INTERVIEW:
Nella Cole
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MY Christmas Eve interview is with Nella Cole...
who has been talking about her new single, All Out, and how it came to be. She tells me about some great memories in music and what she has coming up; approaching artists to follow and what she would like for Christmas.
Cole reveals a few albums that are important to her and which artist she’d support on tour if she had the chance; some advice that rising musicians should take to heart and how she unwinds away from music – she ends the interview by selecting a great track.
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Hi, Nella. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! I’m great, thank you! I’ve been auditioning a lot this past week for some musical theater projects so it’s been pretty busy, but awesome!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Sure! My name is Nella Cole. I’m a Pop recording artist, actor and dancer; born and raised in N.Y.C. My single, All Out, is available everywhere and the music video just dropped on VEVO - so check it out! My style is dreamy, but grounded; edgy but sweet!
All Out is your new single. What is the story behind it?
All Out is all about living completely free and wild in the moment! I wanted to write a song that captured the spirit of some of my nights out in N.Y.C., which is a huge inspiration to me. I love dressing up with my friends, walking the streets going from place to place; meeting new people, listening to music and dancing all night. All Out was created after retelling some of these stories to the producers I worked with out in L.A. Most of the lyrics are derived from things that have actually happened!
Do you think it is your most authentic and confident track?
I think all of the tracks are pretty authentic and confident. Haha! There was a really fearless approach to this E.P. We were writing from the most confident part of ourselves and it kind of felt like nothing was off limits. I think All Out is a great intro to what is in store and kind of the outermost layer of Planet Nella Cole (smiles). In future projects, I’m actually interested in exploring the other side of that spectrum and touching on more of my introspective side.
I understand there is an E.P. planned. Are there particular stories that inspired the songs?
All of my music and lyrics are inspired by some time or place in my real life! A lot of times, I’ll go into the studio and start talking about something that’s on my mind that day and the song begins from there. What's really special to me is the memories that come from the creative process and the significance a certain song has from the period in your life when it was written. Upon completing my E.P., the producers and I went out and got tattoos together! That is something I will never forget and represents a great moment in my life.
Are there particular artists that inspired you to get into music?
Definitely! I would say different artists have inspired me in different stages of my life. The first song I ever sang was Alive by Pearl Jam. I was maybe three or four-years-old, so I was probably the youngest rocker around. I had a love for music of all genres at a really young age. I remember being in awe of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in their Behind the Music episodes and knowing I wanted to do that too.
Beyoncé was also a huge influence on me as a young teen. My best friend and I would come home every day after school and watch her concert DVDs in his living room. We would be singing and jumping around on the couches and acting everything out with her!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
Yes! I’m planning to release more music in 2019 as well as more visual content on my VEVO channel so stay tuned! We’re also setting up performance dates now and are in talks with one of my favorite female brands for a special collaboration! I’m also always working on different acting and dancing projects. A film I worked on called Vox Lux starring Natalie Portman is actually in theaters now. I play one of her backup dancers and will be going to see the film in my hometown movie theater this week! 2018 has been a really great year for me and I’m hoping to continue to build on all of this past year’s accomplishments in 2019!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
There are so many memories that are very special to me. One of my favorites was from an earlier time in my career when I headlined a New Year’s Eve show at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. This was the first time I had done a show like this and we had the whole nine yards: dancers, background vocalists; costume changes, lights and more. It filled me with so much joy and a newfound confidence in myself as this was one of the first times I had really stepped out as a musical artist. It was an incredible way to bring in the New Year.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Wow. This question has me reminiscing. Haha.
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey changed my life. I had never heard anything like it before and it really shocked me and changed my way of thinking about my music. Everything about her art was mesmerizing to me. It was so different and made me feel like there was space for me in this world to be my authentic self.
Looking back…Take Care by Drake was definitely the soundtrack to a time in my life when I kind of felt like I was in limbo. That album means a lot to me because it made me realize that the best music is honest music. Drake really expressed what he was feeling in such a clear and relatable way and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I want to be able to do that for other people with my music.
And last, but not least, I have to shout out the Rent Soundtrack for meaning even more to me now than it did when I first fell in love with it. The music and message resonated with me so deeply when I was younger - but I didn’t fully understand it all. Now that I have more life experience it hits even harder. “No day, but today”.
As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?
Hmmm...this is a tough question. A vacation to the Caribbean or a shopping spree (if that counts) is the easy answer but, to be honest, the best present for me is to share my music with the world and make an impact on my audience and everyone who believes in me.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I would love to support artists like Bruno Mars or Ariana Grande. Somebody in the Pop realm with a really exciting live show.
As far as a rider; I’m pretty simple to be honest. Just need a quiet space with some tea and water (smiles).
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I think the best piece of advice I could give is not to take anything personally in the entertainment industry. If you understand that nothing is personal, it’s much easier to stay focused and motivated when things don’t go according to plan. This business is all about stamina because it’s very difficult to be a part of.
There will be lots of nos and lots of obstacles but, when you love it and you are able to remain neutral to the roadblocks, the little victories are so worth it. (Also remembering that the love and joy in creating art is the most important thing of all). Do what you love and makes you happy!
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Maybe (winks). Keep a look out on my Instagram (@thatgurlnella).
IN THIS PHOTO: Hayley Kiyoko
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’ve been obsessed with Hayley Kiyoko these days. Also, King Princess! Would love to collaborate with any of these bad-ass ladies.
IN THIS PHOTO: King Princess
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
As an artist and performer, my schedule is always changing from day to day. It's also really easy to work from home, so ‘clocking out’ is the hard part when you’re a workaholic like me. I am learning how to take more time for rest and relaxation and seeing the value and importance in that. As ‘woo woo’ as this sounds (haha); I really enjoy doing spiritual work on myself and in my life.
I love listening to the SuperSoul Conversations podcast with Oprah! It's so inspiring and makes me feel more relaxed and connected to myself and the world around me! I also love spending time with my close friends and just hanging at one of our houses and talking all night.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) by Frank Sinatra - because I bet you weren’t expecting that and because I’m Italian (smiles).
Thanks so much!
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