Courtney Cole – Down to Earth

By starrymag | March 13, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as ethereal, self-reflective, powerful and healing.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) As a kid I loved Celine Dion. More modern influences are Trevor Hall, Jon Bellion, Bon Iver and mantras.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Down To Earth.”

 

A) I wrote “Down To Earth” in a moment of realization when I noticed that I had been putting a lot of self-value in the highs and the lows of my career. When I was succeeding, I felt on top of the world. My ego was stroked for sure. However, when I hit a few setbacks or came against feelings of stagnation, I felt like a failure. What I came to learn was that there is a peaceful place in each of us that we can connect to that takes us out of the ego mindset and connects us with a deeper, more spiritual part of ourselves where the highs and lows of life don’t define us anymore.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think everyone can relate to feeling lost in this world, getting caught up in the highs and lows of life and allowing them to tell us who we are. When people are able to see that they can be free from that form of suffering in the mind, I think they feel freedom. I hope this song reminds them of that freedom.

 

Q) You also recently covered the holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” What is it about this tune that puts you in the holiday spirit?

 

A) The last two years with COVID that song took on a totally different meaning. With not being able to see our families much over the last while, lines like “someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow” are painfully true and a little heartbreaking. I was really feeling the lyrics and thought it would be a beautiful, healing way to connect to what a lot of us were feeling the last couple of Christmases.

 

Q) When it comes to your own songs, what is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Most of my ideas come when I’m either in the shower or near the ocean. Recently the songs have been starting as poems and then I later put melodies to them!

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) My producer, Cameron Stymeist, is amazing. He has a beautiful way of creating a moment and a vibe with a song. He and I work very well together to swap around ideas and build upon each other’s thoughts!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes! I am working to release an EP this year!

 

Q) With concerts returning live, where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love intimate settings. I love being able to connect with people and share stories. I’m really looking forward to being able to share stories and connect through music again!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Jon Bellion or Trevor Hall!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Trevor Hall’s In and Through The Body It’s so creative and so lyrically profound!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I love using social media to meet new people and connect with people who have listened to my music for years! I love trying to share uplifting and healing thoughts on a platform that tends to be a way to self-deprecate and spread hate!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you from the bottom of my soul for your love and support. I truly could not be more grateful for you choosing to listen and spend time with me!