Meet Courtney Cole

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

Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Music has always been such a huge part of me. My mom used to tell me that I would sing with any and everything… including humming and harmonizing with the vacuum cleaner when she was cleaning. My babysitters used to come over, and I would want them to pull me around the house in a blanket from room to room. I would get out in each room and sing to my stuffed animals like I was on tour. It always felt natural to me.

When I was 18, I loved to Nashville to go to college at Belmont University, and go pursue a career in music. When I was a senior, I landed an internship at a record label/publishing company, and they ended up hiring me as the receptionist when I graduated. I answered phones, then moved up to an executive assistant, then publishing coordinator, then radio promo coordinator. Meanwhile, I would stay after work, when I wasn’t working my retail side hustle, and write songs so that I could perfect my craft. After a couple of years, they ended up signing me to my first publishing deal. It was such an amazing time in my life to be able to focus full time on music. After that, I signed with William Morris Entertainment and began touring and building my career from the bottom up. Over the years, I have opened for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, Granger Smith, Thomas Rhett, Thompson Square, Chris Young, Sarah Evans, Ronnie Milsap, and many more.

In 2017, I experienced a lot of personal and professional challenges that sparked a new fire in me. Still feeling hopeful and inspired, I decided to shift the energy a bit and move to Los Angeles, a place I had always dreamed of pursuing. A couple of weeks before I made the cross-country journey, I had this feeling come over me that I needed to share my story. So I began filming a docuseries all on my own called “The Rockumentary,” which is available on YouTube. I filmed, edited, and created the music to tell the story of me embarking on a physical and spiritual journey of reinventing myself.

When I got to LA, I was excited, yet a little nervous/anxious to take on the city. I barely knew anyone or anything about the city. There were many question marks. I moved to Redondo Beach and found an adorable little spot by the ocean. I’ve always been a little intimidated of the ocean, so I decided to buy a paddle board and conquer my fear. I correlated my fear of the ocean and it’s uncertainty to my fear of uncertainty of a new me in a new city. But, I decided that if I could conquer the unknowns of the ocean, I surely could conquer the fear of the unknown of what was next for me.

Now, I am successfully paddling 4 miles out into the ocean, and have released music that I have never been more proud of! My current single, “Spiritual,” is the embodiment of me on the other side of this journey finding peace. The has been highly acclaimed by Hollywood Life, CMT, and many more. Currently, I am working to release a new single in late August of 2019 and will be releasing it in conjunction with a new blog that will cater to those in the midst of reinventing themselves!

Has it been a smooth road?
No way… I feel like every day I am confronted with a new challenge, but that’s the fun part! I am constantly evolving and having to reinvent myself based off of my new experiences and growth. I am constantly failing.. which is humbling me. I am constantly seeking.. which is teaching me. The failures are leading me to new experiences, new people, and are helping me to hone in on what I truly desire on a soul level. It all makes the winnings that much sweeter!! It can all feel defeating at times but it all keeps me strong. I have been SO lucky to have had amazing opportunities, and to have worked with SO many amazing people. I have had a lot of help, and then none at all. The hardest part, but also the most wonderful part is being able to build this all on my own. To create a clear direction for myself, so that I can attract the right people along the way.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a songwriter/artist. I specialize in authenticity, vulnerability, and turning that into melodies. Over the last couple of years, my music has become more cinematic, and definitely creates a mood. I’m really excited about the release of my next single in August, as it will really show that side of me. I think the thing I am most proud of as an artist is being brave enough to share my heart on the most honest level. It’s what sets me apart; my ability to be uncomfortably and fearlessly transparent. My docuseries is a great example of that.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Being authentically yourself is good for any city! I think it naturally stands out. Especially in a city like LA, where there is a tendency for things to seem superficial. I think it’s important to remember we are still human, and that being brave doesn’t have to look like we have it all together. Being brave is just about being honest with yourself and others. Vulnerability is not weakness, as we all seem to think. I would recommend to anyone starting out here, to follow your peace, every step of the way. Trust yourself and your gut. If something feels wrong or dims the light within you, reevaluate. Only follow the path that expands you.

Contact Info:

• Website: Courtneycolemusic.com
• Email: iamcourtneycolemgmt@gmail.com
• Instagram: @thecourtneycole
• Facebook: facebook.com/TheCourtneyCole/
• Twitter: Thecourtneycole

Image Credit:
Chris Keller

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.