We were lucky to catch up with Cole Decker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope to be remembered as an artist who put out his life and story without holding back—someone who worked hard and loved harder. I hope to be remembered as an honest and true musician and songwriter who didn’t care what people thought and always stayed true to himself and his music. I hope those who know me remember me as a loving and caring person who always put his family first. For people who don’t know me, I hope to be remembered as an inspiration to artists and everyday people who relate to my life and music.

Cole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have had music in my life since I was very young. I started piano lessons around 4 years old and eventually quit to play sports. After high school, I picked up a guitar and started writing and singing, and within a year, I was performing wherever I could. At first, it was an outlet for me to party and hang out, but after about 5 years of being a degenerate, I decided to buckle down and take my music seriously.

I’ve been full-time for almost three years now. After having a few legal issues due to excessive drinking, I decided to get sober. It’s not an easy industry to be sober in. Constantly playing in bars, having a free drink tab, and being offered drinks by audience members, you learn to say “No” a lot. However, I think my sobriety sets me apart because it allows me to focus on my music, guitar skills, and singing in a way I never took seriously before.

The main thing I am the most proud of is that I haven’t given up. There have been many days, weeks, and even months, especially in the beginning, when that would’ve been most people’s choice, but I have always trusted that things will work out. I know many people who have given up on their dreams, and I can’t let myself do that.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One of my biggest mistakes early on was not investing in lessons. Voice lessons, in particular, were always something I never thought to do. I did not want to lose the qualities of my voice that made it unique. I came to find out that voice lessons don’t do that. They teach you how to properly use your voice and help you build stamina so you can play multiple shows without feeling fatigued. It’s the first thing I tell young musicians if they are serious about their work. Practicing and taking lessons should always come before guitars and other music gear.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing is when people say they relate to my music. It’s a strange feeling to put yourself and your emotions out there in song form, and then to have people say how much they enjoy it and relate means the world. Also, seeing people dance and sing while you’re playing will never get old. Music and art bring so much to people, and it often doesn’t feel real that I get to do it for a living.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coledeckermusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coledeckermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coledeckermusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-decker-95a25a303?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCguAAoRYbT6bUspWPWNhXhQ
• Other: https://www.coledeckermusic.com/all-links

Image Credits

Madison Domanski, Lee Randall, Angelica Shaw, Joelle Decker