Not Just Your Average Joe Strummer

If you've ever wandered past the Vast homewares store on Redcliffe Parade or any number of locations around the bayside for that matter, you may have been drawn in by the unique talents and almost addictive voice of musician and busker Cohen Anderson.

Cohen is almost impossible to miss thin, tall, extremely cool afro springing from his head, guitar strapped around his shoulders and his eyes clenched shut as he hits notes with the kind of deepened soul that even seasoned musicians wish they could sing.

The quietly spoken Cohen says his musical journey began when he was 10 with the arrival of his first instrument.

The journey with music for me started when I was ten years old, and I got a cheap guitar from an op shop in New Zealand, and always had it with me,� Cohen says.

I started singing about three years ago. I have a big passion for music, and there's not a day that I'm not playing. I'm just seeing where it will take me.

I got into busking up in Port Douglas and started singing there. I play mainly covers to lengthen out for gigs, and I have one or two original songs. My aim is to get into more of my own music.�

It's something the Peninsula locals would love to hear more of, according to Vast Redcliffe manager Donna Mackey.

She says Cohen's busking sessions in front of the store have captivated people as they stop and get lost in his incredible voice.

People walk into the store and just say how wonderful he is. We all think he is just awesome,� Donna says.

They constantly come in and comment on his beautiful music, and everyone loves his vibe. He is so laid back.

We love it so much we turn the music off in the store so we can hear him play.�

His voice is equal parts Amos Lee and Jack Johnson, with a smooth guitar sound that would make Matt Corby swoon. But what does Cohen think of his admirers? Busking here has been good, people are lovely and give me a lot of positive feedback, which has been awesome,� he says.

I just think I'm very lucky to be able to do something I love and live off it.�

Now that sounds like a life in perfect harmony.

n Catch Cohen Anderson busking in various locations throughout the wider Bayside area.