Hello, it’s great to have the opportunity to chat with you. Who is Kara Cole?
A: Kara Cole is a singer/songwriter from the Midwest. I’ve been writing songs that started as poems since a very young age. Maybe 7 or 8? I am rooted in bluegrass and outlaw country. My family hailing from eastern Kentucky but I was born and raised in Indianapolis. I’m in recovery from a long fight of alcohol abuse. I just hit 6 years of sobriety on august 27th of this year. I gravitate towards slower, more emotional songs but I have been trying to pick up the tempo in my newer material. I can’t be the sad girl forever, or can I? Haha
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your desired path?
A: My parents got me a guitar for Christmas when I was 9 or 10. I watched my grandpa and uncle play music at my grandmas house every weekend. I knew from a very young age that it was something I loved and was extremely fascinated with. However, I was so afraid to sing that I didn’t learn I could sing till around 20 or 21. I never sang out in public until then.
Congratulations on the release of ‘Kara Cole’! The EP sounds fantastic. What inspired you to create it?
A: The EP is a 6 songs. 5 songs are about the break up i went thru in my on again, off again relationship for almost 5 years. The 6th song, Mary Francis, was my first single off the EP. It’s a stand alone sond and my proudest piece of material. It’s about my very best friend, my grandma. She passed away from Alzheimer’s and I had moved in to take care of her. She passed away in the home and I stayed living there for about 8 or 9 months. It was beautifully excruciating.
What is your favorite track on the EP and why?
A: Mary Francis because I love her so and Waiting On You because I love the way it drives and I just love that song.
How do you ensure your continuous growth and development as an artist?
A: I am constantly writing. It’s a constant melody in my head. At work, during the day, I have lines or certain riffs going off all the time. I honestly don’t know how I get anything else done. I typically pick up the guitar everyday for a period of time. I listen to music all the time as well just to hear what others are doing so I can find some influence.
What can we anticipate from your upcoming releases in terms of style and sound? How will they differ from your previous works?
A: I want to keep riding this americana alt country / rock line. I think it suits me best and it opens the door to a bigger variety. I hate having a “genre” I think it’s silly. We make music. That’s what we do. I just don’t want to be confined to a certain sound if something else decides to come out. Country music, Johnny cash, George Jones, Conway Twitty, those are the artists that I was rooted in.
Where are you located? Can you share with us how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
A: I am in indianapols. We have an insanely talented group of musicians. I would definitely say some of the best musicians are residing in Indiana. They are hungry, passionate and kind. They encourage each other and support each other really well.
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
A: I would probably say red rocks or madison square garden. 2 very different spaces but both so incredible. The beauty and openness of red rocks. To hear the people and the mountains singing back to me would be the most insane experience.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what plans do you have for 2024?
A: I just had an incredible experience opening up for the man himself, Ben Harper. I’m hoping to land some good festival slots this coming year and hit the road with my full band. It’s time to tour. I will start recording new music at the end of this year that will hopefully start coming out in March but I’m not certain of that just yet. I do have a ton of new material that is ready for recording!