Marlowe B West Interviews Up and Coming NYC Artist Coby Koehl

I have joyfully been the Star Reporter, here at Steel Notes Magazine, since its inception seven years ago (maybe eight or nine - lost track along with a whole lot else since we all fell under the Covid Curse). However, I am happy to still be here reporting under my Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan platform (also the name of my Rock ‘n Roll band) ... Where I continue to spotlight and share with you my most brilliant discoveries on my constant treasure hunt trek through these glorious, ever exhilarating, streets of New York City... Today, I am extremely honoured and proud to introduce to you, the extraordinarily beautiful young man responsible for all the tsunami-like wavez shaking up the current in our New York City Underground... Coby Koehl and I are on the phone... let’s eavesdrop ...

Coby: Hey Boo ... What’s new?

MBW: You, Coby! It’s all good. Just had a recording. Finished a couple more songs today in the studio.

Coby: Oh, how exciting is that?

MBW: Oh, I love it. It took a long time. Um uh, pandemic and all. Like crap.

Coby: I hear you. So you sang all the vocals today?

MBW: Yeah. I’m anxious to hear it but there’s a lot of mixing.

Coby: Sounds wonderful.

MBW: Yeah. How are you?

Coby: You know, I’m getting it together for my show. On November 11th, I got, like, 21 songs to learn all the lyrics. I got some new songs that I’m working on. And, uh, you know, I’m feeling the stress. I’m feeling that it’s time to get it together it’s on the 11th. Today is the third. I’m gonna have diarrhea for the next eight days. lol. At least I’ll lose a couple of pounds. I’m retaining water since 1982.

MBW: Ahaha, I think I’ll follow

Coby: Shit Uh, I think you look amazing.

MBW: You too. You’re kidding me. MBW: You know what? You’re just like, so. fantastic to, um, comment like that, because It’s some kind of an instinct thing. Some people like you. Um, you are extremely yourself. Yeah, you know what I mean? And it’s just it’s fantastic to see that. And, I mean, just as far as your voice and your performance is just, uh, just you. I mean, that’s what it is. And when I see that in people you know, when a person is. showing their inner self is coming out, that is just beautiful. Because everybody seems so inhibited or else they’re copying something else. Or depressed. A lot of people are just cranky. And, you know, I just love to see individuality. It’s so beautiful.

Coby: Thank you

MBW: You know, it’s and you know, it’s so crazy because the world is like in everybody’s little stupid group, you know, like you’re black or you’re gay or you’re Jewish or you’re and this one little category and I

Coby: I happen to be all of those things, By the way lol.

MBW: Do people like? Like, that’s beautiful. How do people fall into, um, having such, uh, you know, um, anxiety about other kind of people, you know, like this one’s that And this one’s that. And these ones don’t get along with that. I mean, you’re a bunch of conflicts all in one thing.

Coby: Well, I think I think, you know, we’re conditioned to find conflict in everything instead of embracing people for who they are. You know, we’re taught early.I wasn’t, but a lot of this country is, you know, that’s all political. homophobia and racism. And I mean, we could talk about it for hours and hours. You know, I’m just lucky that I get to do what I love. And, uh, I sing from the heart and I’ve been practicing, you know, almost 50 years and I just feel really blessed that I get to do what I love. I know it sounds cliche, but. when it comes down to it, it’s everything to me It’s more than money. It’s more than being in love. its doing what you love, because it’s, it’s so important. I think music saved my life, you know, as I’m sure it saved yours.

MBW: Yes, that’s my life. It’s like, um, everything surrounded by that. And I get all, um, carried away with, uh, responsibilities and things that are expected of each of us. You know, all of the things that we have to, um, do to just get by. And then, um, the whole intention is to be able to get to do what you want to do.

Coby: Love it. Yeah. And my intention is to do the music first, and everything else falls, you know, Second, really, to be honest, uh, because, you know, I think it’s important to have an outlet to express yourself so we don’t become bitter and unhappy and jaded. And, uh, I just, uh, you know, not everybody has an outlet. So you and I are very, very lucky. We have an artistic outlet we get to perform, we get to dress the way we want. We have the balls to be true to ourselves. And I think that’s such a gift. And even it might have taken a long time to get to this point. But, uh, you know, I know you’ve been doing it a long time. I saw you have an autobiography 1967 to 1970.

MBW: Yeah. Oh, my God.

Coby: And I saw that was another life. Actually, I think I see the same person. It’s the same beautiful man, you know, You’re just a little bit older. I was born in 1970. So you were already in the game when I was even, was a sperm. So I have a lot of respect for you. You’ve been in the game a long time doing your thing, and you’re still cranking it out. So my hands down to you, man. I mean, incredible. You never gave up on yourself.

MBW: No, I think I put everything else aside too and and my my goal is still before me. I was still reaching to write and I’ll never stop if I exactly ever hit the main target that I’m after. I mean, I haven’t. Gigantic aspirations and my dreams. I like beyond, Um, it’s not just one thing. It’s a big conglomeration of things. that are all kind of had to reach to mostly everybody, and and so. it’s hard to like. hit. them all, you know

Coby: It is. But you know, I think it’s really important to have a goal and to always aspire to something. When you lose your dreams, you lose your zest for life. And if you don’t have something to look forward to, and if you’re not working towards something and if you’re not trying to accomplish something, then what’s the point of getting up in the morning and getting out of bed? You know, there’s been times when I was so depressed that I couldn’t get out of bed. But I actually have to say that music. has always been the thing that always, you know, saved my life and got me to the next level or got me through the worst times. Uh, that taught me everything that I needed to know. And,you know, being a singer has opened a lot of doors for me, as I’m sure that I’m sure that it has for you as well. So we’re actually very lucky. You know, money isn’t everything. The blessings are free, and we have to really embrace them. And the money comes after, you know, money and fame and all that other stuff. That’s just gravy. You know, uh, the fact that I get to sing every month at PANGEA. That is a gift. You know, I have an outlet. I have a platform. You see, you perform all over the country. I see you have a great band, and, uh, you know, I think we’re really lucky. And that’s why you’re so young and vibrant and beautiful because you’re still doing what you love. And, uh, you’re an inspiration to me.

MBW: Well, yeah. I was just telling some people today, like, actually, when I was at the studio. with my guitar player Paul. And, um I was telling him about you and that I was interviewing you for the magazine and that and how you inspire me. I mean, after all these years, I have never ran into somebody who was so inspirational. I mean, you’re younger than me, but you bring something from another whole dimension. You seem to carry things that are familiar. Things that were just amazing. And other huge singers, like Judy Garland and even Pavarotti.

Coby: Wow. Judy Garland, who doesn’t want to be compared to Judy Garland? I mean, that’s incredible. Thank you so much. you know, she’s was so phenomenal. I’m older than Judy Garland when she died. MBW: Amazing. I would never think that.

Coby: Thank you

MBW: Somebody asked how old he was when I was talking about you, and I said, Probably around 30 or something like that.

Coby: Oh, thank you. If I could look 20 years younger than you know, I’m doing something right. No Botox, no filler.

MBW: No, you do. You should. I’m not kidding it. I was like, I say you was in the thirties. Maybe.

Coby: Thank you. A lot of people say that, and I’m really blessed, you know? You know, at any moment I have to say that in four years of Trump, I feel like it aged me. And I definitely gained some weight. You know, I carry a lot of shit on my shoulders, you know, and I feel a lot of pain. And maybe that’s why I sing so well Because I know, I’m very sensitive, and I worry about people and our country,

MBW: But,

Coby: Uh, you know, we still live in New York. We still live in the greatest city in the world where we could still be ourselves. And you can survive in New York. We’re survivors.

MBW: Yeah.

Coby: And you know, we’re resilient.

MBW: I know I feel very alive just walking down the street in New York City. And you know what? Um you said something about, uh you live for your song and stuff, and I just do you just wake up singing,

Coby: Not always.

MBW: No,

Coby: But I’m definitely always thinking about music and. my next show and my next performance or a booking. I mean, my whole life is really at the end of day. It’s about the music.

MBW: Absolutely. Yeah,

Coby: I know you understand that.

MBW: Oh, I definitely do. Wow. just being in the studio today put another big light on that because, um, since, uh, we started recording the song, and then everything got in the way until I finally got to put on the final vocals. and hearing it’s like a birth or something. It’s like, Oh,

Coby: It absolutely is a birth or something. It is. MBW: It is because it’s like, I can’t wait for everybody to hear these songs. Finally. It’s expressing what’s in your heart, you know,

Coby: Absolutely.

MBW: It’s a

Coby: release. You’re releasing a lot of things, you know, pent up frustrations. Your are your lyrics, your melodies, you know, during the pandemic we weren’t able to really like, I wasn’t able to perform live for almost two years. And that was really hard for me.

MBW: Oh, yeah,

Coby: It was really difficult. And then sitting on my ass in my house and watching the news and seeing my friends pass away and people suffering and the country falling apart, it definitely had an effect on me. And, uh, I feel like we’re just finally, even though we’re still going through a lot. And there’s a lot of covid cases, and I think we’re just learning to adjust to this new type of era, you know, we’re living a very different life. Then we did five years ago even, with the death and the vaccines and the pressure and people still aren’t working. I mean, there’s a lot of shit going on. So, thank God we have an outlet. and and and their way to express ourselves because, you know, it’s cheaper than therapy and Prozac to do your art. I think, don’t you?

MBW: I know! Yes! Definitely! This freaking pandemic still freaking sucks, Coby. I, I can’t wait to see you again. I know, when I’m watching your performance, I am just flooded with. joy. And you know, I’m And when I’m just, like watching and listening. and all these feelings, it’s like you. You’re just like you have so much to give. I can’t wait for the world to get more of you because, like all of the bullshit that we all been through in this covid thing and everybody being gloomy and stuff they need to get kicked in the balls with the real good stuff like that. Thank you. Like it’s really an eye opener. It’s so joyful. And, um, you’re so funny, too.

Coby: Thank you

MBW: Thank you! I mean, you’re so today. You’re, um the way that you’re wording stuff the way that you talk, and it’s very cool.

Coby: Thank you,

MBW: But it really reaches everybody. It’s not just for a certain group of people, It’s universal. Coby

Coby: Well, I really appreciate that. Well, I’m very inclusive, you know, I sing for everybody. You know, I don’t sing for a specific group, uh, I sing all kinds of songs. I don’t just sing one type of music I sing R and B and jazz and house music and opera and a little bit of cabaret and some Broadway a great balid. You know, I’ve been singing my whole life and I love all types of music. I mean, the first show I ever saw when I was four or five years old was a Was a show called Ippy n tombi they were they were an African dance troupe that sang gorgeous songs while naked on stage. And that was the first thing I ever saw on stage as a child. And, uh, it was incredible. And something like that has an effect on you forever. So, you know, we bought the sound track and I was singing African songs.

MBW: Yeah.

Coby: So I was very influenced at a very young age by all types of music, Frank Sinatra, African music surely, and a lot of gospel music, jazz. So, you know, listening to all that type of music, really, helped me form the sound that I love, and, uh, it helped me develop my talent. You know, the people that inspire me are the great’s. So I’ve been very lucky to be exposed to just great talent and great records and great people. And I went to high school, the performing arts, and that was really big. influencing me as well.

MBW: So you’re

Coby: Really lucky. You know, I’ve been singing since I’m a baby, and I’m about to be 51.

MBW: So

Coby: I’ve been singing for 50 motherfucking years yo!

MBW: So I heard your show on the 11th is actually your birthday?

Coby: Yeah. You know, I try to sing on my birthday every year to celebrate why I’m on this planet. Because I know why I’m here. I’m not here to be a supermodel. I’m not here to run for president. I’m here to bring joy and sing and, express myself write great songs touch and move people. And, So I know why I’m on this planet I’ve always known. And, I celebrate myself, and I think it’s really important. You know, I’d rather sing at a concert Then go out and buy a fur coat or spend money on stupid shit. I don’t wear fur of course it was a bad example lol. I rather spend it on performing.its really important to me. My birthday show is always a guarantee that I’ll be on stage and it’s something to look forward to and work towards. And I’ve been performing with the same pianist for over 20 years. His name is, Yan Falmagne and he’s a great blessing. in my life because we have great chemistry, and, uh, he’s a great guy. He went to great music schools. He’s just I mean, he could look, he could listen to a song on YouTube and write it out in, like, five minutes, he’s genius

MBW: Oh, yeah?

Coby: I get to work with phenomenal background singers and great musicians and singer at great places. So, uh, you know, I’m so fortunate. I really I’m really, really fortunate. MBW: Oh, yeah. Those girls that you brought up on stage, Aviva and, um,

Coby: and Mijori. Aren’t they brilliant?

MBW: My God, they’re like, um, it’s like your. They’re on the same cloud as you. I mean, absolutely. They knock the shit out of you. You’re like, What the fuck?

Coby: Yeah,

MBW: just And you

Coby: I know, girls like that young, beautiful girls like that need a place to sing. And that’s why I first of all love Pangea. I love that they’ve given me a great platform that I can host a show and bring great talent to sing there because, you know, I don’t think there’s enough of that in New York.

I feel really blessed to be able to support other artists and influence them and maybe, um, inspire them and give them a place to sing and learn from them as well. You know, you learn from everybody you perform with, so I’m going to be doing that once a month, last Tuesday of every. month. And, uh, I can’t wait for the next one. I have, like, 6 or seven people coming to perform. It’s really growing and building.

MBW: Yes. And you know what? It’s gonna catch on because that place is gonna be packed. MBW: The crowd is growing every time and they’ll be down down the block trying to get in there, And

Coby: I hope so.

MBW: I can’t wait. So this magazine comes out and people start more and more people start finding out about you because you’re just gonna be all over the place.

Coby: Well, I appreciate you and I really, really appreciate your love and support. You know, it’s very rare in this business, and other artists support other artists. You know. Everyone’s so fucking competitive. it’s just so ridiculous. there is Room for everybody

MBW: Everybody! Yeah, and nobody’s the same anyway. That’s what I was trying

Coby: to write for.

MBW: Everybody be so choosy about this or that one being this or that. It’s like. nobody’s the same. Everybody’s freaking. as different as their fingerprint.

Coby: Isn’t it interesting that in life, you know, uh, we love antiques, but We don’t celebrate older people. We love different types of dogs and cats, but we don’t except different types of people. You know, we love different flowers, but we’re racist and we we don’t open ourselves to different cultures and different lifestyles. It’s just so weird because we love certain things, but we don’t love each other. So I think we really need to strive. Humanity needs to work on that, you know?

MBW: And then also, I think the media, um, is really trying to be destructive about that and dwells on it. And that’s what the headlines, um, they put a spotlight on all that shit. because I. I see I feel like, um, it’s really overwhelming. But then, as I look into. people and just walking down the street and the Children, they’re born beautiful, and they’re just. how do they learn to laugh. That’s a natural thing. They nobody taught them to just brand of things. And when they smile and stuff, I mean, that’s what people really are. And I think the older they get, they get influenced and the media is just disgusting. All you hear about

Coby: The media, though, I think it’s politicians who really, uh, race race bait. for votes. You know, they try to support the wrong thing just so that, you know, they’re trying to placate and influence the people for votes. So they’re gonna say what those people want to hear. And if the group of racists want to hear that the Mexicans are the reason the world’s falling apart, they’re gonna say that, you know, they’re they’re selling their souls for votes and it’s all about power. And it’s all about division. and pointing the finger at somebody else instead to distract from being held accountable.you know, just like sex sells ,It sells, it, sells tickets, it buys, votes, it gets donations. And, uh, America is deeply rooted and white supremacy homophobia sexism and ageism, and, uh, I happen to be all of those things, old gay into the swirl and jewish.