In 2015 Courtney performed over 50 shows opening for Miranda Lambert, Chris Young & Thompson Square among many others as well as playing festival dates throughout the summer.
Courtney will be opening for Diamond Rio during their appearance at 2016 Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine. Cole goes on at 7:30pm August 5th. Her Maine Lobster Festival appearance is one of 13 upcoming concerts. Some other concert stops are Ulster County Fair August 6th, Surf Ballroom August 11th, August 12th Mystique Casino and Wisconsin St. Fair on August 13th, 2016, to name a few. For more details on her upcoming concerts please click here.
Our founder, editor David Mills recently had the opportunity to interview Courtney on her singing, challenges and more. The following what she had to say.
When did you start singing?
I have been singing since before I can even remember! My mom said I used to sing all the time in my car seat, and would even try to sing songs to the pitches of the vacuum cleaner when she would clean the house! I really remember falling in love with it when I was 5 years old performing at the church talent show with my dad!
Was it your dream to be a singer?
I have never wanted to do anything else! I used to play a game called "touring" where I would travel around from room to room in my house to sing for my stuffed animals! I think at one point I wanted to be a marine biologist, but that was maybe for like a day because I thought dolphins were cool..
Tell us about your style of singing?
Ive always been a big fan of strong, powerful female singers.. I used to listen to a lot of Shania, Martina, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston.. So the big vocals and the powerful melodies are definitely two important characteristics that have stemmed from those influences!
Are there challenges pursuing a singing career and being a normal young lady?
There are always challenges.. I think the most challenging thing can be to maintain a social life at home while being on the road so much. I have a lot of friends and family that mean the world to me that I have to make sure I see when I'm home and reach out to when I'm gone so that we can maintain a solid relationship! And it's not always easy!!
Do your parents and friends support you?
100%. I couldn't be more lucky to have a supportive community of people that surround me.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes! It's so important to me to share my story and my perspective of life!
If so, tell us what goes into writing a great song?
Writing a great song comes from living the life you write about and staying true to that. That's what people are going to relate to, and it's going to hit harder when they feel like they can really believe what you're saying.
Where was your first performance, were you excited?
It was at my church talent show! I was 5 years old and performed Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" with my dad! That performance wasn't only exciting, but it changed my life!
How do you prepare your voice for a performance?
Warming up the best I can.. (which I need to be better about). I also love to use essential oils that help to open me up!
If I went to one of your concerts, what can fans and I expect?
A high energy show, full of sass!
Where have you been able to perform?
I've been so lucky to open up for some of my heroes like Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney. From arenas, to amazing country bars, to some of the coolest fairs and festivals!
Who inspires you with your singing and songwriting?
Miranda Lambert's Revolution record was a huge inspiration to my songwriting. Shania Twain inspires me with her confidence and sass. Katy Perry inspires me with her color and energy!
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and with who/why?
On a beach in Hawaii, with my guitar, playing songs with my dad. He just learned guitar and I love playing with him. Special memories :)
What do you hope to accomplish with your singing/songwriting?
More than anything, I want people to feel empowered. I could say, that I want to sell millions of records, play the biggest venues. Which all that would be cool, don't get me wrong, but if I achieve all that and people walk away with nothing, then what's it all for? It's important to me help people feel understood.
What three words best describe you and your music?
Sassy, colorful, relatable
Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in singing and songwriting?
Write about and be exactly what and who you are.. Don't try to conform with what seems to be working.
Do you have any other talents?
I can touch my tongue to my nose.. Does that count?
Are you passionate about any charities, if so, why?
I'm a big believer in furthering higher education and music in schools. Music class was always my favorite hour in school and helped me fall even more in love with my dream.. It encouraged me to study music in college, which has led me to be the spokesperson for CMTs Empowering Education initiative. I've been so lucky to be able to travel around the country this year promoting higher education for those who might not have the means or time to do so!
We want to thank Courtney for answering our founder, editors questions. We're looking forward to covering her appearance at the Maine Lobster Festival on August 5th, 2016 in beautiful Rockland, Maine.
For those that want to know more in-depth information on Courtney, upcoming concerts and more can click here. We have added a list of her social media sites and YouTube below.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thecourtneycole
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thecourtneycole
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/courtneycolemusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcourtneycole
