Jeff Cohen is one of Nashville’s most accomplished and versatile hitmakers, with a career that spans chart-topping country smashes, global pop successes and a lasting influence behind the scenes as both a writer and publisher. Originally emerging as a recording artist, Cohen found his true calling in songwriting, going on to pen major hits including Big & Rich’s ‘Holy Water' and collaborations with artists such as Sugarland, The Band Perry and Josh Groban. His ability to blend emotional storytelling with commercial appeal has made him a trusted creative partner across genres, earning him multiple industry accolades and widespread respect within Music City.
Beyond the charts, Cohen has played a significant role in shaping the modern songwriting landscape through his work as a publisher and mentor. As a co-founder of Nashville’s Song Factory and a long-time creative executive, he has helped develop the careers of countless writers, fostering a collaborative environment rooted in craft and authenticity. With decades of experience navigating both the artistic and business sides of the industry, Cohen brings a rare, holistic perspective to songwriting—one that continues to evolve as he writes, produces and champions the next generation of talent. We caught up with him in London at the recent C2C festival where he was there to play some songwriter rounds and support his long time collaborators, The Shires.
C2C is known for celebrating songwriters as much as performers. What’s different about playing a festival like this compared with a typical gig or writers’ round?
The C2C festival is very supportive of songwriters. We get to share the bill with amazing successful artists plus play to some bigger audiences who might not know our names but know some of the songs we’ve written.
You’ve written songs like ‘Crazy for This Girl,' ‘Postcard from Paris' and ‘Holy Water.' When you perform them live now, do you ever find yourself rediscovering something about those songs years later?
Absolutely. I am constantly practicing to improve the live versions of all my songs. As a songwriter who plays rounds often it is also important to work on the storytelling aspect of the shows especially since there is more than one story to tell when introducing them.
Your songs have been recorded by everyone from The Band Perry and Sugarland to Josh Groban and Mandy Moore. How do you adapt your songwriting voice to such different artists while still sounding like yourself?
I have always been interested and enjoyed music of many genres. When I’m writing, I always try to come from an honest place, so no matter what different style I might be working on that day there is still a piece of me in it. It is also important when co-writing to listen to your co-writer and be respectful of what the emotions and style they bring to the song.
You’ve worked extensively with UK and European artists, including The Shires. What makes the UK country and Americana scene unique from a songwriter’s perspective?
I was very lucky to be at the first ever C2C festival with Kristian Bush who was the first artist who ever played the big stage there. I had such a good time I returned the next year on my own and discovered there were so many talented artists in the UK country scene. It is where I first met artists like The Shires, The Wandering Hearts, Catherine McGrath, and many more. I think both the UK Country and UK Americana scenes are very suitable for my songwriting strengths which are very Singer- Songwriter/Pop. Also so many talented artists who are genuinely good people in both of these scenes.
You’re based between Nashville and London. What have you learned about songwriting culture by working in both cities?
I have learned they are very different markets. Certain songs that may work for one do not necessarily work for the other. Luckily some songs do crossover and there is room for great songs in both markets.
Your music has appeared in shows like Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and even PAW Patrol. How different is writing for TV or film compared with writing for an artist?
I got my start writing songs for TV shows like Jack and Jill, Dawson‘s Creek,One Tree Hill and more. Most of these songs were just songs I wrote for myself, by myself in a small apartment in New York City never thinking they would end up on any TV shows. As I evolved into writing for movies, commercials, sports shows and children’s music certain projects required me to focus on what they were looking for and to adjust to that style of music while still bringing my strength to the table.
You previously worked as a music executive at Broadcast Music, Inc. before focusing fully on songwriting. How did being on the business side change the way you approach creativity?
I had a wonderful 10 years working at BMI before I got sick and quit my job to become a songwriter. Just from working with artists such as the Spin Doctors, Kara DioGuardi, Jeff Buckley, Lisa Loeb, and many more you can’t help but be inspired. It was never a plan when I started working on the business side to leave and be a full-time Songwriter. That just happened. I think the most important thing about having worked on the business side is knowing when to be proactive and also when to know when to not be too aggressive. I remember what it was like to sit on the other side of the desk and knew what I liked and didn’t like when writers asked me for help.
With streaming, TikTok, and AI entering the conversation, how do you think the role of a professional songwriter is changing right now?
I think this is gonna be a very challenging time. I think writers just like they have over the last 10 years and 20 years are going to have to evolve. I still believe it is incredibly important to write incredible songs but I also do think it is important to understand and learn the current ways of to be successful in our modern incarnation of the industry.
You’ve mentored writers and been involved with songwriting organisations. What’s the biggest piece of advice you give young songwriters trying to break in today?
Probably the biggest piece of advice I give is to continue improving your craft and writing the best possible songs you can and also to see yourself as the CEO of your own business. Also surround yourself with like-minded talented friends who have integrity. Help each other rise .Set high standards for your creativity and be smart about how you handle your business.
Finally, pick a song that you wish you had written……….
Every time I am asked this question a different song popped into my head. Today the first song that popped into my mind was. ‘And So It Goes' by Billy Joel.
You can check out Jeff Cohen's catalogue and works right here
