If you don’t know who Kosh is just yet, if my friend Bob Catania from Right Way Records has anything to do with it, he’ll be a household name before you know it. Kosh is the artist/creative director of Apple records and was responsible for one of the most parodied album covers in history, The Beatles Abbey Road.
Then there’s this image that most people recognize:
So, how does someone like me have access to a creative genius like Kosh?
As many of you know, aside from being a hemp activist and an entrepreneur, I also teach spin classes at our local gym. I became a spin instructor not because I consider myself to be super fit, but because I know I have an empathetic nature and as a music lover, could play some really cool music that could make people forget that they’re exercising. That’s the trick to exercising, you know: Find a way to forget you’re doing it (or get paid to do it, like me!). I’ve been an instructor for 15 years now. (It’s amazing how time flies!) I moved to Calabasas in 2000 and really didn’t know anyone in the area except for a couple of my mother-in-law’s friends. Once I became an instructor, I became pretty embedded in the community and have gotten to know a heck of a lot of people. My best friend was one of my first students, my creative director was one of my students, my attorney is one of my students, my chiropractor is one my students and most recently, my new “guardian angel” Bob has been spinning with me for over a year now. Needless to say, becoming an instructor was probably one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.
Bob is a music promoter and a manager. It’s really fun having him in class. When I play a song that he helped promote, he’ll let me know, ” I worked with that artist” as if it’s no big deal. He’s worked with everyone from the Eurythmics and Annie Lennox to Michael Franti and ELO. I played Eveylyn Champagne King in class the other day and he promoted her song, Shame, one of my old school favs. The list of artists Bob’s worked with is impressive, but Bob is humble and you would never know he does what he does.
It’s amazing how the universe works. I was lamenting to Bob the other day that I was stuck with my rebranding. I was changing my name, then I decided I liked my original name best and changed it back. I was working with a few artists trying to get concepts for the logo. Nothing was resonating with me. I felt very defeated. Then, without thinking, I asked Bob, “do you happen to know any artist that could help me with a logo?”The look on Bob’s face was priceless. He said, “I only work with the most famous graphic artist/creative director in the world! I’ll see what I can do of you.”
Before I knew it, I had a telephone meeting with Kosh and his wife Susan and before they even tried my product, they were on board. I knew that at this point, they respected Bob so much that they were willing to help me out. I gave Kosh a T-Shirt and his wife Susan a Dudette Cardigan and they were blown away. Susan is a documentary film maker and she said she learned something when she read the inside of my shirt. She mentioned to me, “I don’t know a lot about hemp, probably because when I think of hemp, I think of Woody Harrelson.” She totally understood at that point, what I was trying to accomplish.
Within a couple of weeks, barring some time they needed for a rush project with Jimmy Buffett, I had three logos to choose from. Of course, they were all brilliant, but this is the one I chose.
Bob is working on a merchandising deal for Kosh. Once people understand Kosh was the genius behind many recognizable images and album covers, I’m sure Kosh’s brand will take off. In the meantime, SUBSTANCE is one of the first to sport a new Kosh logo before the flood gates open.
A very special thank you to Bob Catania of Right Way Music Group for getting us over the hump and believing in SUBSTANCE enough to introduce us to Kosh.
Kosh and Susan, your enthusiasm and talent are inspiring. We can’t thank you enough for your willingness to work with us.
AND….. Thank you also to all of you who have been patiently awaiting the relaunch! The new collection will be out before you know it.
Please take a moment to check out this video of Kosh where he explains his creative process. I think you will agree that Kosh is a humble genius and just a very, very cool and super funny dude. I feel super blessed an honored to be associated with such a great man.
The Hemp Press 
Great info and kudos!
From your BFF that was and is your spin student referred to in the post.