A great song relies on songwriting that touches your soul, a voice to bring those words to life and musicians to provide the creative layers that add depth and accents. One of those talented musicians is Dave Cohen. With credits on Josh Turner’s Deep South, Rascal Flatts’ Back To Us, Old Dominion’s Happy Endings, Chris Young’s Losing Sleep – just a few selections from 2017 – Cohen has become one of the most in-demand musicians today.
We caught up with the reigning ACM Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year to find out a little bit more about how he found his way to Music City and his thoughts on country music today. Check out our Q&A below:
CN: You grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Can you talk a little bit about your upbringing? Did you come from a musical family? How were you introduced to Country Music?
DC: I took piano lessons from a young age, 5 years old. My Dad plays guitar and sings (not professionally) but I grew up playing with him. I wasn’t seriously introduced to country music until I moved to Nashville in 2007.
CN: What was it about the piano that attracted you?
DC: It was available? I don’t remember having a huge choice in the matter when I was young, but it worked out. There seems to be a smaller community of keyboard players than other instruments.
CN: Along with the piano and keyboards, you also play organ and accordion. Do you play any other instruments? Do you have a favorite and why?
DC: I play pretty much any keyboard related instrument. I also play guitar, but definitely not professionally. Can’t beat a hammond B3 and a Leslie, classic combo.
CN: What artists – country or not – have you been influenced and inspired by?
DC: Growing up I was influenced by the artists my Father was listening to, and what was on the radio. So everything from The Beatles, James Taylor and Bread to the Backstreet Boys and Britney.
CN: Your career started when you toured with Johnny Reid and Amanda Marshal, and then with Joe Nichols, Big & Rich, Wynonna when you came to the states. How did those experiences prepare you for where you are today? What led you to step away from being a touring musician and decide to work strictly in studio?
DC: I definitely learned HOW to tour while on the road in Canada. Bus life, airport life, how not to be hungover every day… these are important skill sets to pick up. When I moved to the states and was ready for a Nashville based gig, I was socially ready to hang, which is important.
I started enjoying my time out on the road less and less after a while. I had this feeling that I wanted to do something more with my time, so I started making those moves.
CN: How did the move to Nashville come about? Was there a period of adjustment for you?
DC: I had hit a bit of a ceiling in Canada early on. I was touring with some of the bigger artists in the country, but there’s only so much work to be had in Canada. So I decided in my early 20’s that I needed to move to the states. New York, LA and Nashville were all choices. Nashville seemed the closest.
CN: You’ve been in Music City for about a decade now. From your experience, how have you seen the genre change?
DC: I feel like not a huge amount has changed. I feel like the essence of the genre is the same. It’s about the songs, the hooks, good imagery and catchy sounds. The palette changes, more rock, less rock, more pop, less pop, but the genre is still country music.
CN: Last year you received the Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year ACM Award. What was going through your mind when you found out you won? What does being given such a high recognition mean to you?
DC: Honestly, my first thought was that my career was peaking too early and that I was destined to fade out early. But that’s just me. Those thoughts quickly turned to how I could live up to that title. It’s obviously a huge honor to win an award like that. I take it as a “good job” from my friends and peers and try not to read too much more into it. Keep doing what i’m doing I suppose?
CN: In addition to that amazing honor, 2017 has been a HUGE year for you, with credits on albums from Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, Toby Keith, Kip Moore, Old Dominion and many others. We obviously won’t ask you to pick a favorite, but was there a specific song/album – or even a moment in a song – that really struck a chord (no pun intended) with you?
DC: A lot of the records I worked on this year were the second records I’ve worked on with many of the artists (Kip, Old Dominion, Chris Young, Flatts etc) and it’s a very cool experience to have your own rapport with the artist you’re working for. Many times in the studio you just show up and do your job and don’t really feel connected to the project. With consecutive records, its cool to have a relationship to build on and use as inspiration for the tunes.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
DC: Grateful. I’m in over my head and have to pinch myself that I get to do this for a living.
CN: Is there an artist that you would love to work with but haven’t had a chance to yet?
DC: Paul McCartney
CN: Have to get a hockey question in here – Flames or Predators?
DC: Very tough… When the Flames are in town… Flames – but a decade in Music City makes me comfortable to say “Go Preds.”
CN: What’s on the horizon for you in 2018?
DC: Work work work work. I’m just happy to be here, so I’ll keep saying yes as long as people keep hiring me!
For more information on Dave Cohen, visit his website: www.davecohenlive.com
You Are Wonderful, My Little David!!! Sending hugs and much love.
nice down to earth interview Dave , just like yourself – proud of you – john and Carole