Ora Cogan‘s approach to songwriting melds traditional, experimental, and psychedelic into something wholly unique. Cogan is known for her singular voice and cinematic compositions. She has collaborated with a multitude of artists while touring extensively throughout Europe and North America, sharing the stage with the likes of Grouper and Mazzy Star. Her latest record, Hard-Hearted Woman, is out now on Sacred Bones.
Mood Board is our column where artists share a few of the things that inspired their new record. This time, the Nanaimo, BC-based artist Ora Cogan tells us how Cher, the fiddle, her dog, and more inspired her new record Hard-Hearted Woman — out now on Sacred Bones.
— Annie Fell, Editor-in-chief, Talkhouse Music
1. Cher in Moonstruck
I love her in this movie. When the kids say “Mother,” I think of her. More falling in love with deranged romantics and going to the opera, please. More family drama in the kitchen, more grand gestures and cute chaos. I love it when tough, seemingly disillusioned people find love. I was thinking of women like this character a lot while I was writing the album.
2. The fiddle
There are many fiddle players on this record. Lillie McDonough from New York who is primarily a film composer but also rips Irish and Scottish traditional folk music pretty hard. Ester Thunander who we found in Sweden at a little underground club and have never let go of. Ester is currently in a stage production where she is performing naked with the fiddle; she also performs in a circus troupe. I hope we can get her back in the van again soon, clothed. Patrick M’Gonigle Vancouver/Nashville, rips bluegrass and country very hard. He is so inspiring to see live if you ever get a chance. Like these fine musicians I too am obsessed with the fiddle although I am much more of a novice. I was given a fiddle by my ex in my 20s. He noticed how obsessed I was with fiddle music and told me I needed to learn how to play. It is the best gift anyone has ever given me. I doubt I would have had the confidence to learn otherwise. There is so much spooky folklore around this instrument. It is so often haunted.
3. The hermit
Without solitude this record would not exist. So much of this work was born through collective labor. I work with incredible musicians and dear friends. I’m so grateful for the magic they have all brought to these songs. I also love working alone. I believe the world opens up to you in a special way when you’re alone. Even if it really is a tangled mess in there sometimes, it is my mess and it can be a really fun time. It can also be completely horrifying, so you have to be careful.
4. My dog
This guy is such a freak. He has always got something up his sleeve. He is a big talker… likely from his husky side. He is a moody, stubborn cutie pie… gave me a real run for my money when he was a pup. I don’t know if I could write lyrics or melodies without him judging me, looking through my soul with a deep sense of disappointment that we aren’t on a constant adventure in the woods together or eating snacks. He has been a good companion. I guess when I said solitude before I was talking more about being away from other humans ‘cus if I’m home or at the studio he’s always around and we do spend lots of time aimlessly wandering around together.
5. The desert
I live in a temperate rainforest. I have always lived in the grey, green, rainy Pacific Northwest and maybe that is why I am such a broody wench. I’ve always been magnetized to the desert. The opposite attracts. I love music from the desert. You can hear the land in it. I write in that landscape in my mind. Juniper trees, pastel sunrises, rainbow grasshoppers, moonstones, and patterned snakes. I love how you can leave a shirt out on a line and it doesn’t get all moldy and slimy. I love old snags with cracked crocodile skin-like bark and bright blue skies. There is something about the desert that always makes it into my songs.
