It would be easy to dismiss Didier Cohen as just another model-turned-DJ.
The 28-year-old and ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ judge is better known for fronting an Industrie campaign alongside Miranda Kerr and hosting a 2Day FM breakfast show spot than his abilities on the turntables. But unlike many who have tried to bridge the fashion/ music gap, it was the DJing that came first for Cohen. Born in LA, he worked as an A&R scout for Immortal Records before establishing TEN-DMC, a musical project with producer Tenzin.
“Modelling is this amazing stepping stone that brought me to Australia and helped me to meet a bunch of great people, but where I’m at right now, I want to start doing collaborations within my music, be involved with more creation instead of just modelling.”
Now based in Sydney, Cohen has performed at festivals and club nights around Australia, including a recent headline spot at Marquee in Sydney. His sets are known for fusing commercial house with classic club bangers.
“DJing is expression. Sometimes I can’t put things into words but music speaks for me, that’s why I love it so much. I get a couple of people saying, ‘This model guy is trying to DJ, why is he doing that?’ but before I became a model, all my friends in Australia were DJs so all the people in Australia know I was into music before everything.”
Cohen is getting back to his DJing roots with a five-date Australian club tour which includes ‘Naughty Christmas Carol’ at Brisbane’s Capulet Bar. “Finally I’m coming to Brisbane! I’ve played Melbourne, Perth and Sydney but I haven’t played in Brisbane for a year so I’m like, ‘Thank God I’m coming back!”
Aside from the DJing, Cohen joined Jennifer Hawkins as a judge for the latest series of ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’. “It was an amazing experience. When I was starting out, I was chucked into this modelling thing and people started noticing me and it took a little time to deal with. Your whole life changes just like that so to be able to equip these young girls with the tools they need for the modelling world, which can sometimes be very brutal and be really hard on your mentality, was amazing. The show was also another way for me to show Australia what I’m all about and leave that whole tattooed model thing behind!”
Despite his keenness to move into new areas, fashion remains important for Cohen. Earlier this year he released a design collaboration range with Australian label Cotton On, and was recently named one of the best dressed men in Australia by The Age. “It’s funny because two blogs last year put me on the worst dressed list! I’ve always loved fashion but when I started designing my Cotton On collection, doing the research and meeting these bloggers to show them what I’m all about, the fashion really stepped forward. It is really cool to be acknowledged though, especially when I have a clothing line out.”
With his DJ tour, modelling duties and regular radio appearances to juggle, will Cohen have time for Christmas this year? “The day after the Brisbane show, I fly to Bali. I’m going for five days and then I’m coming back and starting all over again, just a quick trip celebrating Christmas there and then back to work, although it doesn’t feel like work!
“I always said, even if I’m broke, if I’m completely poor, I’m not going to do something unless I love it. I’m going to do things I love because your life can end in a second. If I’m not doing something I love, what’s the point?”
Didier Cohen plays Capulet’s Xmas Party Saturday Dec 21.
