Even though Iris Cohen is a relative newcomer to the singer/songwriter realm, she has been in the “biz” for a number of years and has been a lover of music for practically her whole life.  In fact, her mother recalls Iris, while still in diapers, standing next to the speakers of the family stereo and dancing joyfully with a natural rhythm.

 

Throughout her school years she took the usual piano lessons, played flute in the band and sang in chorus.  Aside from playing music, Iris enjoyed listening for countless hours (and of course singing and dancing along) to the radio plus an assortment of records (yes, that’s right- records, remember them?)

 

As a senior in high school Iris interned at a recording studio in White Plains because she was drawn to the art of sound engineering.  It was there at Minot Sound where she was fortunate to learn from some of the most talented recording engineers, producers and performers in the record business.  Iris began to fine tune her ears by working on a wide array of music ranging from R&B, gospel, jazz, rock, pop to “new age” and even meditation music.  Clients were impressed by her keen focus, attention to detail, quickness and extreme patience.  As her experience increased she eventually co-produced artists’ albums where her affinity for vocal harmonization developed.

 

Though she enjoyed helping others with their craft, she felt something creatively was missing within her.

 

It was about 10 years ago when Iris started to find her own voice. She managed to muster up the nerve to get behind the microphone at open mics.  Soon after, she bought a guitar and learned how to play. It was not long before she began writing songs. 

 

There is a familiarity to her music and singing, but it is difficult to pinpoint or compare her style.  Her songs are melodic, flavored with rock and folk.  With emotive and sometimes haunting vocals, Iris has the ability to make a sad song sound sweet.  Listeners tend to be surprised to hear such a powerful voice emit from this petite individual.

 

Iris has not given up engineering mind you.  Nowadays she leans towards live sound as she likes the spontaneity.  She also has become greatly concerned by the direction that the music business has taken.  Many artists performing original music have had difficulty getting booked in local venues because club owners seem only interested in hiring cover bands because that’s where the money is.  

 

A few years ago Iris decided to put on a show in Westchester County featuring some of the area’s most talented acts.  She called this production “vivalamusica!” and all involved were please with its outcome.  It was there that she met Rick Rock, the future founder of Tribes Hill.  The two of them shared a similar vision and together they hosted shows in the back yard of the historic Hammond House in Valhalla, home of Rick and his brother Mike. 

 

More and more musicians emerged from throughout the Hudson Valley region eager to join together to make a difference in the local music scene and beyond.  This led to the creation of the non profit organization known as Tribes Hill where Iris acts as secretary, producer and sound person for many of the shows and, of course, one of the musicians in this aspiring collective.

 

Oh, and by the way, Iris also plays a mean shaker.