User:FeldBum/sandbox/Cobi

Jacob Schmidt, (born July 28, 1986) known professionally as Cobi, is an American musician from Grand Marais, Minnesota. A former original member of the Boston-based band Gentlemen Hall, Cobi released his single “Don’t You Cry For Me” on May 3, 2016 under 300 Entertainment.

Early Life and Career
Cobi became interested in music at about age 8, when a family friend visited their home with an electric guitar and began teaching Cobi and his brother a few chords. Once he was able to play them, his interest in music grew. That summer, he bought his first guitar, a Squier Stratocaster, by saving up money made from mowing lawns for $3 an hour. From then on, he taught himself to play guitar by ear, listening to songs over and over until he mastered them. Shortly after, Cobi and a long time friend formed a blues band, playing covers of songs at local bars in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In 2008, while attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Cobi and 5 others formed the band Gentlemen Hall. The success of the band, which was signed to Island Def Jam Records, came rather quickly. In 2009, they won a MTV Video Music Award for Best Breakout Boston Artist and performed at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

2014 - Present
At the end of the band’s 2014 tour, Cobi decided to leave Gentlemen Hall, as he became weary of the creative direction of the band. He then went on to record his first solo, self-titled EP released with the help of Tom Weir in March 2015. On December 18, 2015, he signed with 300 Entertainment. In April 2016, he joined English progressive trance group Above & Beyond’s international tour. The tour included dates running through June 2016 at iconic venues such as Royal Albert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and the Sydney Opera House. On May 3, 2016, Cobi released “Don’t You Cry For Me”, which premiered through Interview Magazine. The track was later released through digital retailers and streaming services Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon Music on May 6, 2016.

Sound
Cobi’s Blues-like sound has been compared to that of Hozier. His single “Don’t You Cry For Me” features a gospel choir providing background vocals, giving the song a soulful sound.

Discography
“Don’t You Cry For Me” (single) released May 3, 2016