Photo By: VenicePaparazzi.com
CommonWealth is an LA-based, Toronto transplant also known as James Coholan, who is just breaking into the EDM scene. Talking with James you can feel the passion he has for music emanating. The new DJ has been around the world and uses his experiences to power his music. His newest release is a Post Malone remix that has so much potential. I had the chance to pick this Canadian’s brain about why he chose EDM and what led him to the point where he is now. Check out our chat below!
RR: So why EDM, why not rock or pop?
James: I can pinpoint the moment when I knew EDM was the way to go. I watched Skrillex’s making of “Breaking A Sweat” video during my senior year of high school. Skrillex said that he made all of his songs on the road using a laptop. Up until then, I had no idea that could be done and I was hooked. I downloaded some software and started fumbling through figuring it out. I spent the next five and half years obsessively making beats and posting them online for my friends. Through production, I got awesome opportunities to DJ in college and finally decided to debut as an artist post-grad.
RR: Has music always been a part of your life?
James: I grew up a rocker kid, I loved everything classic, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors. I grew up playing drums and guitar in bands with close friends. Producing came naturally for me, knowing how to put everything together musically after I learned it could be done.
RR: How did you end up in LA?
James: I was a teen actor in the Toronto version of Disney channel type shows and moved out to Los Angeles after graduating to keep pursuing that. While in LA, however, music quickly overpowered my interest in acting and continued to take all my attention through college. It was in college that I really honed my taste, style, and direction as an artist. I got some awesome opportunities to DJ, opening for ODESZA (nice guys) and closing for Khelani. While in college I also interned for Atlantic Records, which gave me insight into the whole other side of the music industry.
RR: Who has been an inspiration for you?
James: During my time in college, I met a good buddy of mine named Aseem who is one half of Hotel Garuda, a sick duo making dope music! While we were in school his project was taking off and he told me all about how he was having his success. He proved to me that A) it was possible to make sick music and get it out to people to connect with and B) how to practically do it. He took me backstage at his shows which were always a great time!
RR: Has there been an experience that has helped you grow as an artist?
James: While in school I got the opportunity to study abroad and I chose to go to Berlin, which I knew had an awesome electronic music scene. I had no idea, however, how unique and engaging the music culture there was. It really opened my eyes to a whole different aspect of electronic music and the culture surrounding it. Music in Berlin allows for a space of absolute freedom which finds material form in the nightclubs; places where the party has no end, and you can do and be whoever you want. Berlin helped me realize why I love the genre philosophically. It transcends culture and region and has this open connection with anyone who wants to connect with it. My experience really helped me realize I am not limited in any way to a musical direction, sound or specific genre. I can create a fully finished piece of work independently on my laptop which is massively empowering. The medium allows for creative dynamic which gives agency to a ton of artists to do amazing things that push music and culture forward.
RR: So I am curious, Why the name CommonWealth?
James: One of my best friends in college is from London and has a super thick British accent. I’m from Canada and am constantly getting flack for it. My friend and I would always team up for beer pong and would declare ourselves, “The CommonWealth!” We always joked about expanding into a deep-house DJ duo using the name. Unfortunately, he had to move back to Britain after his green card ran out, but I still dug the name and wanted to rep it and use it as a symbol to be creative under. The name has stuck and I am now CommonWealth!
RR: Tell me about the song you just released.
James: When I was at the Louis the Child show at the Palladium in Hollywood, they encored with “Last to Leave” which has a sick chorus of LFO wobbles. I really enjoyed that creative decision and had to use it on a track. Once I got back from Toronto following the holidays, the Spotify top of the year lists came out. My top song of the year was “No Option” by Post Malone and I knew that LFO wobble I heard would be the perfect addition to this already amazing song. I wanted to put my own spin on it by adding some electronic influence and giving it a tight chorus. With that intention in mind, I got to work and kept pushing the tune forward until I got something I thought had emotional resonance and a hype chorus.
RR: Where do you see CommonWealth headed?
James: My goal as an artist is to make the best music possible and have it connect with the people who will really enjoy and vibe with it. I want to push the system technically and myself musically. I’m always looking to extend my creativity and invest more into projects to bring them to the next level. I’m excited to keep making a ton more music while exploring new sounds and styles. Look forward to my upcoming remixes and original songs!
Connect With CommonWealth:
https://www.facebook.com/CommonWealthh
https://soundcloud.com/vivacommonwealth
https://instagram.com/commonwealth__
https://vivacommonwealth.wixsite.com/website
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