Spencer Cohen is known for his ability to seamlessly blend visceral feeling and musical sensibility with groove. He constantly strives to serve the song.
Spencer was born in Queens, NY on February 28, 1984. Through the influence of his artistic parents, Spencer was on the drums in diapers. He started seriously taking drum lessons at the age of seven and was teaching and performing by age ten. After playing in late night blues jams and sneaking into bars to be the house drummer, Spencer would be on time to fulfill his duties as percussionist and drummer for his high school jazz band, wind ensemble, orchestra, choir, and musical theater pits.
Spencer was drawn to New York University to pursue a degree in Music Education. While studying at NYU he performed with several singer/songwriters and bands throughout the city and befriended Sherrie Maricle (the percussion director, at the time). Sherrie Maricle went on to become the director of education at the New York Pops, where she employs Spencer’s teaching talents. Upon graduating, he began playing in various situations.
He has performed on film scores such as Jonathan Demme’s documentary “Man From Plains” and Matt Ross’s “28 Hotel Rooms.” Spencer has also played on commercial jingles for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Captain Morgan, Sylvan Learning, 3M, Tampax, Downy, and several others. He has had the privilege of playing on over 30 albums in the past two years as well as touring and performing live with various artists. These artists include Brett Dennen (Atlantic) Nouvelle Vague (Luaka Bop, France), Nick Howard (Universal, Germany), The Lone Bellow (Descendant Records), Matt White (Rycodisc), Diane Birch (S-Curve Records), The Brakes (Hyena Records),YouTube sensation The Gregory Brothers, Elizabeth and the Catapult (Verve Records), Average Superstar, Eugene Pitt and the Jive 5, Latin Soul Legend Joe Battan, and many other talented singer/songwriters and performers.
He currently resides in Brooklyn with his lovely wife.