Alessia Cohle
Photo by Marcie Costello Photography
Alessia Cohle is a fantastic Canadian singer songwriter who’s music I liked when I heard it, so this is what she had to say about it all.
1. What was the inspiration for the EP?
A lot of the inspiration for this EP came from family, friends, stories I heard people tell me, and my own life experiences. I like to put my own personal touch when writing, so each song has something personal in it.
2. How did the songwriting process go for the EP?
I did a lot of co-writing prior to writing this EP and was also introduced to a few different co-writers during the process. I had an idea of what I wanted to say and found writers that were able to help be express that musically and lyrically.
3. What was the recording process like for the EP?
It was so much fun! We spent a full day tracking drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and some of the vocals. A week or so later we recorded more vocals and added steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, keyboard, B3, Rhodes, and background vocals. It was a great experience recording at Revolution Recording in Toronto and hearing my work come to life!
4. Did you prepare for the recording process or what is it a case of see what happens in the studio?
My producer and I did a lot of pre-production to get an idea of what we wanted the songs to sound like and sent it to all of the players so they were familiar with the songs. However, a lot of ideas matured while we were in the studio, which added even more creativity to each song.
5. How was the recording process different to earlier material?
This was my first EP that I had recorded so it was really exciting laying down the majority of the tracks in only a few days. I had previously recorded songs in other studios, but this was the first time that I was going to be showcasing to the world what I have to offer which added to my excitement.
6. What did you learn from recording the EP that you will take away for future releases?
Recording this EP was a huge learning curve for me. I learned a lot about myself as an artist vocally and musically, but I also learned how I don’t want to compromise who I am because of what others think I should do and be. That’s something that has become very important to me not only as an artist and musician, but also as a person.
7. Are you happy how things have gone so far for yourself?
I am extremely happy with how my career is going so far. I’ve been so lucky to have such great support behind me with my family, friends, band mates, and fans, and am really looking forward to what’s next.
8. What inspires you when writing music?
Sometimes the smallest thing will inspire me to write a song. I once overheard someone in a coffee shop talk about how she wanted more out of life and how she felt everything around her was black and white. That sparked an idea and that is how my song ‘Let’s Get Gone’ started. I enjoying making each song I write honest and relatable, but not letting facts get in the way of a good song. If a part of the story won’t help make the song better, I’ll change it slightly for the sake of the song.
9. How does a song come to you?
In so many ways! Sometimes I’ll think of a title first, sometimes I’ll think of a specific lyric, and sometimes the melody comes first. It depends on how I’m feeling in that moment and how I want to express that feeling or idea.
10. Do you have moments where you just can’t write?
All the time! It’s frustrating when I have something I want to say, yet can’t figure out how. There’s been multiple times where I’ve sat down at the piano to finish an idea but nothing comes of it, as well as trying to write lyrics that express that idea. When that happens, I leave the room and go do something else – go for a walk, read a book, watch TV, anything to distract me. That almost always helps.
11. What do you love about Nashville and what does for you and your music?
Nashville is incredible! I’ve had the opportunity to go down a few times now and every time I go, I fall in love with the city a little more. This time around I got to do some more writing with Big Tent Publishing. The writing teams at Big Tent are great and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to write with them! I also got to perform at The Silver Dollar Saloon in downtown Nashville at their ‘Welcome to Nashville Showcases’. I got to showcase some of my new tunes that I had written while I was there and the audience was so welcoming to me. There are so many places to listen to live music, write, and places to go and be creative and get inspired. The city truly is ‘Music City’.
12. What buzz do you get out of playing live?
I feel this massive adrenaline rush when I’m stage. I love playing with my full band because of the energy that we all exchange when playing. It’s also a great feeling to look out into the crowd and see them having a good time, singing along, and dancing. It’s one of the best feelings for me.
13. Do you have rituals before playing a show?
I don’t drink or eat any dairy, I warm-up about an hour before my set, and I don’t eat very much before I perform (which I know is so bad!). I also have a little pow-wow with my band before we go on stage and we get each other pumped up for our set. That’s where the adrenaline rush begins.
14. What does 2016 have in store for you?
I’m really excited to see where 2016 will take me! I have some shows booked, and I’m starting to plan a tour. I am also working on a new album, which will show my growth as an artist. There will be different co-writers on it so, so naturally there will be some risks taken lyrically and musically, but will still be true to who I am.
