Minneapolis, MN has long been known for its vibrant artistic community. From this varied landscape dotted with thousands of lakes, groundbreaking musicians have both shaped and shaken the national music scene. It is from this environment of stark contrasts that Barbara Cohen developed her unique music style.

Barbara is a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (flute, guitar, mandolin, piccolo etc.) who explores a variety of musical genres including folk, roots rock, trip-hop and electronica. The industry first took notice with her band FARM ACCIDENT. Signed to Independent record label Red House Records, Farm Accident grew in popularity with their rowdy hillbilly roots rock. Featured on NPR's Mountain Stage they were invited to perform at many prestigious music festivals including the Winnipeg Folk Festival. When they disbanded, Barbara went on to form LITTLE LIZARD further expanding her sound by merging cello, fretless bass and African percussion. Little Lizard's disc Black Lake received national recognition from publications such as CMJ, which noted, "Cohen's songs stand out with a unique flair but her skill at painting word pictures is where she really shines."

A series of awards followed including a 1995 Fellowship Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for artistry and composition. Barbara Cohen was further recognized in 1997 when she was named both artist and songwriter of the year by the Minnesota Music Awards. It was a stellar year for the young artist who was about to take another leap.

Joining forces with childhood friend techno pioneer Paul Robb (Information Society), the two formed BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON releasing The Great Game independently. It was a vast departure from Barbara's previous recordings. BSSM was full out trip hop and was respected by both the press and fans. A strong cult following and rave reviews caught the attention of major labels. Virgin Records signed the band in 1997 and the two moved to Los Angeles to begin recording Luminous.

Luminous took trip hop to a new level of global sophistication. BSSM were sought out by English rave dignitaries ORBITAL resulting in a the four way collaboration "Way Out," included on Orbital's big beat-techno classic Middle of Nowhere. Barbara's ethereal vocals on BSSM's Luminous attracted France's AIR to invite her to sing on their hit song "Radian" off their recording 10,000 Hz Legend.

The multi-cultural foundation of Los Angeles brought new inspiration pushing Barbara even further in her composing. New opportunities came to light as she placed tracks in several major films and television shows, scored for independent film and popular gaming promos. In the midst of this journey, Barbara chose to return to her roots and the simplicity of storytelling in song. Barbara Cohen's return to independence birthed California, where the focus is on her radiant vocals. Minneapolis City Pages calls California "a gorgeous dark-streaked evocation of bitter truths, yearning and redemption." Years in the making, California brings the artist full circle.