[2] Cohen is best known for her work as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the Vels, a Philadelphia new wave and synth-pop band that she co-founded in 1980.

[1] After the Vels broke up in 1987, Cohen's career changed direction and she became active in the indie rock and underground touring scene.

DMD released two studio albums: 1992's Chrome Molly on Dutch East, and 1994's Withdrawal Method on Roadrunner Records.

[9]) In 1996, Cohen sang a track (on camera) in the Martin Scorsese-produced musical comedy-drama film Grace of My Heart (1996), directed by Allison Anders.

In recent years, Cohen has performed frequently as a solo act, as well as collaborating with a number of groups including LYDSOD, Long Lost, Raw Thrills,[10] Castles, and Espadrille.

In 2010, Cohen had her first solo exhibition of visual works including video, collage, and installation, which took place at Live with Animals gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.