INTERVIEW: Siobhan Cotchin on new single 'How Does It Feel?': "I just want people to feel seen and heard when they listen to my lyrics."
Image: Jarrad Levy
Siobhan Cotchin is becoming one of the brightest new talents to emerge from her home state of Western Australia. First releasing music in 2020, this year saw her lead the nominations at the prestigious West Australian Music Awards, winning three awards from her five nominations. 2022 has been her most successful year yet, on top of the WAM Awards she has also released four singles and an EP and performed an electrifying set at the BIGSOUND festival.
Cotchin’s music is an earthy, warm mix of country and rock teamed with beautiful, emotive lyrics that vividly paint a picture and tell Cotchin’s truth. Late last month she released the new single ‘How Does It Feel?’, an emotional, raw, passionate track that marks a subtle change of direction in Cotchin’s sound, with a more mainstream indie-rock sound to it with less of a country feel than her previous music. Lyrically the song focuses on being in a relationship where all you do is give and receive nothing in return.
“‘How Does It Feel’ is about being with someone that doesn’t give you exactly what you deserve,” Cotchin says. “Instead of returning the love you give them, they just take it and take you for granted. The message I want listeners to take away from this song is to never change for someone else and know your worth.”
An artist who is fast attracting attention from the music industry and fans alike, Cotchin has everything it takes to build on her success in 2022 and achieve big things in 2023. With music that is rich, heartfelt and gets you in the feels, we think she will quickly become one of your new favourite singers. We recently caught up with Cotchin to chat more about ‘How Does It Feel?’ and her musical story.
Hi Siobhan! So lovely to chat with you. How is everything in your world right now?
At the moment, it’s been super busy! We’ve just done the East Coast leg of our tour, played a country festival, recorded a new song and gearing up to play our last few shows of the year! There have been a few moments to breathe, but it’s been very hectic in the best possible way.
You have recently released your new single ‘How Does It Feel?’ and it is such a brilliant track! Can you talk me through this song and the inspiration behind it?
Thank you so much! ‘How Does it Feel?’ is about being with someone that doesn’t give you exactly what you deserve. Instead of returning the love you give them, they just take it and take you for granted. The message I want listeners to take away from this song is to never change for someone else and know your worth.
Your music has always been this beautiful blend of country and rock, but for ‘How Does It Feel?’ you have embraced a fuller rock sound throughout the whole song. Was this a conscious decision, or did it just develop this way during the creative process?
It was both conscious and a natural development. When I first started playing with the band, my songs naturally got heavier and so I made the decision to explore that side of my music more because I love rocking out! This track in particular is a perfect example of this and that 90s nostalgia i’m going for.
I love the lyrics in the song - “You’re the salt in the wound, you’re my beautiful downfall” - and one standout feature of your songs are the lyrics and the storytelling, they are extremely poetic. Have words, storytelling, always been important to you?
Thank you for saying that! My lyrics are the heart of all my songs, they’re the most important aspect to me. I love story-telling and talking about my feelings, so songwriting is the best fix for that!
You have had an incredible 2022, releasing an EP, several singles, touring and also winning three WAM Awards from five nominations. How has all that been, particularly coming after 2 years of hell with COVID lockdowns?
It’s been insane! I’m so grateful for all the acknowledgment and getting to play shows again, you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone! I feel pretty lucky to have been in Perth during the height of the pandemic. I still got to play shows, but there are only so many venues! It was amazing to travel Australia and play in cities I haven’t before.
For those that are new to your music, what is your background? Where did your musical journey start and how did you get to where you are today?
It all started with Taylor Swift’s Fearless at the age of 9. The first time I heard that record, I decided to start writing songs, get guitar lessons and sing my heart out! I also grew up listening to a lot of country music thanks to my Dad and a lot of other genres too like rock, RnB, even metal. I think all of those styles have made my music sound like it does now.
What is the main thing you want to project with your music? As mentioned earlier there is such a gorgeous storytelling element to your music, is there a particular message or ‘feeling’ you want to get across with your songs?
I just want people to feel seen and heard when they listen to my lyrics. What I look for in music is honesty and rawness. I want to be able to understand pieces of myself and the artist and connect with them when I listen. I want people to know that it’s okay to have big feelings and regardless of who you are, I hope my music is a safe place.
Who are your musical heroes, both the ones you loved as a kid and also who you admire today?
Taylor Swift has always been my number one. I don’t think I’d be the songwriter I am today without her. She’s done so much not only for me, but for all women in the industry and has shown me how to stand up for myself and do what I believe in.
Currently, I think Bruce Springsteen is another one of my heroes, not only for songwriting but performing. His live shows are next level and I want to emulate that energy every time I’m on stage. Phoebe Bridgers has had such a huge impact on me as well, especially with what I’ve been cooking up in the studio lately…. I’m so obsessed with her!
The music industry has always been a difficult space, and sometimes a dangerous space, for women to exist in, in the main because it has been run by older, white, straight men since its inception. What are your thoughts on gender equality and sexism in the music industry?
I think we have come so far but there’s still a long way to go. Specifically in regards to recognising and celebrating women of colour, trans and non-binary folk. Society as a whole is still trying to unlearn what has been the norm for so long and give a voice to people who really need and deserve it.
You have had an incredible 2022, what do you have planned for, or hope to achieve in, 2023?
We’ve got some HUGE stuff in the works for 2023. Expect bigger and better music, shows all around Australia and even lamer Tik Toks!
‘How Does It Feel?’ is out now. You can download and stream here.
To keep up with all things Siobhan Cotchin, you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Siobhan Cotchin tour dates
16th December - Mojos Bar, Fremantle
30th December - Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
1st January - Clancy’s, Dunsborough
Buy tickets here
