Piano Prince, aka Coco Schwarz, who uses they/she pronouns, is fascinated by everything that cannot be directly pigeonholed. They draw inspiration from the ambiguity of the universe and has set themself the task of transcending as many artistic, as well as social boundaries as possible. We sense this not only in Coco Schwarz's gender identification as a non-binary person (meaning that they identify neither as a woman nor a man), but also hear it in their latest album "Memory Lane". Coco Schwarz had the idea for "Piano Prince" when they were 17. But the first time they really found time to develop the music further was during the first lockdown in 2020, when they were holed up in their studio house in Bannwil BE after several cancelled tours and projects.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Piano Prince, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Thank you for this opportunity. I’m really happy about my last release. To answer your question: I started to play piano when i was 5 years old. We had an old piano at home and I was intrigued by it’s sound. When I started to play it always felt like a sanctuary. It was also during that time that I knew that music will always be a part of me.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
That’s indeed not an easy task. There are always so many things going on. To find time to create is for me one of the most important things. But I really need to plan it, if not there is never time. So I started to write these time blocks in my agenda and keep it sacred.
Your latest release is 'Memory Lane'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I learned so much with that release. For the first time I recorded everything myself in my studio at the countryside and didn’t have technical assistants or a sound engineer next to me. So i was learning a lot about the technical aspects of recording a grand piano, which I think is one of the most difficult acoustic instruments to record - specially when you want it to sound natural. I was weeks in my studio with only short visits to the outside world - mainly to buy food at some local farmers.
Where did you get the inspiration for this album?
The tracks on my album are largely inspired by my childhood memories. After my sister passed away in an accident three years ago, I began working on this album as a way to process my grief. This album is a tribute to her.
How long did you work on 'Memory Lane'? Was it an easy process for you?
From start till the release it took me about two and a half years. I always doubt a lot if something I did is good enough. So it took me much longer than anticipated to work on it and finally publish it.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
My goal is to create a direct and honest connection with my listeners. I believe that music has the power to speak its own language, and that the emotions and feelings that people experience when they listen to my tracks are genuine and authentic. I strive to create music that is relatable, straightforward, and true to my personal experiences and perspectives. I want my listeners to feel like they are part of the conversation, and that the music I create is a reflection of their own emotions and experiences.
What interests or hobbies do you have outside of music?
Oh I love doing so many different things: I enjoy creating videos, recording sounds in nature, doing graphic design, cooking, collecting mushrooms, practicing meditation, socializing with friends, and partying all night at clubs.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
I found myself in the music business through a combination of my passion for music and my drive to make a career out of it. From the moment I started making music professionally, I knew it was going to be a challenging journey. The music industry is highly competitive, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. However, I was always aware of the difficulties and was prepared to face them head on. I have always been driven by my passion for music and my desire to express myself through my art. I am grateful to have been able to turn my passion into a viable career, and I am proud to be able to support myself solely through my music. I find immense joy in what I do and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I believe in making the most of each moment and constantly exploring the world around me with all my senses. I strive to stay present and attentive, which can be challenging at times, but I find it incredibly enriching and inspiring. This approach helps me tap into my creativity and find new ideas and inspiration.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m working on my next album which comes out on June 9th this year. I’m so excited about it. Also I’m working on the music scores of many of the pieces from my first album. Some are already available through my patreon page (www.patreon.com/pianoprince) and many more will follow in the next weeks.