We recently connected with Larry Kosson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Larry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Robin Spielberg’s most recent release, By Way Of the Wind, is one of the most meaningful projects I have worked on. Robin asked me to produce this sixty-minute recording of her original work with a full orchestra. I’ve produced Robin’s solo and ensemble recordings in the past. However, this project became possible only because of the extra time afforded due to the pandemic. The album was recorded both in the States and in Europe. In addition to charting on Billboard, the work received its live premiere in front of a mesmerized audience last November. It was something I will never forget.
Larry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been working in the creative arts industry for close to 40 years. My attention over the past few decades has been to match performing arts venues with performing arts who not only entertain, but uplift and inspire their audiences. I have represented close to 100 performers over the years and pride myself on understanding their unique gifts and how to best showcase them. I have mentored many young aspiring musicians over the years, guiding them in their creative career goals and endeavors and have served on the boards of several arts organizations.
I am most proud of the latest work I have done as producer for Robin Spielberg’s symphonic project, “By Way of the Wind.” The album, recorded with full orchestra, was a huge lift for an indie artist. Together we created something rather magical, and Robin received this year’s ICON award from the Intercontinental Music Awards for this work. I received my first award as a producer from the same organization.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have spent my career as a photographer and entertainment booking agent. The COVID-19 pandemic brought everything in my world to a screeching halt. Tours for all the artists I represent were cancelled. All negotiations for future concerts came to a stop. I was fielding calls from my roster who were now deemed “unessential workers” by the government. My daughter, a music performance major, was sent home from her college campus. And yet, I was reminded that in times like these, the world *needs* art. My wife is my business partner and was the first client I ever represented. She challenged me to come up with a way that we could still reach audiences. With my photography background and my wife’s newly refurbished Steinway, I thought we could try live streaming. Little did I know then that we would create something that resonated with so many people. Our “pretend tv show,” which we began shooting with iPhones in 2020, gradually morphed into a 5-camera shoot with professional grade equipment (thanks to a local grant). To date we have broadcast over 250 of “Robin’s Piano Bar” livestreams with Robin at the piano and me as producer/engineer. We have reached thousands of listeners during the pandemic and beyond.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an entertainment agent, I have seen first hand how artists have impacted their audiences. It really is amazing to be in the audience or in the wings and witness the sheer joy that fills the air when an artist makes a meaningful connection with an audience. Being the facilitator of that — of helping to develop an artist and help that artist make their way to stages, brings me tremendous satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kossontalent.com
- Instagram: @robinspielberg.real
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/robinspielbergmusic.real
- Linkedin: Robinspielberg
- Twitter: @robinspielberg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/robinspielberg
- Soundcloud: robinspielberg
- Other: https://www.robinspielberg.com
Image Credits
Sheri Determan