Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Cohen.
Debra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
1980’s: In a New Wave band called “The Instigators” opened up for Joan Jett at The Rat in Kenmore Square, Boston. Had one single played on the radio, WBCN, called “Boston Nights” and can be heard on my CD, “Eighties” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5N9CoyDUlwrUhX50o0Q624?si=fb8d2c4442d94f37
1990’s: Postmaster in Bailey Island, Maine
1994: Blues band in Nashville, TN
1999: Israel changed my life
2001: Got married in Egypt (as Sheryl Crow sings, It’s her/my “Favorite Mistake)
2005: Got the day job and was miserable for 10 years
2009: Started piecing my life back together as a musician
Ran out of money paying recording engineers, even with a 2nd job as a massage therapist, so I had to teach myself to record.
2015: Left the day job to become a full-time RVer and moved to Florida
2016: Diagnosed with Lyme disease. Moved to Texas to find “the synagogue”
2017: Got married to my soul mate and got certified as a group fitness instructor (As Life Happens)
2021: Hospitalized twice during Covid for 2 major illnesses; left with anxiety
2022: Moved to Marietta and a member of a synagogue in Atlanta
I have 2 start-up businesses:
1. Musician: Debra Cohen Music, primarily Jewish pop-rock, as well as earlier songs from my previous lives
2. As Life Happens: Teach Torah Yoga and waist hooping to adults
I also am expanding my music biz to add MERCH on my Amazon Music artist profile: https://music.amazon.com/merch/artists/B08CBKG5V1/debra-cohen?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_BsZL793OvabWPsEkcuaGdKlPp
I’m looking for my music tribe and for my place to offer group classes in Torah yoga/meditations. Also, a new rep for Kulanu at ADL.org to find creative ways to combat antisemitism. My clothing pitch for my Kulanu shirts says: Kulanu means “All of Us”. Get in the Race! https://tinyurl.com/DCMmerch
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles: Drug addict in the ’80s Almost died of an overdose.
Tried to join a convent in 1989 but was rejected.
Wanted to make a living making music and it hasn’t come yet. Where are the donations?
Took a family of 5 from Sudan into my home in 1999 and found out they have TB.
Lyme Disease: Miracle healing at a church in Texas.
Ageism: I get overlooked as a musician because of my age and my music.
Lost my fitness job during Covid and got fat! Now I cannot seem to find a job teaching because I’m out of shape.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Jewish pop-rock indie artist, a singer/songwriter, arranger, and producer who mixes and masters my own music. My style of music comes from my rock/Blues background, and because my style is different, I have not been able to find my tribe yet. Most proud of being persistent, even in the face of challenges and rejection. Pure faith.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Believe in yourself no matter what anyone else says. My mother never encouraged me and criticized my singing voice. I had to go through counseling to overcome the fear of singing publicly. But I believe I was made to sing for God in my own special way, and I keep trying to find a way to make a living doing what I love to do.
Pricing:
- .99 for downloadable mp3’s on debracohenmusic.bandcamp.com
- Donations: https://paypal.me/DebraCohenMusic
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.unitedmasters.com/debra-cohen-music
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debracohenmusicdotcom/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aslifehappensdotorg
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/debracohenmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZieDuB17LEtLtaMurI5FA
- SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/debracohenmusic
- Other: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/debracohenmusic
