Interviews
Cobi – No Way Out
By: Courtney Groom
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) Singer-Songwriter steeped in Rock, R&B and Soul.
Q) What musicians and artists inspired you to become a singer?
A) As far as guitar playing goes, in the beginning, I was really inspired by Jimi Hendrix and a lot of those 60s and 70s bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles – stuff like that. Later, I started getting into different songwriters like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and I dove into songwriting myself. It’s hard to pick one, there are so many that have inspired me throughout my time in music, but it really started with those artists.
Q) What was the inspiration behind “No Way Out?”
A) Taking care of my father as he was passing away. Being with him in his final year of life. Watching him go through an inconceivable amount of pain. He expressed regret about some of his life choices. I guess I couldn’t help but to write it into a song.
Q) When did the idea for “No Way Out” begin?
A) A lot of times I’ll start writing a song based off a melody. “No Way Out” was the first lyric I had that accompanied a melody in the chorus. That was the beginning of the song and I wrote all the lyrics based off that one line.
Q) How long did it take you to finish the song?
A) I had the structure and melodies for the song in a couple of hours, but I re-wrote the lyrics so many times that it took a few weeks before I was actually done.
Q) What is your favorite line/lyric from ‘No Way Out’ and why in particular does that line stand out for you the most?
A) “Damage done I let you be the judge, that’s the price that we pay for love”
This is my favorite lyric because it’s saying that we give our loved ones the authority to hold us to our highest self. Whether it be our partners, friends or family, the price that we pay for love is to be accountable for our actions and be held to a higher standard.
Q) How do you feel that “No Way Out” shows your growth as an artist?
A) I think it’s my most vulnerable song. I took some risks lyrically that I normally wouldn’t take. There was a lot of feedback from my A&R at my record label to change the lyrics, particularly the “mentally unstable” line in the first verse. Ultimately, they gave their support and blessing, but definitely had me second guessing myself at times. Part of the growth is being able to live with yourself and saying, “This is what it is, and I am who I am.”
Q) What is your creative process like? Do you need melody before you can come up with lyrics?
A) I think the title is probably the most important piece of the puzzle. That gives you the story you want to tell. Sometimes the title doesn’t reveal itself until the end. Sometimes it’s the first thing you start with. A lot of times I’ll start with chords or melody and skat words until the lyrics start to write themselves. In any case, finding inspiration is the key.
Q) What message would you give to someone right now who may be going through something and is listening to your music for comfort?
A) My heart goes out to you.
Q) Do you think music is a form of escapism for people who are going through struggles and how do you hope your music connects to fans?
A) I think music soothes the soul. To me it’s not an escape, it’s an acknowledgment. When people listen to my music, I hope it pacifies whatever distress they may be in. Or just lifts their spirits.
Q) How important is it for you to have social media and interact with your fans?
A) Social media is a very important tool for me. I message back and forth with people constantly and I love making those connections. I’ve built meaningful relationships with people that have lasted years and years.
Q) What’s been your career highlight so far?
A) There have been many but playing “Don’t You Cry For Me” live on Jimmy Fallon definitely stands out.
Q) Who would your dream collaboration be with?
A) Billie Eilish
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?
A) Hit me up anytime.
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