Nashville-based, six-time BMI Award-winning, and Grammy-nominated creator Jeff Cohen is stepping back into the spotlight with his new single, “Boat On A River.” Now available on all platforms, the track serves as a bridge back to the singer-songwriter roots that first inspired his massive career.
Listen to “Boat On A River” here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5ab7SjY63EKaD9w1inbdp6?si=ad691cfcb47d4fba
A Star-Studded Collaboration
Produced by Cohen himself, the single features a rich tapestry of background vocals from a powerhouse lineup:
- Bethany Joy Lenz: Known for her starring role in One Tree Hill.
- Toby Lightman: Former Atlantic Records artist and co-writer of a recent American Idol winning song.
- AJ Dean-Revington: From the UK Americana Award-nominated band The Wandering Hearts.
The track was engineered by Brad Hill (Maren Morris) and Fraser Watt, mixed by Buckley Miller, and mastered by Mike Monseur.
Finding Peace in the Current
While Cohen has penned hits for global stars like The Band Perry (“Postcard From Paris”) and Big & Rich (“Holy Water”), “Boat On A River” is a deeply personal offering.
“It’s about stepping away from the noise of life for a moment—knowing you’ll return refreshed and ready,” says Cohen.
Catch Him in the UK
The release coincides with Cohen’s return to the UK for a series of high-profile performances, culminating in appearances at the prestigious C2C Festival in London.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- Feb 28: Forty Five Vinyl – York
- Mar 1: The Live Room – Saltaire
- Mar 3: PizzaExpress Live – Holborn, London
- Mar 6: Anvil Arts – Basingstoke
- Mar 14 & 15: C2C Festival – O2 Arena, London
Who inspired you most when you were just starting out?
My favorite artist and the one that most inspired me to be a songwriter is Jackson Browne. First albums I listened to that weren’t in my parents’ collection were The Beatles and The Beach Boys. First album I bought with my own money was Billy Joel “The Stranger”.
What’s the most challenging gig you’ve ever played, and what did you learn from it?
Most challenging gig I ever played was the first time I played in Melbourne, Australia. I had flown from Sydney that day, and planes were delayed. Only had time to check into the hotel, shower, and go straight to soundcheck. Hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so was starving at that point and really looking forward to a good dinner. The manager of the opening act was assigned to take me and my friend, who was playing the show, to dinner. She took us to a food court in the hotel/casino we were playing in. The only options were McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a dangerous-looking sushi counter. Told her since we had about 2-3 hours until we played and had a long day, we would prefer a sit-down. She said it was all that was in the area, plus we wouldn’t have time since we needed to get back to watch the opening act. We told her we saw the soundcheck of the opening act and really needed some downtime, but she insisted. We ended up at KFC. Within 15 min of getting back to the venue, I knew something was wrong. I ended up with the worst food poisoning of my life!! I will spare you the details, but I ended up lying down on a couch in the dressing room with a ginger ale. Insisted on playing the show, and to this day still don’t know how we did it. Went straight back to the hotel room and didn’t leave my bed for two days. It was Salmonella ! Had to cancel two major writing sessions and getting to see a city I had always wanted to visit. The part of the story I have to add is we found out after we were two blocks away from some of the best restaurants in town, and that is where the promoter told the manager to take us!!!
How did the pandemic impact your approach to music and performing?
I realized during the pandemic how much I enjoyed playing live shows. I had spent my career mostly in the background writing for other artists or TV/film, and I really missed the connection with the audiences. Didn’t know how much I enjoyed that until I couldn’t.
If you weren’t making music, what path do you think you’d be on?
Oh, that’s an easy question. I would be working somewhere in the sports world, probably with the New York Knicks or New York Giants or ESPN.
Which song do you love performing live the most, and what makes it special?
I do have some favorites. I would say it’s a tie between “ In Her Eyes” and the new single “Boat On a River”. “In Her Eyes” was recorded by Josh Groban and was one of my father’s favorites. Love playing it live. “Boat On a River” took me over 25 years to finish and three different choruses but now is the way I believe it was meant to be. Didn’t want to give up own that song and so happy it is finally out in the world.
Are there musicians you particularly admire or look up to right now?
Huge fans of Dawes. Think their songs and live performances are incredible.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
That songwriters would be properly compensated. It’s an absolute crime how little the songwriters see from streaming.
Who’s currently on your playlist?
I have a mix of old-school favorites and some new artists! My favorite new artist is GoldFord. “Easy Does It” is fire. Such emotion in his vocals and top-level songwriting.
Fun & Personality
If you could be any type of tree, which would you be and why?
Probably a palm tree because then I would be somewhere warm.
If money were no object, what job would you choose to do anyway?
I would definitely work in philanthropy. One day want to have enough money that I can constantly be donating to different charities, organizations and research
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
I get comments that I look a little bit like Stanley Tucci, but I’d probably choose Josh Charles, who is such an amazing actor. You might know him from films like Dead Poets Society or as Will Gardner on The Good Wife. He is also a great guitar player and music lover, so I think he would be a great choice.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the past or the future?
The past. I’ve made a few decisions I wish I had a chance to redo… Ha!
What’s something that always makes you feel nostalgic?
Old movies, especially the ones in black and white. It’s a Wonderful Life gets me every time.
https://jeffcohenmusic.com