Meet Lex Cole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lex Cole.

Lex, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I currently live is a Los Angeles, CA but originally from Yonkers, New York. Growing up, I did theater, sang in a lot of singing competitions, & sang at local events around New York.

When I was 10, my parents & vocal coach took me to sing at number of venues in New York City including Crash Mansion, The Bitter End, The Village Underground, Dillons Cabaret, Triads, Arthur’s Tavern in Greenwich Village and The Cutting Room, where I was accompanied by John Stamos on drums and Richie Cannata, Billy Joel’s former sax player. I would go to open mics & play with live bands at these venues singing artists like Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, & Pat Benetar.

I’ve also been lucky enough to perform during half time at a New York Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden as well as performing background vocals for Susan Boyle on The Today Show at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting and on the Larry King show.

Outside of NYC, I’ve performed at The House of Blues in Boston, as well as numerous venues in the New England area. She has performed at The Mint, Silverlake Lounge and Bar Lubitsch in LA.

During my time at Berklee College of Music, I opened up and sang backgrounds for Aloe Blacc, Bilal, & Chris Turner. Additionally, I sand backgrounds for R&B singer Ledisi in 2016 and in March of 2017, I performed with Beyonce’s Original All-Female Band.

Since moving to LA, I making a living by performing 4-5 nights a week at Mastro’s Steakhouse all over California from Beverly Hills our to Palm Desert! I’ve also done a few original gigs at The Mint, Silverlake Lounge and Bar Lubitsch in LA.

When I’m not gigging, I’m in sessions writing & recording music or at a dance studio or the gym!

Over the summer, I was in a YouTube singing competition hosted by The Terrell Show. It made me push myself even harder being surrounded by so many talented singers in the competition.

I’ve been writing & recording so much music this year to release a lot of surprises in 2020! I’ve already released two songs on all streaming platforms but I can’t wait out all the music I’ve been working on!

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve lost track of amount of times I’ve gotten a no or had someone laugh in my face. However, it makes that yes even sweeter. I’ve auditioned for numerous shows & backgrounds gigs & even gotten to film a lot of stuff but then after doing all the work, gotten cut & never being able to show that work. As much as a no hurt in the moment (especially when it happens on your birthday), it’s made me an even better singer & overall person. Not everything & not everyone is going to like you so you have to build a thicker skin so you can just brush off the no’s & move onto the next audition/opportunity.

Aside from getting a no, I’ve had a lot of health issues since moving to LA. I’ve been in & out of doctor’s offices & hospitals like it’s my job. It’s definitely been an added struggle to my life but I haven’t let it stop me. After these health scares, it made me realize how much I love what I do even more & I really cherish the little moments. Yes performing for thousands would be amazing, but just writing a great hook to a song with your co-writer & having it stuck in your head all day, or singing a song at a cover gig that relates to someone so much that they cried makes what I do worth it. I want to be able to connect with people through music & seeing the joy it brings to someone else will always be a great reward.

After months of tests, I finally got some good news from my cardiologist, so this is just another obstacle I’ve now overcome! I am excited for what the future holds & I know I won’t let anything stop me.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a self-employed artist! I gig 4 to 5 nights a week singing at different bars, restaurants, lounges, & resorts all over California. During the day, I get to go to sessions, whether that be for my own career or for another artist, but it’s rewarding either way! I’m most proud of the growth that I’ve seen of me as a singer, songwriter, & overall performer. I’ve definitely pushed myself and been hustling since I got to LA in September 2018 and by doing that it’s leading to great things coming out in 2020 but I’m so excited for!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents have been my supporters ever since I was a little kid. They saw something in me and brought me to a vocal coach when I was ten and she saw something in me and started bringing me to clubs in Manhattan where I would get up on stage and perform with a live band that I’ve never played with before. From my numerous music teachers who have always pushed me to my close friends and family who have always supported me; I owe them everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lexcolemusic.com
• Email: lexcolemusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lexcolemusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lexcolemusic
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/lexcolemusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6y6sOGoEUGR4BPzH0aQhCW?si=frdx9uIPTq6HZMnRl9V_Iw

Image Credit:
Collin Keller, Ray, Celine Haeberly

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