From Crystal Waters to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond
By Sonia Isaacs
Composer and songwriter Gabriella Cohen has led a remarkable life that has taken her from a small Hinterland permaculture village to a journey of creative discovery, including headlining Woodford Folk Festival and touring the world.
GC&M News caught up with enigmatic songstress to find out a little more.
Q: In a few lines how would you describe yourself and your music?
A big salad of folk, blues, (bittersweet) pop, motown and doo-wop!
Q: How would you best describe your creative journey?
Well it hasn’t been a straight highway, that’s for sure… It’s more like a winding, twisting road, kind at times, cruel in moments, which led me from the hills of Crystal Waters to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. I’ve been able to travel the world through music, see places and meet characters I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve had the pleasure of recording and self-producing 3 LP’s and I’m currently working on my forthcoming album.
Q: What drives you to make music and what has given you the confidence to keep going?
I don’t think I can honestly help but sing and play. It’s like it’s in my blood or something. I’m constantly writing a song in my head or thinking about one. People’s faces, towns, cities, forests, they all beg to be turned into a song.
And I reckon it’s that connection, that feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself, that keeps me going. As for confidence, well, that’s a funny thing. I think it comes from just being true to who you are, not trying to be someone else or fit into some mould. And if you can’t be true to who you are just yet, fake it till you make it.
Q: How has growing up in the Hinterland/Crystal Waters influenced your outlook?
Well I sure have a healthy appreciation of trees and nature! I see the city as a beautiful melting pot of people, worlds, ideas, art; a pulsing energy. It’s nice to get in and get out…play some shows, do some fine dining, a dirty martini here and there… but I find if I’m there for a little too long I start to grow morose, much like a plant would without it’s forest.
No matter where I am, my heart is in the country. You can’t get better than salt of the earth folk. You can’t get better than growing things and eating them from your garden. You can’t get better than small community. I grew up in Crystal Waters for 17 years before I left home. That’s a long time to hang out with kangaroos (or run from them) swim in the creek and be surrounded by people who have helped raised you. For that, I am forever grateful.
Q: What advice would you give others starting out?
Do it for yourself. Do it because it makes your heart sing, because it makes you inexplicably happy! Don’t pay too much attention to what others are doing. Comparing yourself is poison… abandon any ideas that there is a right or wrong way to do things. The very reason you admire the artists on your wall is because they broke all the rules. Most importantly… enjoy the ride.
Gabriella will be playing an intimate, solo show in her hometown of Maleny, Good Friday, March 29.
Cohen will be playing new, unreleased tracks and old favourites.