Since exploding onto the scene as the handsome, James Dean look-a-like host of Australia’s Next Top Model, Didier Cohen has transformed into a bona fide superstar! Model, fashion entrepreneur, celebrity apprentice and now musician there’s No denying Didier is the man of the moment! GCMAG was lucky enough to sit down and chat with the honorary Aussie as he talks music, lifestyle and fashion.
Congratulations on the release of your latest single ‘Skyline!’ What inspired you to get into music?
Thank you! I started in music in my early teens. My Dad was a DJ, so I grew up in a house of music. He bought me my first turntables at 14. So from then music was always a passion, but when I came to Australia in ‘08 and met my friend Tenzin, that’s when I started taking Djing and production more seriously. So even though TV and modeling took off first in the public spotlight, I’ve always been involved in music.
Tell us a bit about the recording process? –
About a year and a half ago, my friend who knew I was working on productions told me I should hear this kid AJ’s voice from New York. We got in touch through Skype, and he played me a rough chorus and idea called “Skyline” he was working on, I instantly thought it was incredible. And said I wanted to produce the track and have him as a feature. So from his end, he went to a recording studio and laid down the vocals we worked on. Once I had the final vocal, I went into the studio with my partner Matysek, and we produced the record. The inspiration for the track was to keep it dance but bring real musical instruments to it. Think Coldplay, U2, One Republic. So we have some live drums, cello, violins. The track means a lot to me.
Any plans to release an album?
I can tell you I have an Album worth of material! But no, no plans for an album yet. The way the music industry works these days, people just love a good single. They love to chuck ‘em in their playlists etc., and that’s how music is being ingested these days. So plans are to keep releasing great tracks and let it all grow organically.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
I’m a HUGE hip hop guy. So it has to be Wiz Khalifa, A$ap Rocky, Kanye, Chris Brown. SO many.
You are the man about town! You’ve delved into so many projects from modeling, TV hosting, and now more recently DJing and music production Do you have a favorite area?
I love creation! That’s my passion. Whether it’s music or creating a great TV show, I just love the thought of spending months creating something and then releasing it into the world.
You’ve long been an advocate for fitness and healthy living; do you feel the pressure to look good in the spotlight?
I used to! But now I’m more about health for the mind and leading a life of quality. If I exercise, and I eat well, that gives me the energy to keep doing what I’m doing. Whether that be an 18hr day on a TV set or 20 days of the month travelling and touring into the late hours of the morning.
Who’s your style icon?
Rick Owens, A$AP Rocky and Nick Wooster all tied into one.
You’re practically an honorary Aussie, what do you love most about living in Australia?
The people!!!! They are realer than LA. I feel people are more down to earth and don’t sweat the small stuff too much.
So what’s next for Didier Cohen?
There is so much I want to do. Definitely continuing music and touring. I’m in LA about to play my first headline gig in Vegas. So I’m pretty pumped for that. Also, I have just left ANTM so having some new TV talks for the future as well. I just want to do what I have always done – just on a global scale, and that’s just doing anything that makes me truly happy. 🙂
