version of The Shires hit 1000 Hallelujahs which I cowrote with UK Country Pop Legend Ben Earle, Angriest probably “Playing G-D” and reflective All The Light, Boat On A River, Heavy and The Way You Look At Me.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Once I leave the stage I hope the audience enjoyed the show and that the songs connected with them. Sometimes to be reflective and sometimes just to sing along and have a good time. And also maybe they might want to see another show sometime and bring friends… Ha !

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I usually play my Gibson J. 300 when I’m doing shows in the States and usually play a Gibson J 45 when I’m touring in the UK. The people at Gibson have been incredibly kind to me and wonderful to work with especially Rebecca in the London office.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is a combination of three in the New York City area. Born in Brooklyn, raised in Oceanside, Long Island, and spent over 20 years in Manhattan. Describe in five words –  Like No Place On Earth or Lucky To Grow Up There

 

How do you look after your voice?

How do I look after my voice? I probably shouldn’t answer that question because it would be a bad influence on real singers. I’ve never taken a voice lesson, but having said that if I know I have a show the next day I try to not put myself in situations like a loud restaurant or bar the night before.

 

Who designed the album artwork?

We haven’t designed the artwork for the album yet, but our T-shirts were designed by an awesome graphic designer in Nashville named David Bregande

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Well, the Princess Bride was already taken by Mark Knopfler so maybe Love In The Time of Cholera or The Little Prince or The Alchemist. A few of my favorites.

 

Who is in your touring band and what do they play? Or do you tour solo?

I mostly tour solo or as part of an “In the Round” ensemble. In Nashville the great Brian Sutherland often joins on cello. When I play shows full band in the US Pete DeMeo has always been my first call and has been my drummer and Musical conspirator for about 30 years. Jack Petruzzelli  played Guitars and Arne Hovda played Keyboards on a lot of the early Pancho’s Lament days and their contributions were essential. When I played live full band in the UK, Alyssa Bonagura and Steve Shirley have been amazing on guitars and BV’s along with the slamming rhythm section of Ollie Harding and Adam Double.

 

What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice songwriter?

Advice for a novice songwriter… Wow, how do we condense that into just a few lines ! I would say do this because you have no other choice than to do it. Don’t do it for the fame and the recognition because that will be a frustrating journey. Put in the hours to improve all aspects of your writing and playing. I always like to remind myself I’m never as good as I think I am sometimes but I’m also also never as bad as I think I am sometimes. We all get imposter syndrome sometimes. Everyone has a superpower and stay true to who you are. My good friend the award winning songwriter/artist/producer from Sugarland Kristian Bush once told me “ Some songs, change peoples lives and some songs change peoples lives for three minutes”. That quote has always stuck with me.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Jackson Browne has always been my main musical influence. Also growing up loved the Beatles, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Rolling Stones, and many more. In the last 20 years, love artists such as David Gray, Dawes and many more.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

I went on an Irish Tour May 13-17 with shows in Dublin, Belfast, and L’Derry ground. Then we’ll be playing in the UK between July 3- 15. Playing the 45 Vinyl Café in York on July 4 and the Green Note in London on July 14. Also currently planning some shows in the UK late summer and again in the fall.

 

What makes Jeff Cohen happy and what makes you unhappy?

I would say waking up every morning makes me happy.. Ha ! Being a songwriter and finding ways to be involved in the music business the rest of my life plus getting to travel and meet people all over the world the world makes me happy. What makes me unhappy… To be honest health issues and dealing with people in our business who lack integrity.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Rockstar Management

The single ‘All The Light’ is out now. 

4th July 2025 – FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, York, United Kingdom https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/events/jeff-cohen

Monday 14th July 2025 – The Green Note, London, United Kingdom https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/jeff-cohen-green-note-tickets/14443493

For more information on Jeff Cohen visit: https://www.jeffcohenmusic.com/

Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jeffcohenmusic