Hannah Cohen, photo by Thomas Bartlett

Hannah Cohen is a former model and part-time photographer who’s previously posed for the likes of Terry Richardson, Ryan McGinley and David Salle. Born in California and living in New york since 5 years. She recorded her impressive debut entitled Child Bride in collaboration with Thomas Bartlett, session keyboardist for The National and Antony and the Johnsons. Her next tour begins on August 31 in the UK in the meantime she’s writing new songs and working on a photo show in Tokyo. Discover more after the break!

Hannah Cohen @ Pete's Candy Store, photo by Foye Johnson

Could you please tell us something about your background and career?
My father is a jazz drummer and my grandfather was a poet – writing  songs and playing music has been building up inside of me for a while.

You are both a musician and a photographer, do these media share common aspects?
Both song and photo happen out of nowhere for me, I never plan them, just kind of a burst of an idea or melody or something that is weird and catches my eye. So yes, they are similar for me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?  (things / person /  place….)
I write when I’m alone and when I want to talk but can’t, so I sing instead.

Could you please tell us something about the making of “Child Bride”?
I am very proud of it and I loved working with the producer Thomas Bartlett aka Doveman, he made it all possible for me.

How did it feel to collaborate with so many great musicians?
Everyone who played on the record was a friend of mine or of Thomas’ so the spirit in the studio was quite relaxed. It felt good to know people were working on the record because they wanted to be a part of it.

Moving to New York did in a certain way affect your music?
My life would be very different if I hadn’t moved to New York. My friends really had a lot to do with why I started playing music. They kept encouraging me to share my songs and play out.

Hannah Cohen & Josh Kaufman @ Barbes

Hannah Cohen, photo by Daniella Hovsepian

What was your best live experience so far? Why?
Playing in a church in Brighton. The sound was so beautiful in there, it was just me on my guitar and Thomas on the piano.

What do you miss the most and what are you glad to have left behind of your modeling career?
I loved the traveling and getting to know new cities. I was pretty young and I feel like I had to grow up very fast but it was a wonderfully exciting time for me. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I miss the lovely clothes I got to wear, getting all dolled up and being fawned over, especially because I was such a tomboy growing up.

Hannah Cohen, photo by Matthu Placek

What are your favorite musical venues in New York City?
I really like going to see music at Barbes in Brooklyn. It’s a wonderful space to play and to see people perform and lovely people who run the place. Le Poisson Rouge is a great venue as well. Lots of really amazing people playing there.

Who is the woman you’d like to see featured/ interviewed here?
Billie Holiday, Marianne Faithfull, Elis Regina.

Is there anything in particular you would like us to mention?
I like cats!

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