Kobra Paige Releases New Album, Like No Other
Kobra Paige is a Canadian artist creating through the medium of music and songwriting. She is the founder of the two-time, Juno-nominated hard rock band, Kobra and the Lotus.
Known for her multifaceted and emotionally driven writing, Kobra is currently gearing up for her forthcoming album, heavily focused on topics of social change. Her single, “Thank-You” debuted at #35 on Billboard Adult Airplay and held in the top #40 for 10 weeks and counting, hitting #36 Active Rock on Media Base, and Top 40 for 8 weeks with her song “Let Me Love You.”
The singer describes her upcoming work as “a whole lot of color, roots, groove, and heart,” encapsulating the vibrant blend of themes that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and contribute to the ongoing conversation about societal transformation. Through song and deliberate visuals, this next body of work aims to encourage self-liberation without abandoning the world. Kobra believes music plays an integral role in connecting, elevating, and healing humanity.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi there rockstar, my name is Kobra Paige and I’m very excited to connect with you here. I’m a Canadian artist, creating through the medium of music and visual expression. I say it this way because I don’t identify as a musician but rather as a creative being who enjoys bringing people together over shared sparks of imagination and inspiration.
I’m the founder of a twice Juno-nominated, hard rock band, ‘Kobra and the Lotus’ and I know what it is to grind on the road, building relationships with people, one fan at a time. I love how music profoundly moves and shapes our world. For this passionate reason, I enjoy writing songs and bringing visuals into reality, whether in a music video or live on stage.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My most recent release is called ‘Dreamer’ and it’s an ode to the creative, unguarded, open-hearted magic we once had as children and still have (but have forgotten). I wrote this with an amazing human and all-around incredible, musical artist and guitarist, Timo Somers. The lyrics are a very real, experiential way to show how I myself had lost my sense of inner spark and curious view of this miraculous existence. I found myself creeping near the young age of 30 ( life doesn’t end at 30, you’re just getting started), at the time it was written, and feeling so sucked dry by the seriousness and heaviness of life. It was the onset of a deep inquiry into how I let that happen and how I could rekindle my flame.
What I’ve come to understand is that our sense of imagination and creativity is so integral to our well-being and healing. It’s also the very reason anything exists. It all had to be created and no one is so special that they are left out in the universal gift of creativity. That’s a societal stigma we must change and mend. As we ‘grow up’, a harsh veil of societal pressure starts to stifle that creative impulse and we buy into perfectionism, comparison, self-doubt, fear of failure and humiliation, etc. But here’s the truth. We’re abandoning our truest selves when we do that. I’m not saying ‘go become an artist and drop everything to chase all your dreams’. I’m saying ‘hey, wake up and remember who you are. Allow yourself to dream, embrace your unique expression, and watch your flame light everything on fire around you because that is how shiny you really are.’
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I do have a pattern, and though not every song starts this way, I typically hand-pick guitarists I enjoy and invite them to write. Guitar really speaks to me and if the right chord or little riff presents itself, the rest unfolds.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I’ve recently released 3 music videos over the past several months as well as visual teasers. They were the biggest productions I’ve ever done and took the most preparation to do. I’ve been super intentional with every image for every single one that’s come out. I’ve presented myself with a different look in every photo to specifically evoke the feeling behind each song. It’s fun and I think it would be fun for people to check out!
Here are 4 visual album things to peruse:
– the beautiful teaser for ‘Dreamer’ that inspires connection and humanity
– the rebellious and eye candylicious video for ‘HOTT.’ featuring some pretty straight-up statements about how social media is negatively impacting much of society’s healthy sense of worth
– the Joan of Arc, Valkyrie, rebirth music video for ‘Under One Sun’
– the visceral performance video for ‘Love What I Hate’
I have a surprise song release or two, separate from the album, in the pipeline for the fall as well as a meaningful mini-series I will be releasing on Youtube in support of the release. I’ll be highlighting creativity and mental health in relation to the making of this record.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Honestly, the biggest highlight is who I have become because of the journey thus far. It has built my character.
This musical career has been joyful, exciting, riddled with adversity, traumatizing, healing, and deeply humbling. This isn’t a typical career. We, human beings, are the product and everyone knows, that a soul is not a product.
Social media is convoluting this further so there is always a paradoxical part of this pursuit. No one will ever be able to tell where they are going to land. It’s subjective, with little consistency or promise. So, it’s incredibly important to come back to the purpose of why you’re creating in the first place as there are no promises of specific success. This intention is critical for the resilience that is required and resilience is a superpower for all of us in all walks of life.
I take pride in my resilience. I take pride in knowing my music has also provided a north star of hope and elevation for some people. What a win!
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend to your fans?
I’m going to highlight Kerli. She is not a new or upcoming artist but she still hasn’t been found by a lot of the world yet. She’s incredibly inspiring and an exceptional example of unique, creative expression embraced by an individual. I’m a big fan of artists who show others how to shine through their own authentic and courageous vibrancy.
That’s a badass.