Gabriella Cohen, haven’t heard her music?  Well, you should take a listen. I first was made aware of her by a Canadian friend, let’s call her ‘Jane’.  Jane had the fortune of crossing paths with Gabriella at The Black Cat on Brunswick Street, a privilege I was soon to have myself.

Jane’s conversation ensued on the topic of Canadian music and literary legends and inevitably, Leonard Cohen the lyrical genius came up.  Embarrassingly, Jane was not familiar with Leonard Cohen. Gabriella expressed her desire to travel to Canada for the sole reason of following his path. They then connected their last names, an occurrence most serendipitous. Right after they met, Jane immediately started listening to his music and now she’s hooked.

Upon hearing of the story I first checked Gabriella Cohen out at the Northcote Social Club on High Street, as an opening act for an international player.  I was immediately taken by her stage presence. Not only was she comfortable on stage, she was flirtatious with the audience.  The crowd was sufficiently wooed by her groovy style and smooth moves.

So when I was invited to a small performance in North Melbourne at the New Market Studios, I was pretty pumped.  A ‘girl crush’ maybe?  Her music puts you in a dreamy trance.  The minimal backing of the musicians only enhances her voice. Her deceptively loose rhythms and timbre is hypnotic. Reminiscent of Mazzy Star, but charmingly, of course it’s own.

I came across Gabriella after the gig and she is truly humble and beautiful in person. Her biography on TripleJUnearthed.com states ‘Cohen has cemented herself as a unique songwriter, mixing eclectic pop with honest lyricism to create an infectious sound.’  Nothing could be more true.  Her song ‘I Don’t Feel So Alive’  is a perfect example of her musical character. She’s pretty damn Melbourne. Crack a beer on a hot day and give Gabriella Cohen a play. Thanks ‘Jane.’

– Leah
Leah Sparks is a Canadian girl living in Melbourne. Other than her love for maple syrup, she digs the outdoors, live gigs, beer, the 70s and cruising around town with her white wolf.

Gabriella’s debut album ‘Full Closure and No Details’ is out on on March 3rd 2017. You can listen to ‘I Don’t Feel So Alive’ from the album now.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Remote Control Records.
Image Credit: Gabriella Cohen Official Facebook Page