BY: BEN PAPAGEORGE
Producing a hit country song takes time, talent, and hard work. The musicians behind the scenes don’t always get the full recognition they deserve but without them, our favourite songs would not be what they are.
Dave Cohen is one of those people that has influenced many hit country records with his talent. Originally from Calgary, Dave Cohen is a session keyboardist who has spent the past 10 years in Nashville garnering many accolades. He got his first start touring with Canadian acts Johnny Reid and Amanda Marshall and after moving to Nashville, he continued touring with the likes of Joe Nichols, Big & Rich, and Wynonna. In 2013, he decided to step away from touring to work strictly as a studio musician.
Since then, Dave Cohen has played on countless hits by the biggest names in country music like Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Cole Swindell, Lauren Alaina, and Old Dominion to name a few. He was also named the Academy of Country Music’s 2017 Keyboard Player of the Year, a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication.
We had the privilege to talk to Dave Cohen about his life as a session musician and what’s it’s like working with the biggest stars in country music. Check out our full interview below!
TC: Career-wise, have you had any “pinch-me” moments recently?
DC: Yes! Kid Rock (Bob, as he introduces himself) was a cool recording experience. Very down-to-Earth, generous fella! After recording the record he invited us to his double wide trailer for pizza and beer!
TC: What’s it like working with country music’s biggest stars?
DC: Inspiring. Those guys work so hard and have the best attitudes, if they can do it with a smile, there’s no reason I can’t.
TC: What advice would you give to someone looking to be a session musician in Nashville?
DC: COME AND LIVE HERE – there’s nothing stopping you from doing exactly that. Most people sit on the sidelines, but the truth is it’ll never happen unless you immerse yourself in the scene. It’s really a small community.
TC: Growing up in Alberta, did you listen to country radio when you were younger?
DC: I didn’t really become aware of country radio until high school. My family never had country music on in the house, so I’m late to the party. I had a lot of catching up to do.
TC: After touring with artists like Johnny Reid and Joe Nichols, what compelled you to become a full-time studio musician in Nashville?
DC: I had always wanted to record for a living. After about a decade on the road, it began to feel like Groundhog Day. So I decided that rather than becoming a jaded road dog, I would uproot myself and try and get the session thing happening. So far so good!
