You may have caught Courtney Cole on tour with Miranda Lambert last year, alongside Ashley Monroe, RaeLynn, and Clare Dunn. Or maybe you're one of the 66,000 + views on her adorable music video for her Sirius XM The Highway hit "Drunk." Or maybe this is your first time hearing her name. If it is, keep her on your radar, because I wouldn't be surprised if she blows up in the next year or so.
A Belmont University alumni and a cast member from the first season of CMT's Next Superstar, Cole released her self-titled EP to iTunes in September of last year, featuring "Loud," "Ladylike" and "Flying."
"I may not always be ladylike, but you ain't never met a lady like me." A line from a fan favorite, "Ladylike," this song is Courtney Cole completely. "[This song] describes me pretty well as a person and an artist,' Cole said. The pop and doo-wop influenced song is a perfect mix of all of Cole's influences, as well as a taste of her music catalog.
"I may not always be ladylike, but you ain't never met a lady like me." A line from a fan favorite, "Ladylike," this song is Courtney Cole completely. "[This song] describes me pretty well as a person and an artist,' Cole said. The pop and doo-wop influenced song is a perfect mix of all of Cole's influences, as well as a taste of her music catalog.
Cole describes her sound as "very beat driven! It's sassy and fun to listen to when you need a pick me up! There is the occasional emotional rollercoaster type of song too."
She has released two EPs so far, one being an acoustic EP, fittingly named #NoFilter (Acoustic Sessions), and the other being her self-titled EP. Listen to "Loud" as an example of one of her more upbeat tracks. On her #NoFilter sessions, two songs fall into the latter category: "Cool Girl," about being yourself and not changing yourself for a boy, and a classic heartbreak ballad "Fall Like Rain." Her music catalog currently is small, but it's a well rounded collection of songs that shows what she is capable of doing as an artist.
Cole's drive to be a country singer started young. "My parents put me on stage when I was 5 years old," the Louisiana-born singer/songwriter said. "I caught the bug of being on stage and it has never gone away! I bought my first guitar at a pawn shop in high school, taught myself to play and eventually started writing my own songs. I loved the lyrics in country music, which is what captured my attention….I was hooked!"
Cole grew up listening to a variety of music, "from Shania to the Dixie Chicks to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey," she said. "I love big, powerful voices." All of these influences pop up on her debut EP, from the country pop hooks and beautiful lyrics to the big vocals and rhythmic beats. "Also, I grew up in New Orleans, where there is all sorts of music on every corner!"
Cole names the Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour with Miranda Lambert her favorite experience in the country music industry so far. "Miranda is a great example of how you can be a leader in your own career and treat everyone with respect along the way," Cole said.
Cole's future is bright. "I am always writing new songs and working to make the best project I can," she said about new music. "On top of that, I am going to be on the road a lot this year playing shows, which is my happy place!"
As a woman in country music who has been noticed and toured with one of the format's biggest female stars, as well as having a few big songs of her own, Courtney Cole is on her way. Her advice for other women in country music? "Every artist brings something unique to the table based on our experiences," she said. "Always stay true to who you are as an artist. That's success in my opinion! "
Cole names the Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour with Miranda Lambert her favorite experience in the country music industry so far. "Miranda is a great example of how you can be a leader in your own career and treat everyone with respect along the way," Cole said.
Cole's future is bright. "I am always writing new songs and working to make the best project I can," she said about new music. "On top of that, I am going to be on the road a lot this year playing shows, which is my happy place!"
As a woman in country music who has been noticed and toured with one of the format's biggest female stars, as well as having a few big songs of her own, Courtney Cole is on her way. Her advice for other women in country music? "Every artist brings something unique to the table based on our experiences," she said. "Always stay true to who you are as an artist. That's success in my opinion! "
Follow Courtney on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Listen to her music on Spotify below, and support her by buying her EP on iTunes!
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