Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Tolle.
Hi Cole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
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 on 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 where the latest album title “Coverin’ Rent” came from —it’s honest reflection of how life’s felt. Like most independent musicians, I’m chasing the dream while somehow, someway keeping the bills paid.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
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. 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.
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 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.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t call myself a risk taker, or at least I’ve never really felt like one. The way I see it, we get one life, and you better enjoy it and make it count. I knew I wanted to spend mine writing songs and playing music I believe in, so that’s what I’m going after. Looking back, everywhere I’ve gone and everything I’ve done has turned out better than I ever could’ve imagined. I’ve been lucky enough to find incredible friends, great people, and opportunities everywhere life has taken me. It probably took me longer than it should have to realize it, but I know now that none of it has been by accident. The good Lord has been looking out for me and putting the right people and opportunities in my path since day one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coletollemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cole_tolle_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coletollemusic/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coletollemusic
