We were lucky to catch up with Cole Withers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cole, appreciate you joining us today. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?
COVID 19 abruptly ended live performances, so I lost a lot of gigs both solo and with a band. With plenty of time on my hands, I was able to dig deeper into my craft and I emerged from it with greater craftsmanship and exciting new sound and songs.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was a screenwriter, waiting for the next project to materialize and over the course of a week friends would suggest I start singing. I had never sung a word before. Finally, a producer asked if I would drop by the studio and bring a few songs. I did and the rest as they say was “history.” I went home and wrote the songs that would become “The Last Bookstore,” my debut record. I heard “As It Is” played on FM radio. Then, signed my first record deal. My song “Fall In Love Tonight” was #1 on indie charts in the UK and the States for six months. I’ve been grinding it out ever since.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation is only as good as my songs, my show and my connection to the audience. I show up early and always. I am polite and considerate of the venue’s needs and I don’t make demands. I work hard. I play long gigs (often 5 to 6 hours) and I know that I benefit more than the venue and the audience as I am able to hone my craft and see how the audience responds to songs, riffs and ideas. In the end, live performances help me craft better songs in the studio.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I have pivoted several times in my life. I believe each time I have done so has enriched my life, deepened my experience and informed my art – making me the man I am today.
I remember when I was in New York City and just signed with an agency. I had a script that was getting a lot of attention and they asked me to move to LA. I flew out and drove up the coast, taking in every aspect of the Cali lifestyle before saying “yes.”
I wanted to make sure I liked California enough – even if the business of Hollywood didn’t work out. I did, so I left New York and moved to LA on a prayer that it would all work out and it did.
Pivoting is an essential survival skill. For me, pivoting requires faith and when I act with integrity, everything works out for the best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecolewithers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolewithers?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Ken Pivak Tina Molina Thomas Gallagher