Cosm - Tuscan Leather (Album) + 10 Questions
Fresh for 2023, COSM kicks off the year with his brand new full length project, Tuscan Leather. Produced entirely by Andretti, the two construct a sonic landscape that captures listeners with vivid aesthetics over luxurious production. The album contains two singles and a verse that helped Cosm win Farma Gs 16 bar challenge. The second single, ALL EYE SEE features fellow Velour Falcon: Mick Swagger and Peng Shui heavyweight, Illaman. Tap in.
Cosm sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
So really it started at home, listening to my parents music as a child in the 80s. Looking through the physical artistic artefact’s that surrounded albums kind of gave a rich mystique to what it was I could or couldn’t listen to (due to a busted needle).
Hip Hop wise, I was a child of the 90s so the music was embedded in popular culture but at the same time was still inaccessible unless you had older siblings (which I didn’t have). We’d all share Cypress Hill, Wu, Mobb Deep and Snoop tapes and begin to connect the dots culturally and realised it weren’t just music it was a whole community and a network. My hometown (Bournemouth) always had a vibrant graf scene and a super dope Breaking crew, Second To None, so I really got into hip hop when I started meeting those people and pieced all the elements together.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Influence wise, I could go on all day really as I think influence evolves through time as sensibilities change. Heads like Prodigy, Rae and Ghost, MF DOOM, G Rap, ILL BILL, Necro, Ice cube, Roc Marc, Action, Sonnyjim, Hooli, Griselda,.... the list is endless, really.
I’d love to make and album with Muggs (thats the dream) or UK wise, Illinformed.
MC wise, Sonnyjim, Hooli, Jehst...and all the people I respect in the game, real recognise real.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Yeah, got some heat in the locker for sure. Falconry 2, is cooking, StoneXFalcons EP, with me, Mick and Mylo Stone from Bristol.
Then Solo wise the next on the horizon is the second parky album, that should be out in the summer. There is also an unnamed super group which I am a part of which has been making music since December. The output is crazy and when it hits i think people will enjoy it, its the brainchild of a universal UK hip hop legend, so, eyes open.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Falconry. The way i see it is a stream of conciousness. Facets of my character and my heritage, exaggerated aspirational HD ready luxury experiencial compositions. its all and nothing at the same time. When it comes to my words, people often tell me my pen is a sleeper. So you hear my shit and the obvious punches hit when they hit. you could listen to it 100 times then further down the line youd get the layered meaning of things I say. I appreciate that people appreciate that.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
One of my most mind blowing experience is supporting Wu Tang in my hometown.
But really, Im mind blown when people say, "you influenced me to do what I do" when it comes to bars. Like i’m a nobody really, but if I sparked something that sparked something and so on, thats what its really about. Inspiring greatness.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be visible, get out there, meet people, fuck up open mics, allow time to network.
Don’t wait on other peoples promises, do for self and make you’re own luck.
Quality control is key, beats, features, make sure things are the right move for your aesthetic.
Be Humble.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Mylo Stone,
Astro Unit,
Benilaylo,
DEPT.9
Mosik Rhymes. Mo is my guy, we need to make some more music!
And of course ..... THE VELOUR FALCONS.....
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Polo Palace - Palace Polo.
Rome Streetz - Wasn’t Built in a Day.
Jay Worthy and Muggs - What They Hittin 4.
Sonnyjim Illinformed - The Chemistry Must Be Respected.
Action Bronson - Only For Dolphins/Cocodrillo Turbo.
(I keep my MF DOOM CD collection in the car, so all the back catalogue is regularly bumped at intervals).
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
In my spare time my alter, alter ego is an artist that goes by the name of DBSUPER. I paint all kind of weird stuff that relates to the culture and myself. I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with some UK Hip Hop artists so be on the look out for that. But yea its something thats innate within me and almost like a go to when all else fails.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Shoes.....as my trainer collection is in my "studio" and i couldnt live without them!
Coffee is a must, it teaches you to have breaks and not to be hero in the booth.
For the Winter, Cahartt thermal hoody, when you record in those minus numbers and you can see your breath you gotta keep that core temperature up!!!!