Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Tolle.
Hi Cole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a wheat farm in North Central Oklahoma and was raised on country music, hard work, and storytelling. College took me to the Oklahoma Panhandle, where I was introduced to a lot of the music coming out of West Texas. The songwriting, storytelling, and authenticity of that scene made a lasting impact on how I write songs and view lyrics. I started writing songs because I wanted to tell stories that felt real, and that passion eventually led me to Nashville. Since then I’ve spent the last few years playing live shows, writing songs, and releasing music that blends Red Dirt Country, Classic Country, and Rock influences. I’m still doing what I love—writing honest songs, playing for great crowds, and continuing to build my career one song at a time.
Alright, 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?
The struggle is probably the same one a lot of blue-collar musicians know. I spend my days working construction, or saving the family farm from total collapse one combine repair at a time. Somewhere between all that and a few late-night bar shifts, I’m able to make time to write songs. That’s actually where the latest album title “Coverin’ Rent” came from.—it’s a pretty honest reflection of how life’s felt. Like most independent musicians, I’m chasing the dream while somehow, someway keeping the bills paid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I moved to Nashville in 2023 with one goal in mind: to become the best songwriter I could be. Before that, I was mostly playing acoustic sets anywhere that would have me—bars, restaurants, you name it. Once I got to Nashville, something really clicked. It felt like I was writing two songs a day. Not all of them were great, but for the first time in my life I was able to focus completely on songwriting and creativity for an extended period of time. That experience gave me all of confidence I needed.
Growing up on a farm, a strong work ethic was pretty much non-negotiable. Whether I wanted it or not, it was instilled in me from an early age. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, so I found my way into Redmon Varilek Construction after moving here. What started as a job has turned into something I genuinely love. Truthfully, it’s been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It keeps me grounded, gives me perspective, and allows me to continue chasing music on my own terms.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I truly believe the greatest blessings in my life are the family and friends the Lord has surrounded me with, along with my incredible wife, Caitlyn. With the support system I’ve been given, failing feels a lot harder than succeeding.
The list of people who have helped me get to where I am today is far too long to name, and I don’t think I could ever do it justice. Still, there are a few people I’d like to specifically thank.
Brett Penington has become one of my closest friends since I moved to Nashville. We’ve written countless songs together, worked countless hours side by side, and logged more miles than I can keep track of—with plenty more still ahead of us.
Jordan Harazin was the very first person I met when I moved to town. Not long after, I found myself sleeping on his and John Caldwell’s couch for a couple of months. These days we’re neighbors, and we make music together every chance we get.
Josh Distad pointed me in the right direction from the moment I arrived in Nashville. While I was staying with Jordan and John, a room opened up at Josh’s place, and I ended up living with him all the way up until I got married. Beyond being a great friend and roommate, he’s one of the most talented lyricists I’ve ever been around. Josh has helped me in more ways than I could ever count, and his guidance, friendship, and songwriting have had a huge impact on my time in Nashville.
I remember hearing Ross Cooper’s songs in the Panhandle and thinking he was one of the best writers I’d come across. Within a month of moving to Nashville, I saw him playing at Bobby’s Idle Hour. We struck up a conversation, eventually wrote together, and that alone was a huge moment for me. More importantly, Ross helped me feel welcome in a town where I wasn’t sure I belonged or if I was making the right decision.
To all of you—and to everyone who has encouraged, supported, and believed in me along the way—thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am without any of you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coletollemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cole_tolle_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coletollemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coletollemusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coletollemusic
