Isaak Kimmel
Your earbuds are doubling as a time machine today, because we’re heading back to the ‘60s with a premiere of Sam Kogon’s “Open My Eyes!” It’s an exhilarating new take on Nazz’s 1968 track that features Todd Rundgren on vocals, and Todd even gave his personal blessing to this version, which came about thanks to a remix contest through the audio tech company Eventide Audio. Sam stays true to the energetic spirit of the original song while reviving it for a new generation of music lovers, highlighting the timelessness and universal relatability of music. Between the punchy twang in his voice, the dynamic harmonies, and the charismatic guitar lines, you could practically close your eyes and see him performing it on the Woodstock stage he grew up so close to.
The song found me. When Eventide asked me to sing vocals for ‘Open My Eyes,’ I felt truly honored. I was brought in because my singing evokes some of Todd’s energy, and I guess I sort of had the chops for this: I’ve previously sung lead vocals in the 2015 revival of baroque-pop pioneers The Left Banke (Walk Away Renee), as well as recording, writing, and performing with Al Jardine of The Beach Boys. I’d been sitting on the track for a while, but moving out to LA gave me fresh inspiration and the push I needed to finally release it just in time for the end of summer. The track was recorded on the East Coast at Hobo Sound in Hoboken, NJ (where I recorded my previous EP) and mixed on the West Coast by Christian Brizaar at Brian Malouf’s Cookie Jar Recording in Sherman Oaks, CA. The song features the incredible Eventide staff band as backing musicians. Big thanks to Eventide and Todd Rundgren for letting me share this version. I’ve always been passionate about music from the ’60s, and I hope this cover introduces new listeners to the most amazing era in recorded music.
Sam Kogon
Sam has long been a musical retronaut and Todd Rundgren’s approval of “Open My Eyes” serves as a once-in-a-lifetime moment whose seeds were planted when a young Sam first listened to Todd’s “I Saw The Light” with his mom. We previously described Sam’s music as offering “a retro charm with a modern perspective,” which he proves us even more right on with everything he releases. He studies the greats and uses what he learns to craft powerful stories and art pieces that transcend time and place, reminding us that the magic of a killer song never goes away.
You can find “Open My Eyes” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Sam Kogon on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp, and his website!
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Isaak Kimmel
