Coco is an eclectic singer and songwriter inspired by colorful cultural backgrounds and riveting experiences. Born in Venezuela with a Lebanese origin, and having lived between the Middle East and United States, Coco’s music is reflective of a worldly soul that embraces myriad cultures and the belief that music is truly universal and should always inspire.

With an upbringing that took her from Venezuela, to Kuwait and the Middle East, Coco’s powerful voice carries with it the sound and style of global fusion. She creates her music from experimenting with different genres of music with great flexibility; imagine an east/west crossroads where house and Latin and jazz meet pop R&B. From recent releases like the house sensation “Runaway”, alongside local talent Fuad Murad, and the reggae inspired “I want you” one begins to understand Coco’s ability to deliver fantastic inspired tunes with her exhilarating voice.

Whatever Coco feels she writes. With an education and career in Music Therapy, Coco’s experiences in life elevate her music to cross all cultural differences, leaving listeners blissfully pleased and uplifted.

Having moved to Kuwait as a young 10-year-old, she discovered and began practicing her passion for music through various outlets such as the school choir, musical organizations, and dance classes like ballet and contemporary dance. This is where her talent for captivating audiences with her brilliant voice and lively personality began to take form, giving the artist a sense of direction and satisfaction from performing on stage. Since then, Coco participated in endless performances on stage whenever an opportunity arose, as she cherished interacting with audiences at such a young age.

Her main influences growing up include Mariah Carey, Fairuz, Ella Fitzgerald, Jill Scott and Celia Cruz. Coco pursued her musical studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where she achieved a degree in music therapy and vocal performance. A deeply empathetic person who believes in the healing power of music, Coco instantly relates to her audiences, making her performances as unforgettable as her transient voice.

After a period of travelling and working in the Middle East, and performing as part of a Latin fusion band in Lebanon, Coco currently resides and works in Kuwait with children with special needs as a continuation of her calling to better the lives of those in need with music. Her specialty in music therapy allows Coco to work with children with special needs, people suffering from terminal illnesses or depression, and utilizing her musical talent in the process instantly allows her clients to feel at ease, allowing the power of music to better their lives in the deepest of ways.

Since her return to the Middle East, Coco has been regularly performing between Kuwait and Beirut, and she is currently working on her first album with a group of talented local producers. Staying true to her soulful voice and eclectic sound, Coco is also collaborating with a variety of artists specialized in different genres to communicate her global sound. From Latin, house and lounge musical styles, to jazz and Rhythm and Blues, Coco’s moving vocals accommodate different genres effortlessly, giving her the flexibility to communicate a musical message that is beautifully rare and unmatched.

How did your musical journey begin?

My musical journey began since I was 10 years old, when my choir teacher discovered that I had a gift for singing. The teacher encouraged me to take part in plays and musical performances within the school. My parents supported my passion and placed me in private vocal lessons.

What/Who inspires you to write your music and lyrics?

What inspires me to write are my personal experiences and specific events that occur in my surroundings, listening to meaningful and unique lyrics that move me and encourage me to write. Some inspirations include: Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and currently Justin Timberlake’s new album!

Is the final sound of a musical track an individual or group effort?

The final sound of my tracks is generally a group effort. Details on sound qualities, vocal/instrumental effects, and types of chords that could add so much more elements to the music are some examples of what other musicians suggest and incorporate into my music.

Who/What in your early beginnings influenced your music?

My music is influenced by a variety of artists, personal experiences, and support from family members and friends.

In your opinion, what is the hardest challenge you face in your musical journey?

My biggest challenge in this journey is not having a set record label and production team to support and aid me in the making of my music to ease and speed up the process. But I’m getting there, slowly but surely!

How has the Middle Eastern world reacted to your sound?

So far I am blessed to be admired and supported in the Middle East, especially in Kuwait and Lebanon. I’m always asked, “When is the album coming out?”

Do you feel that music should always serve a specific purpose?

Music’s purpose is to enrich the soul and bring life, beauty, and appreciation to our existence. Music can have different purposes whether to express one’s emotions, exercise, reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, enhance social relations, etc. Being a Music Therapist as well as a vocalist, I always keep in mind, “what is the purpose of this song and its effect on myself and/or others?”

What are some of your favorite tracks, and why?

This is tough question because I am moved by a wide range of styles and artists such as: Amel Larrieux “Get up”, Jill Scott “Love Rain” , Stevie Wonder “Ribbon in the Sky”, Ella Fitzgerald “Funny Valentine”, Celia Cruz, Fairuz “Biktub Ismak”, La India, Um Koulthoum, and currently I am in love with Justin Timberlake’s new song “Strawberry Bubblegum” Anything that moves me emotionally and physically I am immediately drawn to.

What would you like to accomplish in the future?

In the near future I would like to release my full album in Kuwait and all around the Middle East, then expose it within Europe and the United States. I would also like to organize my own performance here in Kuwait some time this year.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/cocomusicbeat.