Phil Cohen, a Westford-born singer-songwriter, is set to release his new LP, “I Put the Day Away,” this Friday. The album is a confessional blast of indie rock, filled with Cohen’s multilayered existential dread. It serves as a farewell to New York City, where he spent seven years before returning to Vermont in 2017. Despite dealing with anxiety and imposter syndrome, Cohen found a vibrant music scene in Burlington, where he connected with local musicians and recorded his new album with them.
Prior to the album release, Cohen released singles including “Pinchgut Town” detailing feelings of imposter syndrome. The COVID-19 pandemic forced him to stay home, providing time to continue writing for the album. “I Put the Day Away” pushes the boundaries of Cohen’s Americana-adjacent sound with a more aggressive push while remaining melodic.
Cohen’s vulnerability is reflected in the accompanying videos for each track on the album. He is considering a limited vinyl release, despite past doubts about his abilities. His fear of rejection from the audience is a driving force behind his anxiety. However, Cohen recognizes that he cannot live without making music, regardless of how it is received. Ultimately, he acknowledges that while he doesn’t need an audience, it would be nice to have their support.
