Standing slumped amongst the bar stools of chattering oddballs and drunks, the Cosmic Crooner is waiting patiently to catch your attention. Confident and tall, his sleazy ensemble of Cuban heels and wide lapelled suit exudes the sort of absurdist suave exclusive to the most ice cool of 70’s rock star revivalists. His music exists to capture the world in sepia slow motion, no matter how beautiful or ugly it gets.

He’s just unveiled his debut single, “Deep Down In Jazz” which plucks from a rich history of gyrating, psychedelic lounge pop. His witty, swoon-worthy lyrics carries all the hallmarks of a classic songwriter in the making. PopWrapped caught up with him to talk about inspirations for his new music and what’s in store for the months ahead.

Who exactly is Cosmic Crooner and why is now the right time to make himself known to the world?

Pleased to meet you. Cosmic Crooner is my name. Now is the right time, cause the world needs a bit of crooning.

What first inspired you to become a songwriter and why?

Heartbreak before it was broken. In real life I always like to tell stories, songwriting was an essential consequence.

You’re currently based in Amsterdam. Tell us about the music scene there and what it’s like for young artists just starting out?

Amsterdam is a very inspiring city to live in. There are many small venues for upcoming artists to perform and various music studios to record in.

Your new single, “Deep Down In Jazz” is your debut offering as Cosmic Crooner, but have you released music with any previous projects over the years?

I practiced in a band or two, but soon it became clear that Cosmic Crooner was going to be my destination.

You categorise your sound as ‘Doowop Space Pop’. What is it about that tag your music can relate with?

I like the catchy melodies and harmonies from Doowop tunes. I also love the sound of many 70’s space related records such as Ziggy Stardust. Both of these influences are audible and therefore the tag Doowop Space Pop was born.

Your music feels very nostalgic of vintage genres and styles. Which aspects of retro music are we missing in today’s modern industry? 

Not being able to tune everything.

Which artists have played the biggest role in shaping your sound and why? 

So many, but I think the most important ones are David Bowie and Serge Gainsbourg. With regard to Gainsbourg, I’m particularly fascinated by his lyrics and how conceptual they were. Bowie, because of the variety of albums he made. Also, I think it’s very inspiring how both artists kept on creating and developing till the end.

The beautifully shot music video to “Deep Down In Jazz” was filmed at Lake Como in Italy. Was there any reason this specific location felt appropriate for the context of the song?

The song is an introduction to Cosmic Crooner so it needed to be an answer to my inspirations. Lake Como is beautiful, and I’m very much inspired by Italian scores from the 60s and 70s. Also, the Italian cinema is magnificent.

You play the role of an accentuated version of a 1970’s rock star during the music video. Is this character an extension of your personality in some way? If not, what message do you want your image to relay?

This was all me and the way I felt during the recording of this song. No method acting was involved

The press release mentions that you’re inspired by French Nouvelle Vague movies. What is it about this style and period of cinema that resonates with you?

There is something very childish and meta about these movies. It almost feels as if the directors really didn’t want people to think they took themselves seriously. I also really like the montage of these flicks. A couple of years ago I first saw Godard’s movie ‘Pierrot Le Fou’ and I was instantly charmed by it.

How have you coped with the ongoing pandemic? Apart from making music, which activities have been keeping you busy?

It’s been very tough now and then, but I guess that’s the case for everyone. Apart from making music, I’ve been busy recording more analogue videos for this project.

Coronavirus has shaken all areas of the music industry. How important is it for artists to get back to playing live?

Very, very important. It is the way to get your music heard, to earn money and it’s the best therapy.

Do you have any plans for the remaining part of the year? Can we expect any further releases?

I’m going to release more songs and videos. And maybe get a cat.

Check out the video for “Deep Down In Jazz” below and for more information on Cosmic Crooner, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Instagram.