As the son of Leonard Cohen, Adam Cohen has always faced an upward treck to get his name out there as a musician to be taken seriously - not just one that's in the industry off of his father's legacy.
Now he's releasing his fifth solo studio album, and we got the chance to put some questions to him about his journey, what we can expect going forward and more.
Adam CohenYou're set to release your fifth solo album, what should fans expect from this record?
This is my best work, and it’s faithful to the last record, a real continuation from the last record. A raising of the voice I found.
'We Go Home' is the title and the notion of Home you've said is your muse, can you tell us a little about that and your creative process on this album?
I have no creative secrets or recipes! Just put my head down and strum and hum and write ideas down until I’ve found something I find good or juicy.
How has being the son of Leonard Cohen affected your music career?
I’m enormously proud of the tradition from which I come. I regret not having embraced it earlier. But I’ve made up for lost time by throwing my arms around my father’s work and legacy, and take great pleasure in trying to honour what has come before me.
What was it like growing up with such a musical influence?
Intimidation and inspiration, I’m lucky to have had both of those in terribly high doses.
What would you note as some of the biggest struggles in your career?
My so-called career has been a struggle and until very recently a disappointment. In short, trying to be good, and stand tall among my favourite peers and most revered acts.
Where else do you draw inspiration from for your work?
I don’t have the luxury to wait for inspiration, I just lower my head and work these days. Luckily, the muse has always shown up, eventually.
What is it about music that you love?
There's too much to say about something one loves as much as I love music. It's like a long, long story with quarrels and intrigue and betrayal and surprises and imprinted memories and ghosts and heroes.
If you could choose to work with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I want to do a duet and music video with Beyoncé. Or Sean Lennon's girlfriend. I think the video might have a better chance of getting watched.
Finally what should we expect from you in the coming months?
I begin touring in September, and hope to tirelessly tour for the next 18-24 months.
Adam Cohen's new album 'We Go Home' is released September 15.