I stumbled upon a video on YouTube of this man singing a Easton Corbin cover and right away I had to find him. The moment he opened his mouth and started to sing, I felt like country music had made a comeback. It's amazing how much talent is on YouTube, when I hear Odiss Kohn sing it makes me hopeful that country music has a future. It was a pleasure to catch up with him for a much needed interview.
At what age did you realize you wanted to pursue country music?
I guess I had to be around the age of 8 or so
What is your favorite thing about country music?
The fact that it tells a story. To me it tells past, present & future.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes. I am also a writer as well.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, where did you grow up? What makes you country?
Well I was born in Mobile, Alabama and I grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi. I'm an avid outdoorsman … huntin, fishin' and anything that involves the outdoors, I'm there. I served 7 years in the U.S Army in the 3rd ranger bat 75th reg. I did a total of 8 tours of duty. I don't think a person can be made country it's a passage through birth. "Good ole boys" (and girls) that's a brother hood like royalty…hell it is royalty.
Who influenced you growing up, what artist did you listen to?
My dad was and still is my biggest influence because as a young boy growing up country music is all I ever cared to listen to. Randy Travis would be my next biggest influence. Of course George Jones (RIP) Merl Haggard, Conway, Keith Whitley…the list goes on for days.
Are people usually surprised once they hear you sing? You sort of break the stereotypical mold of what country singers look like…I bet you get that a lot?
(laughs) I used to get it quite a bit. More and more people are only seeing the singer and the song … that's how I feel it should be. That's how I like it anyway.
If you could have the chance to open up for anyone who would it be?
Randy Travis. I've opened up for Joe Dee and had the pleasure of working with the legend himself Mr. George Jones. I have sat down and gone over some projects with John Rich as well.
Do you have a favorite place to perform?
Wherever there is a stage is my favorite place. If I have to choose, it would be deer camp.
Any new projects you are working on we can look forward to?
Yes. I'm working with fellow songwriters Billy Lawson & Ed Hall on some songs we co wrote together. I'm hoping to get the chance to sit down with some record labels here real soon.
