Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cole.
Emily, before we jump into specific questions about your music, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always loved to sing! When I was younger (elementary school), I would come home from school and play the piano. When my mom would ask how I learned to play these songs, I’d be like, “oh, we’re working on our play in music class!” I’d hear one of my teachers playing the piano while we practiced for our play. I would always get singing parts in the school plays, and I loved every second of it. Eventually, I started writing books (I’d staple sheets of papers together and write stories), which then led me to realize that I could write songs too! So, I continued doing just that. In 2012, I went to a local songwriter camp where we would write, record, and perform an original song in front of everyone and their families. Ever since I sang an original song in front of all of those people, I was hooked. I’ve been writing and performing nonstop ever since! For a pilot program I was a part of, everyone knew how to play guitar, so I talked my parents into buying me a small purple guitar off of eBay, and I used YouTube to teach myself to play guitar. I play by ear, and I also taught myself to play the ukulele.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall I’d say it’s been pretty smooth! Of course, there have been a few bumps in the road along the way, but all of those “bumps” have helped me become the person I am today.
Please tell us about your music.
I’m a 19 (almost 20) year old alt. pop singer/songwriter, and I perform all around the greater Houston area and travel to play for music conferences and festivals. I also get to perform for really cool fundraisers that help to raise money for those less fortunate. I have music out on all platforms, a full album and several singles that have followed. I am always either writing, recording, or performing at venues. I play mostly as a solo artist, but I also play as a duo and with a full band, accompanying myself with guitar and ukulele.
I like to think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I ALWAYS try my best to be as authentic and genuine as possible. I don’t know how to be anything but myself anyway, so I embrace my quirkiness, even if that means other people think of me as a walking meme!😂
As for accomplishments/proud moments, it’s kind of cool that some of my songs are being played on stations being heard worldwide. You can also find my music on jukeboxes located in venues worldwide. Some of my singles have won awards in songwriting competitions or placed as semi-finalists. Recently, I traveled to Tennessee to attend the Josie Music Awards Show. I’m really excited to have been awarded the JMA for Pop/Contemporary Vocalist of The Year, 2019.
I just want to keep writing and putting my music out there for all to hear. I really hope some will listen to my music and be able to relate to some of my songs. I also love being an artist, as I really enjoy performing live shows and being able to sing my own music.
Fun things in the works… I have a new single dropping this month, 2/22/2020, to be exact. It’s called Unnerving. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it! The weekend of 2/21-23, Tune Out Cancer Music Fest takes place at The Wildcatter Saloon in Katy, Texas. All genres of music will be offered, food, kid zones, air guitar contest, and more. All proceeds will go to Texas Children’s Hospital. I’ll be performing on Sunday, 2/23, on the singer/songwriter stage. In March, I’ll be performing during Austin’s SXSW music week. As of now, I have two shows. I’ll be at the Austin Winery on 3/18, performing in the Texas Indie Fest Singer/Songwriter Showcase. On Saturday, 2/21, I’ll be performing as a duo at Guero’s Taco Bar with Live Music Records. Other fun things are coming up later this year. You can visit my website to subscribe and be in the know.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I can probably say “authenticity is key” over and over again until I’m blue in the face! I’ve struggled with some anxiety issues these past few years, and have noticed that I get extremely wired when I’m performing in a new venue, meeting new people, or if I get too in my head. When this happens, I focus on just being unapologetically myself, and it always helps me calm down and stay focused on what exactly I’m doing at that moment. This has gotten me through a lot of big performances and meetings and has also contributed to me pushing myself to get where I want to be. Wake up every day and do whatever it is that would make your 12 year old self proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: emilycoleofficial.com
- Email: bookinglivemusic.snl@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/emilycoleofficial
- Facebook: facebook.com/emilycoleofficial
- Twitter: twitter.com/ofcemilycole
- Other: youtube.com/emilycoleofficial
Image Credit:
Gracelyn Paige Photography @gracelynpaige_photography on Instagram, Julie P White Photography @juliepwhitephotography on Instagram, Orl Hernandez Photography @ Orl Hernandez on Facebook, @bamyourevent on Instagram, Sybex Studios @sybex_studio on Instagram, Sherry Little @sherrynlittle on Instagram
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