Windsor, Ontario’s Crissi Cochrane has always been proud of her roots in Nova Scotia, moving to Halifax at the early age of 18 determined to perfect her sound and then propelling her career after moving to Ontario. A proud Do-It-Yourself artist, Crissi handles most of her booking, publicity and design. Her recent release, Pretty Alright, is a six-song EP that perfectly demonstrates her amazing writing skills, singing abilities and really brings her energy while performing to life. After working with Crissi back when I first started out in the music scene, booking shows and promoting them, I can honestly say she is a hard working, energetic songwriter with passion and integrity. I shot Crissi off an email to talk about the new EP, which you can buy here, her life in Ontario and the new video for “I Won’t Try To Break Your Heart.”
T: How has your writing changed since you first began performing?
I started performing my own music when I was 15 years old, but my songwriting is always changing and adapting. For example, after diving into the bar scene, it didn’t take long to realize that upbeat and energetic songs are easier to drink to than the soft, pretty stuff. Now that I’m working on writing a new album, I’m focusing on writing songs that will translate well on vinyl, be they upbeat or soft and pretty.
T: Has your writing been influenced by anything since moving to Ontario?
Since moving here, I’ve really fallen in love with CBC Radio 3 and the station’s music selection, which has introduced me to tons of great Canadian musicians. Keeping up with new releases might seem daunting to some artists, but it’s fantastic research, and hearing what others are moving towards is a great way to find new influences.
T: Where do you get your inspiration from while writing?
I recently picked up a great rhyming dictionary, and there’s a short introduction that includes a quote by James Thomson – “Singing is sweet; but be sure of this, lips only sing when they cannot kiss.” To date, most of my releases consist of songs influenced by relationships, but lately I’m more interested in addressing larger things in my writing, while the majority of it is still inspired by a lack of something.
T: Can you tell us a little about the new EP and the new video?
As an independent artist, I didn’t have the funds to make a studio album this time around, but talent is just as valuable as money. Pretty Alright came together with the help of some incredible locals who volunteered their skills. Recorded almost entirely in my apartment and using pretty primitive technology, we captured some intimate performances. The EP’s frontrunner “I Won’t Try To Break Your Heart” has proven to be a very important song in my career, so it seemed natural to make a music video for it. The video combines my love of the Phog Lounge, gin & tonic, paint, and dressmaking.
T: Any plans on touring to the Maritimes?
Transportation has always been a big obstacle for me when it comes to touring – I can’t afford car insurance and haven’t driven since I was in high school, so chances are I’d wreck myself trying to drive through Toronto or Montreal. Nonetheless, I want to tour, whether it means sleeping in bus terminals or riding with strangers. I’m hoping to score a spot at a festival or two this summer and make a tour out of it – either way, it won’t be too long. My family lives out east and I’ve got to see them sometime.
T: Anything big in the works?
Mike Hargreaves and I took a trip to London recently to record our new project, Quick Foxes. Our collaborations will be online in the spring, along with a handmade art sale on my website. I’ll be selling paintings, handmade sunglasses cases, and painted tote bags, all of which will come with free downloads of unreleased music, at www.crissicochrane.com.
Cheers,
Tyler
hahaha. this is a cute song and i feel so sorry that her touring can hardly make to the Maritimes because she can’t afford car insurance.