The eclectic musician returns with more music for the soul on this new release.
For as long as music has existed, it’s possessed the capacity to touch the soul. For as long as mankind has made music, we’ve used it as a medium through which powerful emotions are shared, whether through words, rhythm, or both. With his frank and introspective lyrical style and atmospheric vocals, dynamic architect, producer, and singer/songwriter Chris Koehn incorporates this belief in the power of music into every release he graces. A firm believer in the healing powers of music, this talented artist has made it his mission to touch the hearts of as many listeners as possible.
Sometimes, special people can somehow make something positive out of tragedies in life. After experiencing the death of his brother, Koehn turned to music, using it as an introspective grieving process and sharing his music with the hopes that it could help others. His music is practical and rooted in the present, acknowledging that nothing is permanent and death can come at any time. Perhaps most importantly, Koehn’s music reminds us to enjoy what we have today. As he says, “The freer from our attachments we are, the happier our life will be.”
Koehn describes his latest work, “Ballad of Happiness,” as “A journey into our inner self, into nature.” It’s a distinct and unique release, even if you take the fact that the song has no lyrics out of the equation. A gentle, friendly guitar greets you at the song’s beginning and eases you into the rest of a warm, comforting instrumental performance that takes you back to simpler times. Although there are no lyrics, that doesn’t mean Koehn is silent; plain “La, la, las” are sung in time with unabashed joy that evokes images of the unbridled happiness and innocence we sang with as kids. “Ballad of Happiness” is a release that, in many ways, feels reverential to this feeling, and joy seems sacred.
Chris Koehn’s “Ballad of Happiness” is a beautiful and powerful release that captures the essence of the bliss we felt singing without a care in the world as kids. Whenever you’re ready for the music to melt your worries, tap in and stream Chris Koehn’s new release, “Ballad of Happiness.”
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Chris Koehn! We loved "Ballad of Happiness". What a peaceful yet powerful release! What was the inspiration behind this release? What did you see when you first envisioned it?
Thanks, "Ballad of Happiness" is a journey into our inner self and nature. To remember how we sang as kids. The song has no lyrics, specific meaning, or message other than the pure joy of singing La-la-las. A dialog between vocal melodies and harmonies occurs while different acoustic strings, from guitars, slides, ukulele, banjo & mandolin, play together as if we were playing in nature. A tribute to early 70's country Western Soundtracks such as Dylan's Pat Garret & Billy The Kid movie score & Wigwam song.
So, you've made it your mission to make music that helps people heal. How did that become one of your main goals for music, and what does it mean to be able to make music that allows people today?
Well, the more I think about it, my brother's death 20 years ago was his gift for me to connect with music to help heal myself and others. So, since then, it has been a grieving healing journey to share & heal collectively. In the beginning, I felt good while listening to my music while recovering, and while sharing it with close friends, I saw its healing power. That's when I realized I needed to help other people heal. In the end, death is the only thing for sure we have in life, so why not heal and embrace it as Zen monks do?
What do you believe is the most essential quality for a musician to have?
Sensibility, originality & intention. Nowadays, musicians tend to follow trends for quicker success rather than question a more profound reason why we are making music.
What would you want it to be if your listeners could take one thing away from your music?
To practice death daily, live fully present, and enjoy every second.
What's next for Chris Koehn? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans?
On día de Muertos / Day of the Death, I'll release my new EP, "When Death is Good News." I'm probably doing intimate shows around those dates in LA, Toronto & Mexico City. Yes, to thank them for all their support; it feels nice to see my music resonate with people every day.