London-based DJ and producer COHN swung by to chat about his artistic journey, the vibrant local music scene, his latest EP, and plans for the future.
London-based DJ producer COHN makes music that effortlessly keeps the crowd going. From Italo Disco to classic 90s house and more, his music is filled with an unmistakable European charm that flows seamlessly to keep the dancefloor alive. Yet, his artistic journey is more than just house beats. Having delivered multiple stellar releases on labels such as Kitsuné, Nervous, Ed Banger, and Bordello A Parigi, he continues experimenting with catchy basslines and steady sample beats while pushing his sound forward by infusing rich, nostalgia-filled twists.
His latest EP on Ulla Records, Focus On Your Breath, channels the essence of modern Italo Disco and navigates the crossroads of 80s and 90s nostalgia. The record captures a pivotal moment in his career journey as he marks a bold direction, paying a personal homage to the diverse world of electronic music. With sounds that include deep, hypnotic acid grooves, tech-infused beats, and a meditative, trance-like atmosphere, the talent showcases his versatility and deep understanding of production in his evolving musical journey.
As a co-founder of Butter Parties, COHN’s vision was clear. The collective is dedicated to curating events that bring a European flair to all cities and create unforgettable moments for all attendees. Designed to celebrate music and bring people together, Butter Parties mirrors the essence of COHN’s music in many ways – feel good, energetic, and forward-thinking.
Listen to COHN’s exclusive guest mix on SoundCloud to hear how he experiments with his style, and read on for the full conversation.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 452 || COHN on SoundCloud:
Hi COHN! Thank you for taking the time to chat today! We’re excited to have you. I’d love to start with your story and the beginning of your musical journey. When did you first discover electronic music and the scene? Can you share how you kickstarted your DJ career?
Hey! Thank you for having me, my pleasure. I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember and started DJing vinyl around 16 or 17. I got into house music around the age of 20 and have been producing and DJing ever since. My career on the scene has been pretty stop-start, but in 2023, I released an EP on Mister T Records (shout out), and everything picked up from there. It’s been exciting.
With over a decade-long career, how would you describe your musical evolution, and what were some of the key turning points that shaped the direction you’re heading in now?
I think the key turning points were, firstly, realizing that I just wanted to make a steady sample house that had a good groove and could be easy to play on the dance floor. Secondly, it’s realizing that getting records signed with obvious samples was really hard and so moving to a more creative turn, which is the kind of the ’80s or ’90s sound you hear from me now.
You’ve been involved in London’s music scene for a while. How has the local scene influenced your career? Are there any standout memories or experiences from your time in London’s clubs and venues that stand out to you?
I love the London scene, and there are so many little pockets I’ve been in love with at different times from North East to South, but it’s getting too big for me as I get older if I’m honest. I’ve been enjoying traveling around Europe over the last two years and seeing all the smaller scenes in these beautiful cities that don’t have the reach of London. Still, they make up for it with so much passion and creativity (and let’s be honest, better food and weather often).
Your latest EP, Focus On Your Breath, showcases a fresh blend of Italo Disco, acid, and progressive/tech elements. It seems to draw influences from different eras of dance music, yet it feels completely fresh and modern. How do you balance paying homage to classic styles while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music today?
I try to use a lot of old drum machines and synths (like many of us), but once I have the core idea, I try not to get too stuck into the “traditional” styles of house music and play around with different ideas so it doesn’t get stale. When I’m working hard on finishing an EP or something, I don’t listen to House music at all, it gets too much in my head and I feel I lose what makes my music different.
With such a diverse style in your latest work, what do you hope listeners take away from these tracks? Is there a specific emotional or physical response you want to evoke when people hear your music?
I wanted this EP to be an homage to those “big nights” where you are in the club or at a festival, and you get totally lost in the flow of the party. Where every track represents a different part of the night; the first is a kind of midnight warm-up track, the second a peak night vibe, and the third brings the energy for the late-night crew.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for many in the industry. Are there any collaborations or partnerships on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
I definitely do have some collaborations coming up! A soon-coming EP with the legends over at Midnight People in London is something I’m particularly excited about and more releases on my record label Butter & Wine.
Finally, what are you most excited about in the new year —upcoming shows, new projects, or any personal growth within your music career?
I’m excited to get back to producing. I burned myself out a bit at the end of the summer, and I haven’t found the space to produce much in a few months. I can’t wait to get back into that creative space and make something that even I’m not expecting.
