Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Coby Conrad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Coby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I think I knew I wanted to pursue music since I was five years old and started learning how to play guitar because of the game Guitar Hero. Prior to that, at two years old, my dad taught me how to play the drums, which gave me my initial deep love for music. That deep appreciation and realization came a few years later when I got hooked to Guitar Hero. The fake venues, great music, fun gimmicks, and low resolution crowd was and still is the coolest thing ever. Eventually I got really good at the game and decided the next best thing was to learn to play guitar for real. Once I started learning and started playing in my elementary school talent shows I really learned the true power of what music can do both for me and other people.
After playing in these talent shows I noticed a change. The kids at school started treating me differently. Instead of only getting picked on and bullied, now compliments about music were sprinkling into my conversations at school. It really changed the way I looked at things and helped me realize the impact music could have on my life. Not only did it have an impact on my life but I saw an impact on others as well. At the first talent show I played at my school, I played the song “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison. It was as good as a 6 year old playing a Poison song can go, there’s video of it on Youtube somewhere. But, after the performance I was heading “backstage” when a woman approached me in tears. It was kind of terrifying as a little kid, but looking back on it I can see what the purpose was in coming to talk to me. She told me how her husband would sing that song to her every single night before he passed away and that it was so nice to hear it again. I realized that this whole music thing can’t just impact my life, but others as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Coby! I’ve been playing music my whole life because my dad played in bands when I was a kid, which made me want to start playing drums and guitar, but I only really got into the industry when I started attending school at Berklee College of Music in Boston during the pandemic.
My main focus in the band I am in called HeadFirst. We are a Grunge/Alt Rock band and we are in pre-production for our 2nd album. Some of our biggest inspirations are bands like Nirvana and Basement with huge influence from Hip-Hop and Jazz as well. I think that’s what sets us apart, is the fact that we are a trio that is just trying to make music that we would listen to and make a love letter to all the music that came before us.
I think I am most proud of this 2nd album that we’re making. We’ve spent so much time, energy, and love creating these songs that convey a different, but compounding message. We cannot wait for you all to hear it!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My main goal in making music is to be able to affect people with the music I make in the same way I am affected by music. Music is the most powerful thing on earth and if my songs can take someone away from their problems, or give them something to relate to for a few minutes, that’s all I can ask for.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the fruits of your work later on. As an artist you spend so much time in silence working diligently on things that you pour your heart and soul into. When you finally finish those projects, get to share them with the world, and see everyones reaction, there is no other feeling greater than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: cobyconrad.com
- Instagram: weareheadfirst