Cobi (musician)

Cobi
Years active 2008–present
Labels 300 Entertainment
Associated acts Gentlemen Hall
Website cobimusic.net

Cobi is an American musician from Grand Marais, Minnesota.[1] A former original member of the Boston-based band Gentlemen Hall, Cobi released his solo single "Don't You Cry For Me" on May 3, 2016 under 300 Entertainment.

Early Life and career

Cobi became interested in music at about age 8, when a family friend visited their home with an electric guitar and began teaching Cobi and his brother a few chords. Once he was able to play them, his interest in music grew. That summer, he bought his first guitar, a Squier Stratocaster, by saving up money made from mowing lawns for $3 an hour. From then on, he taught himself to play guitar by ear, listening to songs over and over until he mastered them.[2] Shortly after, Cobi and a long time friend formed a blues band, playing covers of songs at local bars in Minnesota and Wisconsin.[3] Cobi is an alumni of Berklee School of Music in Boston.

In 2008, Cobi and 5 others formed the band Gentlemen Hall. The success of the band, which was signed to Island Def Jam Records, came rather quickly.[4] In 2009, they won a MTV Video Music Award for Best Breakout Boston Artist and performed at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.[5]

Present

On December 18, 2015, Cobi signed with 300 Entertainment. In April 2016, he joined English progressive trance group Above & Beyond's international tour, providing vocals for much of the songs. The tour included dates running through June 2016 at iconic venues such as Royal Albert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and the Sydney Opera House.[6] On May 3, 2016, Cobi released "Don't You Cry For Me", which premiered through Interview Magazine.[7] The track was later released through digital retailers and streaming services Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon Music on May 6, 2016. In July 2016, the track was trending on Billboard's and Spotify's Viral 50 list.[8] A music video for the song was released in September 2016 and premiered through the Huffington Post.[9] As of its release date, the song has over 12 million streams on Spotify.[10] On September 29, 2016, Billboard premiered his second single "Prophet Story."[11]

Artistry and Influences

Cobi's Blues-like sound has been compared to that of Hozier. His single "Don't You Cry For Me" features a gospel choir providing background vocals, giving the song a soulful sound.[12][13] Cobi grew up listening to, and found musical inspiration in, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page.[1]

Discography

References

  1. 1 2 Tan, Emily. "Cobi on Jimi Hendrix, Songwriting and "Don't You Cry for Me"". Myspace. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  2. ↑ Broxton, Candace (July 23, 2015). "Cobi Mike Interview – Ten Minute Interviews". Ten Minute Interviews. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Cobi - Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  4. ↑ "Vibe, maintained: Gentlemen Hall sign to Island Records, release Kendrick Lamar cover". Vanyaland. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  5. ↑ Gabler, Jay. "Cobi Mike of Gentlemen Hall goes solo with 'Walking Through the Fire'". Local Current Blog | The Current from Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  6. ↑ Harmon, James (April 26, 2016). "Above & Beyond Announces Arsenal of New Vocalists For Acoustic Tour – EDMTunes". EDMTunes.
  7. 1 2 Mahot, Laura. "Exclusive Track Premiere: 'Darker Than Dawn,' Cobi". Interview Magazine.
  8. ↑ Lainez, Shervin. "Cobi Talks '90s Baggy Pants, Prince's Style & Rock n' Roll Vests at New York Men's Fashion Week". Billboard. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  9. ↑ Nwandu, Angelica (6 September 2016). "A Conversation With New Musician Cobi On Being A White Ally". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  10. ↑ Allouche, India. "Cobi Steals the Highline Ballroom Stage with his Passionate and Electrifying Sound". Baeble Music. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  11. 1 2 DiMeglio, Mary J. "Listen to Cobi's Highly Anticipated Second Single, 'Prophet Story': Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  12. ↑ "Cobi – Darker Than Dawn | All Things Go". www.allthingsgomusic.com. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Listen To This: Cry For Him". perezhilton.com. Retrieved June 1, 2016.

External links

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