Mekong Sessions Interviews Marie Mazur: Speaking Cohen

[the mekong sessions]

In the second of a series of interviews with the world's most prominent Leonard Cohen aficionados, the Mekong Sessions was proud to interview Marie Mazur, founder of Speaking Cohen, a website dedicated to celebrating the lyrics and poems of Leonard Cohen.

MS: Marie, thank you for speaking with the Mekong Sessions.

When did you establish Speaking Cohen and what were the motivations behind setting up this beautifully constructed site?

"I started Speaking Cohen in 1996. I had not really intended to start a public website. Some Internet friends and I were discussing Leonard and his work and using snail mail to exchange copies of articles about him. The postal costs were getting to be quite expensive, so I thought it would be more economical to scan the articles and put them on a website for my friends to read."

MS: How many members does Speaking Cohen have and how many hits do you get every month?

"It took awhile for me to realize that what I was doing would be of interest to a larger audience than just my friends. Further, my site isn't designed as a meeting place for fans or even a source of the latest Cohen news. So, I never bothered to install a counter or concern myself with hits. The purpose of Speaking Cohen is simply to archive information about Leonard Cohen. Currently, there are over 1000 Leonard Cohen interviews, articles, and concert, book and album reviews on my site. Basically, it is there for folks who are new to Leonard so they might learn who he is and there for those who wish to study Leonard's work more intensely."

MS: If I was fresh to Leonard’s work and wanted to learn to ‘Speak Cohen’ where would you advise me as to the best place to start?

"There is no better way to understand Leonard's work than to immerse yourself in it. The Live in London DVD and CD provide a great overview of Leonard's music. The book, Stranger Music, does the same for his poetry. After that, most people go on to his other albums and books. All the lyrics to his songs are on The Leonard Cohen Files (http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com/) in the Song Index section. The Leonard Cohen Forum (http://www.leonardcohenforum.com) provides an excellent venue to ask questions and discuss Leonard's work with other fans. And then if folks want to read Leonard interviews or find out what others have written about his albums and poems, they can visit my site."

MS: How many times you seen Leonard Cohen play live, which was the best show and how would you describe the experience of seeing him perform?

"I think I've been to 15 concerts now. My favourites would be the three concerts Leonard did in Montreal in 2008 because that is his home town. It was overwhelming to feel the love and pride they had for Leonard. But every Cohen concert is emotional on some level. Sometimes a new meaning to a song will suddenly unfold when you watch Leonard singing it in front of you. Sometimes you are touched by the emotions of those around you. Every concert has its special joys and memories."

MS: From Leonard Cohen’s prodigious output over the decades, is there a particular verse or song which has a special resonance for you or one which seems to draw everyone in?

"There isn't a single verse or song or lyric which has a special resonance for me, there about 100, probably many more. Wherever you are in your life, whatever the circumstance, Leonard seems to have a verse or lyric that applies, that will comfort you or inspire you. But certainly, the song Hallelujah seems to have become especially popular and relevant to a good many people over the last decade."

MS: Leonard Cohen’s songs delve into many subjects, love being the most prominent. How does Cohen, more than any other artist, somehow tap into and reflect the visceral nature of this emotion?

"There are plenty of songs out there about the uplifting aspects of love and many more about the pain of failed relationships. But love isn't just black or white. Even in a seemingly happy and loving relationship, there can be dark feelings and troubling emotions. This is where Leonard resides. He goes past the obvious platitudes and uncovers a truth that validates our own feelings. Leonard says things about love that we may be too fearful to express. People are drawn to his work often because he is the first person to put a name to what they are feeling. The comfort found in Leonard's work can help to heal the damage that love can sometimes do."

MS: In any review of Cohen’s career, there is always mention of how ‘late’ he entered the music business in terms of his age. Given his legendary stature at 75 years old and his encompassing of poetry, prose and art as well as music, what lessons do you think could be taken by today’s emerging recording artists?

"Leonard has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. There can be no doubt about the level of the man's talent. Yet, he has commented over and over that songwriting is work. For every perfect verse he's written, he has written and discarded hundreds of others. I think there is the perception today among young aspiring artists that if you are talented, the only goal is to be discovered. Once you are discovered, your talent will magically carry you to success. The lesson of Leonard's career would seem to be that talent is work, not magic. As he has said, the only advice he has for young songwriters is that if you stick with a song long enough, it will yield."

MS: Since the announcement of the Phnom Penh concert, the Mekong Sessions has been inundated with requests for tickets from Cambodians, many of whom have had little prior exposure to his music. What do you consider the key elements to Leonard Cohen’s universal and enduring appeal?

"Leonard strives to uncover the truth of the internal human condition. He cultivates the landscape of the human heart. He writes about the most basic and compelling feelings that we all experience. This may not be a broad and encompassing area on which to base an entire career, but it is the most universal aspect of our existence. We all have these feelings no matter our culture or our generation. Thus, Leonard is able to transcend time and distance with his music. It is relevant everywhere and at all times and we can be glad that it will always be this way."

MS: Leonard Cohen’s concert in Phnom Penh has gained international attention for its historic status and the immense generosity of Leonard and AEG Live in making it a benefit concert for the Cambodian Red Cross and Cambodians with a disability. How important a role do you think philanthropy and humanitarianism play in the work and life of Leonard Cohen?

"I think it has been an undercurrent of his work and life for many years. Suffering can either harden your heart or open it and fill it with compassion. Leonard often comments during his concerts about his feelings of gratitude that he and the audience are able to gather together while other parts of the world are plunged into chaos and suffering. The suffering of others is never far from his thoughts."

MS: How excited are you about Leonard Cohen’s forthcoming studio album and do you expect any radical departures from his repertoire?

"I am very excited. Leonard has given us a couple of new songs during his 2008-2009 tour but of course, we can't be sure they will be featured on his next album. The songs did demonstrate all the things we've come to love about Leonard, his wry humour, his honesty, and his focus on the darkness and beauty of love. I am excited to get more of the Leonard Cohen that I've always loved."

The Mekong Sessions thanks Marie Mazur for taking the time to speak with us and encourages all Leonard Cohen fans to visit her beautiful and comprehensive site at: http://www.speakingcohen.com

Find out more about Leonard Cohen's Phnom Penh benefit concert at: http://www.themekongsessions.com

A special thanks to Jarkko Arjatsalo and the Leonard Cohen Forum!

[sturgess66]

Wow. Interview #2 came quickly on the heels of interview #1.

Thank you Marie Mazur- and thank you Mekong Sessions - for a most excellent interview!!

Wherever you are in your life, whatever the circumstance, Leonard seems to have a verse or lyric that applies, that will comfort you or inspire you.

So very true Marie!

And thank you Marie for the wealth of information that you have provided - and continue to provide - at "Speaking Cohen." It is truly mind-boggling to me to think of the amount of work that has gone into your site - and is ongoing.

My, my - that Leonard Cohen fellow sure does keep us all busy! Blessedly.

[MaryB]

MS: Leonard Cohen’s songs delve into many subjects, love being the most prominent. How does Cohen, more than any other artist, somehow tap into and reflect the visceral nature of this emotion?

"There are plenty of songs out there about the uplifting aspects of love and many more about the pain of failed relationships. But love isn't just black or white. Even in a seemingly happy and loving relationship, there can be dark feelings and troubling emotions. This is where Leonard resides. He goes past the obvious platitudes and uncovers a truth that validates our own feelings. Leonard says things about love that we may be too fearful to express. People are drawn to his work often because he is the first person to put a name to what they are feeling. The comfort found in Leonard's work can help to heal the damage that love can sometimes do."

Marie, I have never heard it better said. Your website is indeed a jewel and constructed with much love for all things LC. We have been doubly blessed. Your website is the perfect counterbalance of this one - thank you Marie.
And thank you mekong sessions for doing this insightful interview with Marie.
Best regards,
Mary

[MarieM]

Thanks Linda and Mary. I enjoyed answering these questions. It is very obvious that the questioner was incredibly knowledgeable about Leonard. Leonard and the band and crew will be in the best of hands in Phnom Penh and will be very welcomed there. I am sure it will be a trip of a lifetime for them.