Denver Haze: Edmonton Music Artist Shares His Journey, Inspiration, and Creative Process

Name: Dylan Cobbs

Location: Edmonton, AB

Artist Name: Denver Haze

Category: Artist

Instagram: Denver Haze

💬 INTRODUCTION

I grew up in Sudbury, Ontario, where the only way to make good money is to be a miner or a drug dealer — and well, I wasn't much of a miner. That's a large portion of why I moved to Alberta and became a boilermaker, trying to detach myself from all that.

I started making music around 14 years old, just messing around with friends in high school, freestyling. Eventually I felt like I had something to offer and started recording myself.

🔥 THE PASSION

A big part of what really started me off — and honestly what kept me sane a lot of the time — was Mac Miller. At the time, him being just a high school kid as well was really inspiring and motivating. If he could do it, then maybe I could too.

Somewhere along the way I realized that I couldn't quit even if I wanted to. It's a part of my DNA now. There’s really no aspirations of grandeur — I just make music because I enjoy it, and in turn I hope people enjoy it as well.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

Being a Canadian creative means representing where you come from honestly. Canada has a lot of diverse voices and stories, and I think it’s important to stay authentic to your own experiences and perspective while creating.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

I’m proud of how far I’ve come both as an artist and in personal growth. I may not have the accolades some artists possess, but to me my ability to create the quality of music I make — with the level of emotion and truth I put into it — is very important.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

Okay, so I may be shooting for the stars here, but I’ve always enjoyed Bieber and would love to collaborate with him haha. He has a great voice (obviously), and I genuinely believe we could make a great piece of art together.

 🚀 CLOSING

Right now while I wait to line up my shows for this year, I'm just focusing on myself, my health and my wife.  Going to the gym 5-6 days a week, getting that dirty hand clean money trying to save up for a house.  

COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: What’s a moment from your past — childhood, struggle, or turning point — that still fuels your music today?

DENVER: I don't often talk about this because I don't want anyone to be painted in a bad light, but I grew up in a toxic and abusive household. I think that definitely shaped a lot of my personality and certainly led me down the path of addiction that I struggled with for so long.

COMET: When you close your eyes and picture Denver Haze in five years, what do you see? What’s changed, and what’s stayed the same?

DENVER: Me in five years looks like someone sitting on his porch drinking a coffee, enjoying the sunrise with my wife and cats. I want to have a lifestyle with real work-life balance where I can enjoy the life I’ve built and spend my time with the people I care about.

COMET: Is there a fear or doubt you still fight with, even now? How do you push past it?

DENVER: To be completely honest, the obvious one is fear of rejection or judgment when putting yourself out there. I worry — a lot less now than before — but sometimes I still wonder if I won’t perform well or if my music sucks.

But I’ve learned to accept that my art is mine. As long as I’m happy with it, that’s what matters most. I try not to let the unknown opinions of others dictate how I create.

COMET: Outside of music, what keeps you grounded or helps you recharge?

DENVER: My wife. I wasn’t the same man I am today when I met her, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She always supports me and isn’t afraid to give me a proverbial smack if I step out of line.

COMET: If your music had one message or “theme song” behind it, what would that be?

DENVER: That’s a tough one because I don’t necessarily make one style of music. I experiment across many genres, so it’s hard to put everything under one theme.

But what I can say is that my music is powered by emotion. I hope it evokes emotion in others — whether that’s joy, anger, excitement, sadness, or pain — depending on the song.

COMET: Name a lyric from another artist that hit you hard — and tell us how it shaped your craft.

DENVER:

“I don't need to lie no more, nowadays all I do is shine, take a breath and ease my mind.”

That’s from the chorus of 2009 by Mac Miller.

I’m not sure if there’s a direct correlation between that lyric and my craft, but Mac Miller in general helped me look at music objectively. He showed me you don’t need eight gold chains to be a good artist. It’s not about the persona or lifestyle — it’s about the art.

He helped me realize in my personal life that it’s okay to just be me. It’s okay to be vulnerable and not always guarded.

COMET: What’s something most people don’t see about your grind behind the scenes?

DENVER: People probably don’t see much of my grind because they only see what I show them — and that’s honestly my fault.

Being originally from Ontario, most of the people who would see behind the scenes aren’t here. It’s really just me and my wife here. There’s nobody around to witness what I’m doing, which has its pros and cons.

I’m trying to get better at sharing more of the process because I know how important that can be.

COMET: If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing before you started this journey, what would it be?

DENVER: I think about this often, and my answer has changed over time.

Now I think I’d tell my younger self not to listen to outside voices saying “it’s so hard” or “have a backup plan.” Honestly — screw that.

If you have something you believe in, follow it with everything you have. It’s so much easier to stay connected to that optimism when you’re young and don’t have anything to lose.

I wish I could tell my younger self to give it 110% and go for broke.

COMET: How do you decide which personal stories make it into your music and which stay private?

DENVER: Nowadays I’m pretty open in my music. I leave it all on the mic — the good, the bad, and the ugly. If the world appreciates that, awesome. If they don’t, then maybe I didn’t convey my message properly.

COMET: What’s one goal you’re chasing right now that might surprise your fans?

DENVER: My biggest goal right now is to make it onto Survivor haha. I LOVE that show so much and I’ve been manifesting it for years. I’m going to keep applying until I get on!

⭐ FINAL WORD

DENVER: All I’d like to add is that I truly appreciate any and all support, messages, feedback, or interaction. I encourage anyone interested in connecting with me to reach out because I’m always open to it.

To follow Denver Haze and stay updated on his music and upcoming projects, visit: denverhaze | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree