People of South Walton: meet Ted Cobena of “The 30A Amigos”

By Sarah Stewart

Tell us a little about your background:

I am a veteran drummer from the South Louisiana music scene. I have played and recorded with some of South Louisiana’s  most popular bands such as The Red Beans and Rice Revue, The Will Walker Band, Big Daddy ‘O’, and most notably Bas Clas. Bas Clas, and all of its past and current members, was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on January 26th. 2013 and is still active today. I travel to Louisiana to play and record with the band and we are currently working on our 4th studio album which is due out later this year. I also own and operate Soap and Song Studio here in Florida which keeps me busy recording local songwriters, voice overs, and music for films.

How long have you been in SoWal?

My wife Celeste and I moved to South Walton in the spring of 1991.

What brought you four together?

A mutual friend introduced me to Max several years ago and the band has been evolving ever since. Our new CD is entitled “Max McCann 30A Amigos” and was recorded at my studio.

Where can one hear you perform?

Max and I play as a duo every Thursday at Growler Garage on 30A and the band plays at Marie’s Bistro the first Friday of every month and at Redd’s Fueling Station the third Friday of every month.

I understand that you are still pursuing musical goals- can you tell us a little about your projects?

I spend most of my time writing and recording my own music here in my studio. My latest CD entitled “Deep Space” has just been released and is available at CD Baby and many of the usual online music stores. I also spend time recording other people’s projects as well.

How was 30A Songwriters Fest?

The festival was great! Max and I played as a duo to a packed house at The Gathering Spot on Friday morning and then the whole band played at Old Florida Fish House Friday night.

What’s on the horizon for you?

I am presently working on a new batch of my songs to be released on CD by years end. I am also in the process of forming a publishing company in association with ASCAP to help further along any musical aspirations.

Any advice for aspiring young local musicians?

My advice for young musicians is play and record your own music. Be original. In today’s new musical market, it’s important for independent artists to get out there and make a name for themselves. The days of the major ‘record deal’ are pretty much over, but the opportunities exist now for all musicians to be heard. It’s hard work, but the payoff is worth it!

Additional thoughts for SoWal audience?  Your musical inspiration, thoughts on community etc.

I would like to thank all of the listeners and supporters of music here in South Walton. This is truly an area where artists of all types can flourish and share our art with the world.