New Artist Focus: Cozy Cliche
- Lowe
- Oct 2, 2023
- 5 min read
For this article we are taking a look at a newer artist to the Lofi music scene. Cozy Cliche had his first release, Lofi EP “Space Phrasing”, on September 12th and has shown a strong entry into the Lofi community. “Space Phrasing” showcases five songs, each with a unique sound and style:
- Space Phrasing - A blend of atmospheric embellishments, warm bass, bright guitar, and strong harmonies in the piano, this song starts and gently pulls us moving forward. Thanks to the rich textures and coloration of the instruments, the title track keeps us enveloped by the music, properly introducing the EP.
- Skippin the Beat - With various percussive elements grabbing our attention to establish this song, the soft harmonies and tender melodies enter as the percussion is toned down ever so slightly and we are given a lofty soundtrack to enjoy. This is a rather bright song and, for me personally, is a rather welcome change in atmosphere given that I typically associate space with darker imagery.
- Blue Nebula - As the name might suggest, this number highlights a continuous blues guitar solo, carrying us on seamlessly as the higher registers of the piano seem to offer a guiding light in the sky, shimmering effortlessly. My personal favorite, along with “Space Phrasing”.
- Road Trip - The slow-paced, soft synth melody layering on top of the harmonic pads allow for a free-to-roam improvisation in the keys, perfectly combining a slow harmonic pace and a flowing and unbroken line, creating suspension and movement simultaneously. The overall tone of this piece is very rich, offering us a human warmth amidst the stars.
- Oneiros - Translated from Greek to mean “dream”, this final song of the EP uses what sounds like pan flute synth pads to generate an airy, tranquil mood. The melody in the vibraphone flowing mystically from high to mid registers brings about a pleasant uncertainty as we move through the fantasy.
After coincidentally coming across his EP release announcement on Twitter (X), I waited in anticipation for it to drop and was pleasantly surprised! As is the same for most of us, I could sense a bit of uncertainty and downplay from him in regards to his first release but I personally think this is a powerful debut. I got a chance to ask Cozy Cliche a few questions and learn more about him and I wanted to share that here.
Do you have a background with music before releasing Space Phrasing? What instruments do you play and how long have you been playing them? Have you studied music as more than a hobby?
I've been in music since 4th grade when I learned Trumpet in school. My grandfather and my mother played a little guitar, so there were always instruments around me... Unfortunately I was a pretty wild little kid so they didn't take me seriously when I showed interest in music. I completely understand though, I never stuck with anything longer than a day or two lol. I haven't played Trumpet in literally 20 years, but I played it for 8 years in school.
I taught myself guitar when I was around 12/13. Finally convinced my family guitar was something I really wanted to do, and 25+ years later I proved it lol. I also play bass guitar, and somewhat play drums but I haven't sat at a set in years.
In my early 20s I went to a little school in Kentucky for audio engineering and graduated from it 2 months before the economy tanked. I wanted to make it a career, but like most of my life, I had bad timing lol
I know you've mentioned that you were a metalhead, and I know Lofi has had a significant impact on your life, can you say, briefly or in depth, how that transition came about? What gave you the initial urge to write Lofi, rather than just listening to it?
I had always been into rock n’ roll. When I was really young I was into the 'oldies' (50s, 60s) then when I started playing guitar I graduated up to classic rock (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Boston, Zeppelin.) As I grew my guitar skills I found heavier music more challenging to play so I gravitated towards that. Metal became my outlet. I've had mental health illness pretty much all of my life and that energy in metal really allowed me to 'let loose' with some of those emotions...
Just over a year ago, I checked myself into a mental hospital for the first time (and only time so far). The metal and guitar and music had kept me afloat most of my life but it wasn't enough and I lost touch with reality. After, and since I've been out, I've done program after program of group therapy and support. My therapists and shrinks kept suggesting I work on a project of some sort... I couldn't find one I really wanted to do and there was nothing I really stuck with.
In the beginning of the summer I found out about Lofi and it instantly "struck a chord" with me. I kinda found that "project" and decided, “…if I'm going to do this, I'm going to dive in and I'm going to release whatever I have finished on September 12.”. It's literally something I have to show for my year of recovery.
What are some of your biggest Lofi influences? Have they helped shape your own songwriting?
I honestly don't yet really have any Lofi influences, to be honest. I haven't done my homework with Lofi artists as I've done with metal bands. I usually throw on some random Lofi channel that pops up in my youtube suggestions when I'm in the Lofi listening mood. I don't yet have a favorite or someone I really enjoy more than others. I kind of feel like a baby to this genre still.
What are you working on now?
I'm working on a full length album I'm hoping to release in October or November. I have a lot of songs almost finished that were meant to go on “Space Phrasing” but ran out of time on. I also write 3/4 songs a week so I have quite a few tracks to iron out and release. I'm really experimenting more with the album because I don't have a deadline for this one. If It takes longer than expected, no problem.
I'm trying to just find some random noises and trying to make them work. I took a drum stick and my mic around the living room yesterday hitting random stuff and trying to make a snare and a kick drum. I'm thinking I'm going to try to make an entire 'drum kit' from things around the house and use it for a song. Zero actual drums or samples, 100% purely things I'm smacking with a stick lol
Originally coming from an inside joke between he and his wife (born from an “Archer” reference), and an obsession with space and the universe, Cozy Cliche created “Space Phrasing”; an atmospheric musical excursion. Cozy Cliche has his own story to tell and is passionate about being a positive force, especially in relation to mental health and towards those that deal with mental health issues.
Be on the lookout for Cozy Cliche's new release, continuing from the EP, around the end of October or early November! But in the meantime, go give Cozy Cliche’s music a listen at the following links!
And if you're interested in seeing what he's up to, go check him out on Twitter (X) @CozyCliche!
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