BIGSOUND 2018 Artist Focus: Gabriella Cohen

Give us a short description of your music: The love child of Songs Of Leonard Cohen and Neil Young's On The Beach.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Bin Juice, Nice Biscuit, G Flip.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Watershed? Porque... What does this mean... I've wined and dined in Bob Dylan's basement and went on a date with Yoko Ono!

If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be? Practice hard. Don't complain. Believe in what you are doing, because no one else will. Who cares about parties! (lol)

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Why the hell not? You've probably seen me play before. I've probably made you coffee. I may well recognise you as your coffee order. ...Few flat whites in the crowd here tonight! I just put out a new record... About to tour the USA... Catch us before we disappear again!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I've had the pleasure and the privilege of playing BIGSOUND a few too many times now. I'm wondering when they'll get a statue of me... Somewhere near Ric's sipping a G&T. Lessons are to be learnt regardless though. It's all about people skills.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? Lack of musicians covering each other's songs on stage. I'd like to see more folk nights, where you can go to a gig and actually sit down. Watch folk musicians come together and harmonise etc.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Well I recently found out about trap music! Who would have thought. I don't know about it. I'm still stuck in 1964. Vashti Bunyan forever.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 6 Sep, Black Bear Lodge, 10.30pm.