Ed Cosens shares new single ‘Little Boy’, the “most personal” song on his forthcoming album Somewhere Between Dark and Light.
The single also arrives alongside new that Ed will be performing at The Great Escape Festival and Deer Shed Festival this year.
The gently string-laced acoustic meditation of ‘Little Boy’ talks of the titular character “sitting in the corner, doesn’t know what he wants to be… the little boy is me.” It was partly inspired by the feelings of insecurity and self-doubt Cosens says have always plagued him. “It’s like, ‘What is my place in all of this?’ I felt that sometimes being in Reverend and the Makers with characters like Jon, so loud and effervescent, I’d struggle to be heard. I’m the exact opposite, really, I’m very quiet, happy to sit at the back of the room.”
That might just be changing though, as Cosens explains that one of the reasons he’s felt the urge to strike out on his own is to make his mark under his own steam. “I’m really proud of what I achieved in the Makers,” he says, “but I suppose now I’d like my story to be told and heard.”
Listen to ‘Little Boy’ by Ed Cosens on our Sheffield Wednesday Fan Playlist on Spotify.
The album Somewhere Between Dark And Light offers an immediate variety of classic songwriting, delving into personal territory for inspiration. “‘In the light’ is probably the most representative track of the dark and light idea,” says Cosens. “‘When I’m Done Running’ and ‘I’m On Your Side’ “represent the lightest moments – those moments where I feel most positive and comforted by those around me.”
Talking about the personal nature of these songs, Cosens explains: “These things stay with you sometimes and whilst at the time they may be difficult, at least they provide a rich seam of ideas and lyrics that can be mined at a later date!” Last October’s stand alone single ‘Black Dog’ was released on World Mental Health Day. “It’s about waking up and feeling in that dark place where you feel unable to function,” Cosens says. “I hope these songs help start a conversation and spread mental health awareness further.”
Ed Cosens is the long-time co-songwriter and chief lieutenant to Jon McClure in Reverend & The Makers, and former bandmate of Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and Matt Helders. Now he has found his own voice as a singer of his own beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant songs that tap into the human condition with the skill of a seasoned balladeer.
Cosens’ debut solo album, Fortune’s Favour, was released in 2021. Although delayed by the Covid pandemic, and not promoted as widely as intended due to lockdown restrictions, it gained good reviews in outlets such as Uncut (“redolent of a more innocent era of pop composition”) and guitar.com (“a captivating success”).
