Named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Courtney Cole is taking the music industry by storm. We chat with the singer/songwriter about her musical influences and her newest single, “Drunk.” Read our exclusive interview below, and enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of her EP!
Cliché: When did you realize you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
Courtney Cole: It started very early for me. I used to spend a lot of time singing into my karaoke machine in my room as a kid, like I was performing for thousands of people. Once my mom put me on stage at 5 years old, I caught the bug and never looked back!
Who are your musical influences?
Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston!
How does it feel to be named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country?
It’s wonderful to be recognized along with all of these other talented women on a great platform like CMT.
You were also on CMT: The Next Superstar in 2011. What did you learn from that experience?
I learned a lot about who I am as an artist and what I ultimately want to say. You definitely get to see yourself in a different light in those situations. All of the critiques from the judges and the ups and downs that come with reality TV couldn’t be a better education in hard knocks as an artist.
Tell us a little about your single, “Drunk.” What inspired it? And how fun was it shooting that music video?
“Drunk” was inspired at a writing retreat in the Smokey Mountains. We were looking out at the most amazing view and taking about how awesome life really is. The video was hilarious to make because all of my best friends were in it and it’s basically us just goofing around. I wanted it to have a New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme because that’s where I grew up and that city has inspired me so much!
You toured with Miranda Lambert last fall. What did you learn from that experience?
What DIDN’T I learn?! [Laughs] It was really a surreal experience. Miranda sets such a strong example for other artists. She is in control of her career and treats everyone with the upmost respect.
Who else would you love to tour or work with someday?
There are so many! A dream collaboration would be with Adele or Jessie J.
Which of your songs do you like to perform live the most?
I love performing “Fall Like Rain.” I feel that song every time I sing it. It’s a really special song to me and has been since the day I wrote it.
What’s next for you this year? Do you have an album in the works?
An album is always in the works in my mind. We have a lot of shows booked this year, so I’ll be on the road a lot! I’m also writing constantly, trying to create the best project I can. I’m excited to get more music out there!
Cliché Magazine is teaming up with Courtney Cole for a giveaway you won’t want to miss! Enter to win an autographed copy of Courtney Cole’s EP!
Five (5) lucky winners will receive the following:
– One autographed copy of Courtney Cole’s EP
Prize courtesy of Courtney Cole
How to Enter:
– Fill out the form below for entry to the giveaway, then follow us on Twitter!
– Earn extra entries by doing things like following us on Pinterest and tweeting about the giveaway**
**You may tweet once daily to earn extra entries
Selection:
The winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter.com and will be contacted within 48 hours after the giveaway has ended. The winner will be given 72 hours to claim his or her prize before he or she must forfeit it to another winner.
Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more Music Interviews and Giveaways on ClicheMag.com
Courtney Cole Interview + Giveaway: Photographed by John Hillin
