Chris Koehn Embraces the Beauty in Sadness on New Single “I’m a Little Broken” (ft. Joseph Arthur)

Chris Koehn doesn’t run from sorrow; he makes it sound cinematic. On his latest single “I’m a Little Broken,” the Mexican post-punk and shoegaze artist teams up with Joseph Arthur for a moody, magnetic track that pulls listeners into a foggy dreamscape of vulnerability and self-acceptance.

Anchored in melancholic guitar textures, harmonic echoes, and a heartbeat-like rhythm, “I’m a Little Broken” is more than just a sonic experience; it’s a lesson in letting go. The track rejects toxic positivity and instead welcomes the truth that it’s okay not to be okay. For Koehn, embracing the broken parts of yourself is where true healing begins.

“This song is a reminder not to let other people’s opinions shape how we see ourselves. It’s okay to feel bad, to be sad, to not be liked by everyone. What matters is staying true to what we love.”

This release marks the first single from Koehn’s upcoming album, continuing the deeply personal journey he began after the tragic loss of his brother, a loss that still echoes through every note of his work. His music, shaped by grief, stillness, and spiritual curiosity, leans into themes of impermanence and emotional honesty.

Produced by Jeronimo Quintana and featuring drums by Roderic Pichard, the track was recorded between K Studio, Chapel Studio, and Joseph Arthur’s Arizona space. It was mastered by Harris Newman in Toronto, bringing an international polish to its ethereal core.

As always, Koehn’s work isn’t just for listening, it’s for feeling. His layered approach to sound, lyrics, and message invites you to dance through your sadness, and in doing so, come out a little lighter.

How did your collaboration with Joseph Arthur come about, and what did he bring to the emotional tone of the track?

Joe is one of my favorite artists. I danced to his song “In The Sun” at my wedding. 

On my first EP, Songs for Yoshimi ( 2012 ), I wrote a song inspired by it and sent it to him via Twitter. “Sounds beautiful “ he wrote. It was really nice of him, since I didn’t know him at the time.

Years passed, and during the pandemic, we crossed a couple of messages, then in 2023, he invited me to his TNT Radio show, where we talked about the creative process, music, painting, philosophy, architecture, and running. 

We had a really nice, deep conversation. 

Then last year, I mentioned to him I was working on my first full album and working on a song which would be an honor to have him collaborate on vocals. 

So a couple of months went by cause he was on tour, and then this April, he sent me his vocals, which were really amazing and gave the song a perfect vibe.

They gave the track an emotional, melancholic tone, on falsetto vocals which I never heard him sing. He mentioned to me approaching these vocals with Brian Eno´s Play method, which I believe worked great. I´m deeply grateful for that. 

Much of your work is rooted in grief and healing. How do you protect your own energy while creating from such a vulnerable place?

I believe the more we open ourselves to vulnerability, the more we can heal ourselves and each other. So by creating from this vulnerable place, I believe there’s no need to protect since it’s wide open. 

Still to connect with this vulnerability, I do lots of quantum meditation, yoga, running in nature, gratitude journaling, plant medicine ceremonies, painting, plant-based diet, breath work, and journaling. All these rituals help to elevate my frequency. 

This track feels like a release, both musically and emotionally. Was it cathartic to create?

It was cathartic indeed. I believe this is the first track I open myself to explore being okay not being okay. We live in this constant where we are supposed to be ok all the time, and it’s also relieving to accept not being ok sometimes, to feel all emotions fully and let them pass by. 

Musically, it was also a very interesting approach, the juxtaposition of the uptempo rhythm & melody on one hand, and on the other, these lyrics of being broken. A reflection on our life´s duality, our light and shadows.  

What do you want listeners to feel when they hit play on “I’m a Little Broken”?

To feel uplifted and at peace. A reminder not to let others' opinions about us influence the way in which we see ourselves. That it’s ok to be broken, and also it’s ok not to be liked by everyone. To learn to feel and let go, enjoying the now always in gratitude. 

Can you share any themes or sounds we can expect on the full upcoming album?

Yes. The main themes revolve around going inward, a healing journey that involves connecting with the cosmos, appreciating nature and its gifts, such as the Moon, healing our traumas, letting go, and taking care of our Planet.