Siobhan Cotchin is Miss Reckless
Siobhan Cotchin has returned with a fierce and empowered new single ‘If God Is A Man’. This latest single tells of her opposition to the discrimination and hatred she has witnessed across the globe. ‘If God Is A Man’ comes from Siobhan’s sophomore EP ‘Miss Reckless’, which also features previously released singles ‘How Does It Feel’ & ‘When The Curtains Close’. Siobhan took a break in her hectic touring schedule to chat to us about the new track, touring with Kingswood and that time she met Phoebe Bridgers at the Laneway Festival.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how you describe the Sobhan Cotchin sound?
My sound is very eclectic I think, as I’m quite inspired by a lot of different genres. I would say my music is rock n roll with a 90s grunge edge and nostalgia, with a slight country twang!
You have just released your latest track 'If God is a Man'. Tell us about your new song? What wqs the inspiration for writing this one?
This track was written at a pretty tumultuous time in the world, where people’s basic human rights were being infringed and basically ignored. In particular, Roe v Wade being overturned was a huge inspiration and really made myself and the other writers on this track (Dylan and Carmen Olivierre, Paige Valentine) think about the world and how we’re going backwards. Since the band and I recorded the track, it’s found even more meaning and relevance to the times we're living in, due to anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being passed throughout America, drag being banned in Tennessee and trans people being denied their health-care needs and basically their identities. It makes me so mad that we still live in a world where people are discriminated against, simply because of who they love or how they identify. A Lot of this anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric is based in religion and the church and this is basically my way of rejecting those ideas. I wanted to write a song that represents what I believe and encourage people to stand up and fight against this hatred. I want this song to encourage people to live their truth and be whoever they want to be.
Did the song turn out how you originally thought it would or did it evolve during the writing and creative process?
It definitely evolved during the writing process but it’s always had that 90s nostalgic feel to it. We were listening to alot of Hole and Sheryl Crow when writing the track and used those references in the studio too.
“The lyrics are very straight to the point and it’s super powerful to write like that. ”
Were there any highlights or memorable moments during the making of it?
The writing process was super fun and it felt quite effortless saying exactly how we all felt. The lyrics are very straight to the point and it’s super powerful to write like that.
As always, recording the track with the band was super fun and easy, it all came together exactly how I wanted it too. It was also special because it was our first time recording in the new Tone City Records studio in Injdiup!
You have announced your sophmore Ep 'Miss Reckless' is coming out on the 31st of May. What can fans expect from the new release?
Expect a whole lot more of bad b*tch energy! This EP is a perfect representation of where I’m at in my life and also sonically. It’s an EP about living your truth and being confident in what you’re doing.
Will you hit the road to showcase the Ep live?
Of course! I'm hitting the road with Kingswood for their Australian tour in May/June and playing a few headline shows of my own along the way.
“performing has never felt like a job to me, it’s my favourite thing to do!”
You are currently touring with Alt-Country-Rock band Kingswood, with shows planned till the middle of June. Does touring with other Artists/Bands make what can be a long and tiresome tour more fun and enjoyable?
Absolutely. It’s really special to be able to bond with other bands and share this experience with them. Touring kind of feels like a holiday with awesome people, with only a little bit of work to be done! Although, performing has never felt like a job to me, it’s my favourite thing to do!
What's the best and worst things about touring and being on the road?
The best things about touring are the shows, the memories you make with your band/ the other bands your playing with, getting to travel in general and make new friends and fans along the way!
I guess the worst things about being on the road include the lack of sleep, the hangovers (not related…. kind of) and just having to go home!
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
My first gig was at the Civic Hotel when I was about 10 or 11. It was a showcase put on by the Sound Centre, where I was learning guitar at the time. I got up there, my guitar was bigger than me, and sang my heart out to Our Song by Taylor Swift. I remember how loud the crowd cheered, so I think it went pretty well, unless it was out of pity….
“I love the festival atmosphere and would love to be on another lineup as incredible as Laneway or Bluesfest.”
Last year saw you participate in Laneway, Big Sound & Bluefest. Do you have festival appearances booked in for the 2023/24 festival season?
I’m definitely leaving myself open to playing more festivals! I love the festival atmosphere and would love to be on another lineup as incredible as Laneway or Bluesfest.
When you hear the word festival what’s the first image or thing that comes to mind? What's been your standout or favourite moment at a festival, either as an attendee or as a performing artist?
The first image that comes into my head is Laneway Fest and seeing Phoebe Bridgers live for the first time. I just couldn’t believe that I was part of a lineup with one of my biggest inspirations. I remember going up to her after her set and being a blubbering mess. She was so sweet and it was such a full circle moment. I’ll never forget it. As soon as she left I dropped to the floor and started crying because HELLO, IT’S PHOEBE BRIDGERS, WHAT ELSE AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?
How did you get your start in music?
I started performing when I was around 10/11, going to different open mics around town with my parents and asking them if I could get up and play a few songs. I think that’s all there was to it really. Just playing around town, writing songs and then finally graduating high school, attending WAAPA where I met my band and here we are!
“There should definitely be more of an emphasis on Australian music across all stations”
Being an Australian Artist trying to make music your full time career, do you think the 25% minimum quota of Australian music on our radio stations is a fair number given the ever-expanding talent pool we have in this country? Would you like to see that number increased or even a dedicated Aussie station?
Absolutely not! There should definitely be more of an emphasis on Australian music across all stations. I am so grateful for all the stations that have played my songs such as RTR, Double J, ABC Country and Triple J. I hope in the future more Australian artists get the chance to be heard across the airwaves.
You have won countless awards from Best Country Act at the Western Australian Music Awards to the Triple J Unearthed. How does it feel to be recognized and acknowledged by your peers in the industry?
It’s a real honour. Awards aren’t everything but it’s really lovely to be recognised for your hard work and dedication to your craft. It really feels nice to win something too!
“I feel so lucky to be able to share my music with the world but it’s a daunting thing because the possibilities are endless”
What's the one word you would use to describe the life of a Musician and why?
Unpredictable- because there’s so many ups and downs when you’re a musician putting their heart on the line through music. It’s an industry where there isn’t a clear path and never any guarantee of anything really. I feel so lucky to be able to share my music with the world but it’s a daunting thing because the possibilities are endless. There's no right or wrong which makes it exciting yet terrifying.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what do they do that keeps your world turning?
Honestly, everyone that’s part of the Siobhan Cotchin team deserves recognition. My wonderful manager Amber is just the best and has always been there for me. My mum, of course, for emotional support. My incredible band for just putting up with me! And Sam Ford is so amazing to work with and I feel so lucky to be part of the Tone City Records team!
What's next for Siobhan Cotchin? What can fans look forward to?
We’re hitting the road in May/June and I’ll be putting my 2nd EP out very soon. There’s so much on the horizon but I can’t reveal too much yet!
Tour Dates with Kingswood (Tickets available here)
Thursday 25 May Dunsborough Tavern Dunsborough *
Friday 26 May Mojos Bar Fremantle *
Saturday 27 May The Rosemount Perth *
Sunday 28 May The Carine Carine *
Thursday 1 June Nannup Town Hall Nannup *
Friday 2 June The River Margaret River *
Saturday 3 June Six Degrees Albany *
Sunday 4 June Farm Hotel Treedale *
Wednesday 7 June Sound City Port Lincoln *
Thursday 8 June Sound City Port Lincoln *
Friday 9 June Fat Controller Adelaide *
Saturday 10 June Western Hotel SA *
Sunday 11 June Hotel Victor Victor Harbour *
Interview by Michelle Symes
May 2023