Meet Cole

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with COLE below.

COLE, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

You know, my confidence wasn’t really something that I consciously decided to develop. It kinda just happened. I’ve always felt free to be who I wanted to be, even if it meant others didn’t like it. I see so many people desperately trying to be what their friends, family and bosses want them to be and they never give themselves the chance to ask: who am I? I know who I am, and I think I’m pretty cool.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m COLE. I make my own style of rock music, blending influences from soul, rap, R&B and jazz music to create a truly unique sound. I’m born & raised in Indiana, but throughout my journey so far, I’ve been all over the country performing shows, making connections and bringing a new energy to the rock genre. I’m always releasing new tracks, so my audience never has to wait too long, but it feels like they can never get enough. The journey so far has been nothing short of incredible and there’s so much more to come. Don’t blink.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

There are several things that were instilled in me that helped shape me into the artist I am now. The first, and in my opinion, most important thing is the courage to be disliked. Something I never anticipated when I started making music is that there would be many people that would not like what I was doing. There always has been and there always will be detractors, no matter what you’re doing. I was taught very early that these people and their opinions aren’t important and don’t affect me. Without the courage to face a room full of people that don’t like you, I never would’ve been able to sell out shows and take the stage with confidence.

Another quality that helps manage the stress is my ability to work well under pressure. From my earliest days of playing competitive basketball to my teenage years of competing in the octagon, I’ve had countless experiences that have made me tough, resilient and effective under pressure. Nothing I’ve done could’ve prepared me for the stress and pressure of touring. Trying to coordinate 3 people to effectively perform the show, sell my merchandise, keep everyone safe and all of this needing to be done in a timely manner was truly exhausting. Without my mental fortitude I could’ve easily folded under that pressure. Not me though.

Lastly, I think the best thing my mother ever gave me was my everlasting love of music. I hear music everywhere I go, in everything I do. I feel the rhythm of the wind as it blows through my hair. The drum pattern of rain drops inspires me. My mother always had music playing, no matter what, and I attribute my passion for music to her. When things get tough, when the words don’t come, I remember why I started in the first place. Music is my life.

My advice to anyone with a dream is this: don’t lay on your deathbed wondering what could’ve been. Apply for that job, write that song, film that movie, and most importantly, don’t blink. Life moves fast.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

This one is easy. It’s Nick. Without him, I probably would’ve quit by now. He gave me the creative space to make my music. He gives me the freedom to create what I want and follow the process that I want to follow. He’s been there for the high school rap battles, he was there for my first tour. Without Nick, that tour wouldn’t have even happened. I am Cole, but COLE is a two headed beast. Thanks Nick.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/probablycole
• Instagram: @probbaly.cole