Meet Cole Withers

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

Hi Cole, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity blocks are inevitable. I never used to think this. I would power through it. I used to think writer’s block was simply laziness. Work solved it. And while work is vital to life as an artist (versus just thinking about being an artist) there are times when the tank is empty. Then, it’s about trust. Trust. Show up for the muse every day. It’s a matter of time before it returns.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Right now, I am focused on recording new music. My latest release “Chosen Bury You” flowed out quickly over two days while I was focused on other things. (See, the muse does show up unannounced when we are open to receive.) “Blue At Birth” is the next up and set for release in September 2024. Followed by 8 more songs, 2 EPs into 2025 with a tour to follow. Oh, and I’ve published a few poems in literary journals as well. (Poetry is my solution to writer’s block.)

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?

Listening is key. It’s everything. If I am present and listening, I can receive direction. Listen. Listen. Listen. Practice listening above all else. It’s the greatest skill in the arsenal.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

When I invest time in improving areas I’m not as strong in, the time is not wasted. It serves the whole being. Whether it’s a new instrument, scale, piece of literature or form of writing – anything I may explore serves the whole, deepens and expands the man.
No time is ever wasted learning something new.

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Image Credits

Ken Pivak

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