Updated: June 7, 2009, 2:25 am

Marc Cohn Comes To The WHBPAC

By Brian Kelly

Grammy winner Marc Cohn comes to the WHB PAC this Sunday.

Marc Cohn, the Grammy Award winning American songwriter, has probably told his unique survival story a thousand times: He was shot in the head in 2005 after a gig in Denver, and somehow never lost consciousness, and as a result can explicitly recall all the events surrounding that fateful night. It is almost three years later, and Cohn is still in prime form, writing the best music of his career, after having released the critically applauded album, "Join the Parade," in which he is now on the second leg of his tour in support of its release.

"Join the Parade" serves to solidify Cohn's reputation as a great American songwriter. He has translated some of his most complex and private emotions into lyrical song-poetry and then set those words to music of remarkable depth, toughness, and complexity. Performing with his band, Cohn will traverse his hits, including "Walking In Memphis" and "Silver Thunderbird," as well as chart-makers from his new album. Don't miss this rare up-close and personal performance.

Cohn recently held an interview with Hamptons.com to discuss songwriting, his deep appreciation for other artists, life on the road, and the state of the music industry.

How often do you write? And how many re-writes does a song usually go through before its completion?

Marc Cohn: It's always different. My general answer is that I don't write enough. Some of my songs have been developed over a few hours. Some were built over a few years, in which they morphed into a variety of versions. However, the ones I always feel to be the strongest are the ones I write in the course of one day when it just pours out.

Many artists and critics have commented on the degradation of sound quality due to the use of digital recording methods. How do you as a listener and artist approach this situation?

MC: It really doesn't alter my approach in writing a song. I've never been an audiophile. Good songs are good songs, and that is what I believe 99 percent of records don't have.

The music industry is in the process of reinventing its business model by relinquishing the idea that record sales will not be the way they once were. Where does a veteran artist like Marc Cohn fit into this new equation?

MC: Tour, tour, tour. The tail is wagging the dog now. You used to tour to promote your record, but now more than ever it has to be the live show that catapults and exposes your band. If you are lucky you can get your song on TV or in a movie and get some exposure because today you can't rely on radio because it is has become so confined and restricted to a certain kind of record. Mass exposure only comes by playing your ass off. If you got the chops then you can float in the water.

Musicians have often struggled with being on the road when their families are at home. Is it difficult for you to be on road touring as you are?

MC: It is the on-going struggle of my life. I have done 150 gigs this year. I miss my kids and they miss me, but I also know that it is important for your kids to know that you love your job. My lifesaving thing is i-Chat. I can see them and then can see me when I'm on tour which is really nice. On this past tour I was talking to my five-year-old son through this and when he saw my hotel room on his screen, he was like, "Daddy how come your place looks like a dump (laughs)". [And I said] because this is how your Dad makes a living (laughs). But it is still hard. I really value both things, and I do my best to balance everything because when I am home - I'm actually home more than most fathers.

After this tour do you have plans to work on another record?

MC: I do. I'd like to put out a record by early 2010. I want to do a duet record this time. There is a short list of artists who I might collaborate with, so we will see when I get back.

As an artist what provides the greatest inspiration in your creative process?

MC: I always found it was important to travel and to get away from your familiar surroundings. It allows you as an artist and person to be vulnerable and that is when you learn the most about yourself. If I didn't take that trip to Memphis then maybe my career would've never lifted. The song "Walking in Memphis," was basically a travelogue of what I was experiencing and feeling at the time.

Is there an artist today who you believe is pushing the boundaries of popular music right now more than anyone else?

MC: Maybe - I'd say Beck. I like a lot of what he has done both in the studio and for songwriting. Although it is not always what I am listening to, as I'm more apt to put on James Hunter, who sounds like Sam Cooke, because I've always been drawn to people who remind me of things. I also love Wilco. Jeff Tweedy is such a compelling singer and has such a timeless quality about what he does. However, I'd say the Robert Plant record that came out last year was the best record. It was beautifully played, written, and recorded. One of my old drummers played on that record, and he did a fantastic job.

Your songs are not of traditional radio pop - there tends to be a poetic grasp in all of your writings. Are there writers in which you have garnered influence from in the development of your craft?

MC: As a writer, I've always felt reading to be the most important thing in developing my craft. I like James Salter, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Steinbeck, and honestly the list just goes on.

If not a songwriter then what would Marc Cohn be?

MC: I would have liked to have been a psychotherapist. I'm fascinated by people and would want to hear their life stories. The training and empathy - there is something noble about it.

• Catch Marc Cohn at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 8:30 p.m.. Call 631-288-1500 for tickets.