Hey Amy! So excited to be chatting with you! What inspired you to pursue music?
Hey! I am too. I’ve been singing and songwriting for as long as I can remember. I know everyone says it but it’s really the one thing I always knew I would do. I guess I started to take it seriously around my second year at Boston University when I was at a low point in my life, and writing was really the only effective way to handle it. It’s hard to articulate, but nothing really speaks to me or connects with me in the way that music does, and I can’t see myself ever doing anything else.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I am 23 years old from Boston, MA. I moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of my music career in January 2018. I grew up with two siblings and the most incredible parents. Growing up I was a huge athlete, loved fitness and wellness, but singing/writing is the one passion that never left me.
What artists do you look up to right now?
I look up to artists for different reasons. Coldplay, Adele, Frank Ocean, and John Mayer are probably my most influential songwriters. Their honest, poetic style inspires my willingness to be vulnerable and raw in my writing. Ariana Grande and Rihanna are two women that are always inspiring to me as a female artist navigating the space. Their indelible confidence and unstoppable ambition truly pave the way for younger artists like myself. They’ve both overcome hardship and used their platforms to encourage listeners to be human, be themselves and be bold rule breakers.
You are gearing up for the release of your debut EP “Direction”! How excited are you to finally get this project out into the world?!?
I am SO excited to get this project out into the world! It truly summarizes my life for the past few years in just a few short songs.
Can you tell us about what this EP means to you?
This EP means so much to me. It represents growth, outgrowing someone, navigating change, finding new love, and finding myself. “Oil and Water” was written a few days before I ended things with my first love. After all the years of fighting through the ups and downs and trying to make sense of it all, everything was suddenly so simple and so clear on that one day, and I remember writing “Oil and Water” in 15 minutes. Suddenly I felt free in knowing that I’ve changed, this just didn’t work anymore, and that that was okay. I knew it was time to let go instead of trying to fit somewhere I’ve outgrown. “Oil and Water” marks that moment of change that catapulted everything else. I put myself first and had the courage to know that I deserved more. The other 4 songs on the EP are inspired by what came next. “Lose My Mind” represents the freedom that came with sexuality and being single. Feeling empowered through sex. My current boyfriend inspired the last three tracks of the project. While I was navigating the end of college and a huge move across the country to Los Angeles, I was also navigating a long distance relationship. I struggled a lot when I first moved out here – it was so humbling. I felt ungrounded, directionless, and ultimately like a tiny fish in a huge ocean. Over the past year, I’ve really grown into myself. I’ve truly come so far out here just on a personal level. And I’m so thankful for my relationship, as it has taught me what real love is, how a woman should really be treated, how to give into vulnerability and let myself be seen. Ultimately, as I’m navigating this city and industry, no matter how lost I may feel at times, I have a love that fulfills me, nurtures me, and truly is my Direction.
What do you hope your supporters will think of the new EP?
I hope my supporters enjoy the project of course. But more importantly I hope they resonate with the truth behind the lyrics. I hope my decision to be human – both flawed and magnificent – throughout every lyric inspires listeners to be themselves and be brave enough to feel. Everything you are experiencing is valid- there is no right and wrong. Just let yourself feel it.
Any fun moments while creating “Direction”?
Of course! The studio is my favorite place to be. Endless laughs. Many tears but mainly laughs haha.
What song are you most excited to perform from this new EP?
Definitely Direction. It is the title track of the EP and probably my favorite song I’ve ever written.
What does it feel like to perform your own music live in front of your supporters?
Its nerve-wrecking for sure haha but it’s an incredibly humbling, empowering and meaningful feeling as well. I feel like I come out of my body almost. Just being able to have so many people captivated by me simply singing the songs I write in my bedroom – that are so personal to me – and knowing the lyrics too, is just so moving.
Are you planning to tour to promote this EP?
Not at the moment! This is my debut project so I would like to build my catalogue first.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
I want to be super open with my fans. I want to be myself. I want to have fun with my fans and make everyone in the room feel seen and appreciated.
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
Still have yet to have a crazy one!
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?
Definitely Instagram! Follow me: @amycohenmusic
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I am constantly writing and looking to piece together a second EP for a 2020 release.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I love you! I can’t wait to start performing around more frequently for you all.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with us.
Thank YOU for having me. I appreciate the support.
