Cole Swindell

He's a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum hit entertainer who sold merchandise for other stars on the way to becoming a big hit himself.

Country music star Cole Swindell's most recent tour  is called “down to earth” which describes him as well.   He goes in depth with host Kraig Kann on topics like selling t-shirts for Luke Bryan, making tee-times with other country songwriters who love golf like he does, and the reality of life on the road - before and during COVID which has impacted his industry like nothing he's ever seen.

Swindell talks about life growing up in rural Georgia, fraternity days in college and how songwriting  for other big artists became his ticket to making a name for himself.

Nine number one singles… eleven number one singles as a songwriter … eight platinum singles …. numerous awards and a growing spotlight.

You'll hear how he preps before hitting the stage, what goes into the order of his playlist at a concert, who's made the biggest impact in his life and career ... and how much he loves sports.  Plus, who would HE pay to see perform and what is the one venue he’d most like to add to his tour?

This episode is hardly a "flatliner" ... "you should be here" and grab a listen to Kraig and Cole - you'll be a fan looking for his next big show! 

Transcript

0 (4s):
Welcome to Tracks. To Success brought to you by presentation partners. This is the podcast that brings you inspiring people, and they're inspiring stories. How did they find their way to the top and how can their path help you do the same? Here's your host network, broadcaster, executive and entrepreneur. Kraig Kann

1 (29s):
Right now on this edition of Tracks To Success Grammy nominated multi-platinum entertainer who's most recent tour is called down to earth, which describes him as well. It's been more than six years since the release of his debut album and the Georgia native has found his way to the biggest stages alongside the biggest superstars in country music. He's been on the today show. Good morning, America on with Ellen degenerate and Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel To aside from making great music. He's made history being part of the first ever live radio and TV broadcast from the 57 floor terrace, the world trade center, overlooking freedom tower performing his hit.

1 (1m 15s):
You should be here, which reached more than 1 billion people. Nine number one, singles 11, number one singles as a songwriter, eight platinum singles awards growing spotlight as well. When he's chilling, there's a good chance. He is on the golf course, or even performing at a golf tournament. He can play, he can write, he can sing in a career on the rise. You can't call him a Flatliner he's engaging, entertaining. And yet his charm with millions of fans, his, his easy going way too. His name is Cole Swindell.

1 (1m 55s):
This is inspiring story. And this addition of Tracks To Success starts now the call. Thanks so much for being here. This is a special treat little message, by the way, for all of our listeners out their viewers out there, I've seen Cole Swindell on stage on three occasions, twice tied to golf tournaments. And we're going to talk a little bit of golf. Each one of the times that I saw him was better than the time before. And that is the absolute truth. Cole You you weave your story right? Through every single concert, your personal story, which is what attracted me to say. And I got to get this guy. I really want him, so thank you very much for being a part of this podcast.

1 (2m 39s):
I appreciate it. I brother, I appreciate you.

0 (2m 41s):
Like I said, when I, when I found out we wanted to do this, I was, I was excited to be on, so thank you for having me.

1 (2m 47s):
No, all mine, the thrill, all mine. Let's start with that. Okay. You're a big country, music star, lots of hits songs. We'll get into that. And just a second, but as much as, as much as you sing, you're a storyteller on stage. You, you weave that throughout your performance. Is that about connecting with the audience? Is that what you try to do each and every time?

2 (3m 11s):
Yeah. You know that thing, that's exactly what it's about. That's all I'm thinking about is how I'm going to connect with him. How can I connect more with them? And, you know, our set list is important. You know, we, there's a purpose to every song where it is while we're playing it. And you know what moments and you know, when you're starting out, your just, you know, you might have one song, everybody in that as you're playing that, and you're playing some covers, just trying to get people going, but you know, you, you're fortunate enough to have some success and then you can start adding those moments in. And yet I just want to connect with audience. And I think our set list and the songs that I've written songs up recorded helps a obviously to do that.

1 (3m 48s):
Well, I want to talk about that. Okay. How hard is it to figure out exactly which songs go in, what order, you know, like single Saturday night, is that going first or are you waiting?

2 (4m 2s):
You know, that's, that's a great, great point. I'm you never know. I mean, we switch it up some, but once we get it locked in, that kind of stays the same. We may alter it here and there, but pretty much the intro and all that. We have to get our set go on, but it just depends on what part in the show like last year we opened up with love you to light, which is, you know, hammer down the windows down wide open song that starts to show off. We're usually gonna start a show off with a big tempo, a song, whether it be single or just to the song, you know, we've and then it just kinda goes from their, the mood is, you know, you gotta find a place to put the tempo as a place to slow it down and have those moments that are so special. You don't have a lot of those in the show. You know, you want it, everybody has to have a good time, but you know, some people were there to hear those, the sad songs too.

2 (4m 46s):
And it just to be able to weave them in and out. And then finally, and on a note with something like ain't worth the whiskey where your, you know, just raising the glass, all of those, you know, helping out right now as it's a cool, cool thing to, to build a set list.

1 (4m 58s):
So what's it like getting ready for a show? Can I give us the lead up? I don't think a lot of us, myself included, no. What you do during the day, say two hours before, or one hour before 30 minutes. What's what's the pre show routine notice? I didn't say pre-shot routine. We'll get to that later. Pre-show routine.

2 (5m 18s):
Yeah, pretty sure to retain. So yeah, this is were getting the Gulf later. So this is To. This is after I'm back from golf. Let's sit here now a word, you know, just kinda of getting, getting that are getting ready, kind of like I'm hanging on the bus, the band's doing whatever they do. Some of them got headphones on. Some of them are practicing. I'm a just kinda getting a mine, right. We've may be gone over the set list at that point, trying to figure out where we are, you know, what is there? Are we in an area that's got a big cover song we should play, or we, you know, whatever that might be. But then as it gets closer, it's, you know, shower time trying to figure out what I'm going to wear, which I a, you know, not that I just roll with it, we pick something now that doesn't take that long.

2 (5m 59s):
And then, you know, it just depends. I'm kind of sitting around getting ready. We have meet and greet. We have VIP experience where I go and, you know, play these people songs that are unreleased. That that was a cool experience that we had last year. You know, give him some acoustic songs then we're ready for meet and greet. And then its kind of getting ready for Showtime. When I have friends out, I have to kind of let them know. I'm like, look, sorry, if I'm being weird, I just have to get my head. I'm I'm at work and y'all are here a year off of work when y'all are out watching me. So it's, you know, just getting ready is exciting. I'm anxious. I just, I'm not very a very patient person. So I'm ready to get up there when it gets 30 minutes in where a, the band's meeting up and we're getting ready for a, the next part.

2 (6m 41s):
We'll talk about like,

1 (6m 41s):
Well, that's good to here because you're not that guy that makes us all wait and wait. And one of them

2 (6m 47s):
Typically, that's the funny thing about me in general. Like if you got any of my team, any of the back, anybody knows that I fell, like artists are kinda known for being late or whatever, showing up whenever. And I just, I don't know how I didn't get that quality, but I like to be on time. I think I'm one of the few a, I don't know where I got that from, but I, I do try to be on time. And like I said, I mean, you know, when people are waiting for meet and greet or whatever, I mean, I'm trying to be on time cause they gotta get out there to see the opening acts. And I've, I've seen all that from the ground up from the merch table, from all that stuff. So it's just a, you know, I've learned a lot along the way. And I think my path getting to where I am right now, obviously shaped the way I look at everything the way I treat everything, a treat everybody.

2 (7m 27s):
So that's, you know, you gotta, you gotta appreciate where you come from

1 (7m 31s):
To ask you one question about the pandemic and what it's taught you about the passion you have to perform. You know, when something's taken away from you, you start to reflect on all 2020 has been a heck of a year. It's put concerts on hold. It's put tours on a hold, another tour or you were doing with Thomas Rhett rescheduled. So you're sitting there, right? And you're finding ways to fill your time too. But what pandemic teach you about you and the passion for being an entertainer?

2 (8m 4s):
You know, a just, you know, being honest, I I've always loved what I do. You know, I've been doing it for a while now, but I feel like sometimes we all get complacent and we, you know, you're going through the motions sometimes. And then all of a sudden, you know, I never expected this though. It's almost cliche. You don't know what you got until it's gone, but this is for real. I mean, I, I know, you know, this ride is, is I'm going to make it last as long as I can. And however long that lasts is fine, but I never expected it to be taken away by a pandemic. But you know, all of us not being able to do it, not just the music industry, every industry has been affected by this. And it's just, it's taught me that what is important to me, my career is in part, it's not the most important thing to me.

2 (8m 45s):
And it's also taught me that, but I know that, you know, what I love to do. I'm certain that that's, what I love to do is be on stage, be out, you know, around people being around the band and crew, but the fans, I mean, that's, that's the whole reason. I would never be where I am without being a fan of sports of music, you know, and to be on the other side of that, I know what it feels like to be a fan. I am a fan. So, you know, they're dependent on us, but it's just a, you know, it's a crazy year. Something we're all having to go through together and figure out together. You know, technology has allowed me to I'm to still be able to write songs in and do things that you might not be able to do. So it's, it's taught me and also that, you know, the ones you love for me, you know, hopefully if people are getting to spend a lot more time with their loved ones, then they used to do, hopefully know they're taken advantage of that may then stuck in Nashville a lot.

2 (9m 35s):
So, you know, every trip I can take home from now and I'm taking it, you know, and it just, I that sometimes it takes, you know, tough, tough times to wake us all up. But I think that's what, this is honestly, just a big wake up call on his bad as it is, has been whatever. I think we're going to come out of this better in it and just appreciating things more. That's the best thing that comes up. That's fine with me if we just appreciate life and the things that matter a little more

1 (9m 57s):
Great point, great perspective, you brought up songwriting. Perfect segue. Cole before we get to your younger days is a kid. And I want to talk about your upbringing and so forth, but I wanna give people the launch of your Success, which to hear you tell it, to read about it, et cetera, is really songwriting and not performing in that order. Am I right? 2010 to 2013. That's what your main thing was. It was writing music.

2 (10m 24s):
Yeah. And that his, you know, its the performing part obviously is kind of really took over after. But you know, my college years is where at first, you know, we'll get to the sports stuff that I played sports my whole life. And I always love music. Just never, I never sang or never did any of that. I didn't sing in the school to any of that, you know? And I got to college and got a chance to play my first gig and playing a cover songs. But, and then I wasn't even rioting, you know, took a couple years playing cover songs for me to realize fall in love with people like, you know, Eric Church and Dirks Bentley, his first album Luke Bryan realized and their writing their own music. And I'm like, Whoa. I was like these songs I'm singing that people are swinging back up here at it.

2 (11m 6s):
And like I'm doing this, I don't mind, you know, you don't want to write those songs or singing. And that just fired that fire did all that right there. And that was, you know, before I left college to go to Nashville. So I already had the writing bug. That's why I wanted the move was at that point. I was like, I'm going to be a song writer. I don't know about the record of, of them if I ever get one of those, but I'm going to write songs. I have to do that. And that was why I went to Nashville in my first several years. That's what I did, man. Right in the songs it got, my name is, you know, a name out there and get my foot in the door, getting songs recorded by other artists, getting, you know, those on the radio and finally having a chance to sing on myself. But writing is why I moved to Nashville and it's, you know, without the song writers and it took me a while to know that I think going up as a kid, you just thought everybody wrote their own song, the song they were singing while they wrote it, or maybe you didn't even care about the riding, but you know, and then you, that those, the writers are special.

2 (11m 56s):
And I think me coming up through the writing world now, when I'm picking songs for my album, when I'm writing songs, when you go through situations of, of recording and, and issues with a song that, and I'm always looking out for the songwriter because I've known, it's like to be one and I know how much they're counting on the song is rare to get a song recorded. So like I said, You, you don't see the path. I didn't expect the move to Nashville and sell t-shirts, but that's, that's my path. That's my path. Then looking back, it's kinda cool. You know, and that was a black man. I don't want this sit in my mood, but it was a huge opportunity and I didn't care how it, you know, Luke gave me an opportunity to do that. So, and that allowed me to start my writing career. So

1 (12m 34s):
Well you've written songs for so many Florida Georgia line. This is how we roll. Kraig Campbell out of my head, Thomas Rhett get me some of that. Scotty McCreery, water tower town, Chris young, nothing but the cooler left. And also Luke Bryan now tell me about how you and Luke met. Your relationship is pretty special.

2 (12m 54s):
Yeah. You know me and Luke grew up. We're obviously from both from Southwest Georgia and I mean my like 15 minutes apart, but he was a couple years ahead of me. I never knew him growing up. He didn't meet him until I got to Georgia Southern university and we happened to be in the same fraternity. I'd heard his name, you see the composites on the wall and a yellow that's Luke Brown and he's in a band. And back then that he had a band name. It was a nanny road, I think. And they'd come back from Nashville to play the local bars. And they came back to do a show at one time, I'd never met him. He was, he was in the same fraternity. So when you're at that age college, it's like, you've got a fraternity brother in a band. It was pretty cool, you know? And he came up to change his strings on the front porch of the steps. And we're all out there.

2 (13m 36s):
Just kind of tailgating, getting ready for the show that night. And I remember he got his strings there and he said, you don't care if I play something I wrote. And it was only about three or four of us. I was on the front porch and he played a song that he wrote called a small town, favorite sun. And it just blew my mind how much for one that the song was amazing. But I was like, wait, you wrote that. And he's like, yeah, that's what I'm up there doing. And from then on, we just built this relationship. I was kind of his Statesboro, a connection. I, you know, he would send me songs he's written and you know, I would jam them. I mean, I couldn't keep a demo, a CD of his cars. I was giving him a way. I was like, you've gotta here. This guy trusts me is going to be the next biggest thing is trust me. And just, I was just the fan of his music.

2 (14m 16s):
He come to town, you know, I can get the hang of it to get the open up for him. And then when it, you know, when it came time, he had given me advice and before I moved to Nashville, I just remember he mentioned, I would never know. I might need a merch guy Sunday and that's all I needed to hear him. Like I might not get it, but I, I gotta go. I mean, no, what if a guy, you know, that's my, that's my way to, to learn, you know? And so I went to Nashville, not knowing if I'd ever write a song or get a record deal. And that's where it all started a man one weekend after a planned all the bars Luke was like, I'm going out for some shows when he was a brand new at This. He had one maybe just come out, I think, and is very first album.

2 (14m 56s):
He needed a March God for the weekend. And that lasted three years. So a, you know, but I learned so much on the road, like I said, just from, I mean it, how important merchandise is and just, you know, everything I was around the fan's a lot back then and just see and all of that. I mean, it was just a blessing. I think looking back to, to have that job, you know, and me, and Luke, like I said, that's how the relationship started. A, we ended up writing some songs on the road. Finally, I got off during the merchant, you know, got him a publishing deal where I just got the right songs. And that was why that was the goal at the time, I wasn't even thinking about a record deal. So Luke was a, a, a big part of it and getting me to that point and having written some of his songs as well, man, that had to go from selling some ice T shirts to right in the number one song for him is the only one is my favorite.

2 (15m 42s):
Only a national story. A

1 (15m 44s):
I'm sitting here with this vision of, of you. I mean, knowing where you are now walking around with Luke Bryan tee shirt on, you know, selling them, flagging people down, Hey, check out This Luke Bryan Guy. He is going to be on American idols.

2 (15m 57s):
Absolutely. No, but it, the funny thing is back then in Georgia he was already huge. I mean, huge. But before you had is a record deal, pretty much. And you know, so we'd go traveling and go on the road somewhere. I'd never really left. Georgia too much, maybe a couple of times as a kid, but not much. And we're traveling the country and we're at this place and people were walking by I'm a little, much stand in there going who the heck is Luke Brian. And I'm like, Oh, these are, who are you? Are you kidding me? I'm like, how do you not know who this is? And it just every little experience just like, man, just cause your, you know, you might be known in somewhere. It doesn't mean everybody in the world and everybody in the country knows, you know, now they do though. It's like I said, just to know him from that point and believe this the whole time. I'm not just saying that.

2 (16m 37s):
I literally, when I saw him play that night after I met him, I was like, whatever he's doing up there, it's infectious. And I want, when I'm playing, I gotta make people feel like, I mean, that's kind of the same way. That's the first time I saw Chesney. It's like, you know, you, you just inspired. It's like that. If I gotta make somebody feel the way they were making me feel, that's the best way I can, I can say it. And that's, you know, he's a, he's just one of many influences.

1 (16m 59s):
Yeah. It's not what you're saying. It's how you make people feel, you know, that's what it's about with audiences. All right. Let's talk about Cole the kid you grew up in Georgia with two brothers, close knit family as a child. Was that, is that the way you're thinking?

2 (17m 12s):
And then we were, yeah, absolutely. As a child growing up, I mean made a two, a two brothers Ritchie and J a M. And when my parents, my parents split when I was in about fifth grade and we moved over to where my moms from a Southwest Georgia, which is kind of where I call home, but still, you know, kept in touch, had a great relationship with my dad. My brothers obviously didn't see him, you know, as much as, as, but I remember those days. I mean, before that, we, I mean, I grew up, I was at the ball fields every day. I mean, that's all I did was play sports. My brother's growing up around him. They were a couple of years older than me. And just, I don't know, you know, to, to grow up around like that music. I mean, they were playing me my first kinds of music and it wasn't always Country.

2 (17m 53s):
I remember, you know, Bon Jovi, all of that stuff, just being the kid and whatever they liked about like, you know, and you know, to go on and then also care that on over to the Southwest Georgia, that's where I grew, you know, went to high school and played sports. And that's when I kind of really got into to country music. I fell like in junior high, high school. And when I was just, you know, get in to be a teenager, it's like I said, I mean, that's, that's what I love about looking back about all that is every little thing got you there. I mean, you know, all the people in, in the first time I lived and that was a part of my life, so is the next part. And just, it's all it all got me right here, you know, and just to go through something like that, but I will say it was, that was a tough time as a kid, you know?

2 (18m 37s):
And I think that is a, you know, and that everything builds you into who you are. And I think that's the way it, you know, I've learned, I think that's why the way I am, you know, to people and not treat people like that. Cause I just, you know, I appreciate where I come from and you never know what somebody is going through so that yeah. Sports and, and, you know, growing up in small towns, man, that was me

1 (18m 58s):
Tough. In what way? Growing up, you just said it made you better. I, you talked about the relationship with your dad. You lost him. Unexpectedly was a part of it.

2 (19m 7s):
Absolutely. I think, you know, I just think any kid, you know, that's ever been through, you know, parents getting divorced. I mean, it was, you know, I was in fifth grade. It was just a rough time, I think for me in that. But I had a great, I mean, great family. We had a great relationship. It was just one of those things that I don't know. It just, I think made me who I am. And then also, yeah, losing when I went back to college at Georgia Southern, that was where my dad, you know, I was only three and a half hours away. That's where he lived. And that's when we kind of got to be really close as I was around him all the time. He came to all my shows. I mean, my mom never got to see me play really until I'd made it really. Cause I was playing in bars and stuff like you can't, you don't want to come here. You know?

2 (19m 47s):
And my dad and brothers would come over and save me, play these little bars with 30 people watching or whatever. And I could just to tell how, just how proud he was then, you know, and I always say that, you know, at least till you got to see me get my record deal and knew I was a new I've made it so

1 (20m 2s):
Well, you talked to him, you talked about all the sports, right? So big Braves guy, Georgia Bulldogs, fan Falcons. What?

2 (20m 10s):
Hi, I'm a yeah. Well, I'm a huge Braves fan, obviously a big, Georgia a sports fan in general. You know, like I said, just proud to be from Georgia love Nashville, but always when people say, where are you from? I'm like, Georgia so, but yeah, Bryce Falcons, I have a nephew that's at Georgia. So you know, love to hang with him there. But also Georgia Southern, you know, I rocked with Georgia Southern had on stage. That's where I went and I know they're proud of me and I'm proud of them. So I have to, I'm not, I'm a huge diehard Georgia Southern fan. So

1 (20m 41s):
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1 (21m 29s):
All right. I gotta ask you about the fraternity. All right. Cause I was in a fraternity house. I was a social chairman. My junior year. I ran us into debt than they made me the president to figure it out. What kind of, what kind of a fraternity guy were you Sigma Chi like, and I know you we're a marketing major in college, so I guess you probably were mr. Social, is that fair?

2 (21m 50s):
I was the rush chairman. Yeah. That's the only office I held that and teach, but funny enough, I was a tee shirt. Chairman got the design to a tee shirt. So maybe, maybe that's where I really got my T shirts to wear was a, the a, the paternity days. Yeah. You know, be in a rush chairmen the year or so was, that was one of the, you know, I think the whole, everybody is as chairman, but for me to be in charge of that, they knew that was pretty fair. I mean, we were playing shows and taking people out doing that. That was fun. So, but I could see being social chairman too. So that's good. Would of been a good team?

1 (22m 20s):
Yeah. We would have been a good team at, we might've even let Luke Bryan be in there. I mean, I don't know how cool he was.

2 (22m 26s):
Well, Hey, take to be playing for us. We yeah. Will be running.

1 (22m 30s):
All right. So from 2010 to 2013, you brought this up already. He had a publishing deal as a song writer, kind of like a news reporter before they become an anchor. In what I'm saying, they, they learn the ropes and they see it from a different side. So was it paying your dues or was it learning how to become a real entertainer in that time period for you? Did you see it from that vantage point?

2 (22m 56s):
From the, from the March days? Yeah.

1 (22m 58s):
And then songwriting You. I mean, it seems like you've gotta, you gotta walk before you run, you know,

2 (23m 5s):
For sure. Oh, after, yeah. So 2010, 13, that was the time when I was riding a lot. I'd had my publishing deal and that's what I did every single day. You know, that was when I was getting those songs recorded by Thomas Rhett and Lou got, you know, every day had a schedule and people wonder how do you do that? And it's like, anybody else where the appointment's, I mean, you have writing appointments and you look at your schedule, you see where your right in the day, whatever. So that's what I did, you know, and that's, you know, a year, so two years in after getting these songs recorded before I ever got my record deal right around, we're not getting there yet. But you know, these, the songs I was writing labels were hearing them for artists and being like, who is this? Why's he not singing this? You know? And it got my name out there being in the rider and other people recording my song's because people always ask you, you wish you knew, you know, Kip kept any of those.

2 (23m 51s):
And like, absolutely not. That helped me get to where I am. And I think, you know, when it was at that point and I started saying, Hey, maybe, you know, I moved, I've always dreamed of a record deal. I moved here to be a better songwriter, but man, if this is something that's possible, I probably need the book, a few shows, you know? So that was where it a, you know, I've been playing all through college, but this is where, you know, for a couple of years, we, you know, I had to get my, a band together, which most days I have pretty much everyone of them still with me to this day, they were with me before I got my record deal. And they were the ones that were in a van with me breaking down and rolling and just kinda, you know, yeah. That's, I mean, I think a lot, I learned a lot in college about entertaining, but then I think seeing, and being around Nashville and just being out there open and shows for people every now and then seeing how it's really done helped a lot.

1 (24m 37s):
Cole, how do you get a band together? Like you were rushed, chairman in college, is, is that kind of it? Did you just use your, I'm going to use the old term Rolodex, we can use whatever you want. You start calling people and yanking them off as somebody else's band. Do you get people who are looking for, you know, the opportunity just like you were to get something started to say, Hey, be a part of this or what?

2 (24m 58s):
Yeah, that's a great, you know, a great point there. And when you were at my level, then you weren't yanking anybody from me, anybody. I was just trying to find you no one at that point in the a is one of my best friends to this day, Joel hustle is my league guitarists. And he was the first one I met. I remember I'm a guy who was riding with a lot kind of working with he's a producer and great guy, Jeremy Stover. He was like, man, you got a he's like, you got to meet this guy. There is some song writer, friends of mine had a cousin in town and he played football about us. The state is here, you know, to play guitar or whatever. So he's like, I think, you know, y'all y'all need to meet. So we went out to a show, met Joel and he kinda helped me. He was playing with other people around town to say, I wasn't doing the Broadway gigs or any of that at that point.

2 (25m 43s):
So he already knew people in bands that he knew the kinda, you know, folks we wanted and all that. I mean in, and I think he's is the one that kind of led that charge. We, I did know a drummer that a guy that used to play for Kraig Campbell back in the day, but he wasn't playing with them at the time, but I always told him, I was like, man, if I ever get a band going, I want you to be my drummer. I think he remembered just laughing at him. Like, yeah, sure, man. And both of those two are, you know, and the rest, I would just kinda fall it in. But man, that's something that I take pride in the fact that we have a good group and you know, I don't know how it was just in the plans. I think, because for me to have the guys this good that have had my back for this long a that that doesn't just happen. So I got lucky on that and I don't know how we found them, but I, I a bad to happen.

1 (26m 27s):
Season two of Tracks To Success is brought to you by presentation partners, presentation partners is a unique team of award-winning executives, helping you build a presentation, others will be talking about presentation. Partners teaches you the true art of storytelling. And if you haven't heard about their neuroscience of persuasion, you'll see how valuable it is to own it. Whether you're a company or an entrepreneur presentation partners, as the team you need behind you for almost 15 years, they've helped clients raise millions in capital and countless dollars in sales simply by making top leaders successful presenters. The time is now to find your authentic voice and learn your authentic story, presentation partners, creating persuasive story presentations based on something other than just your good looks, 2013, Cole you let fly your debut single chilling.

1 (27m 25s):
It, it climbed the charts. Lots of play on Sirius XM on the highway. I love that channel. By the way, I listen to it all the time. Did you have the confidence? You could be a star before you released it, or was that what gave you the confidence when people started going, Oh man, this is really good. Did you have the confidence first?

2 (27m 44s):
You know, I can't say that I did. I didn't, you know, I didn't know about being a star. I wasn't even thinking about that. All I knew is that from being around the songwriting world, from being a fan my whole life from just, you know, I feel like being a fan. When you hear music, you just, I dunno, you get excited about it. And this, this song that I wrote chilling, it, it was, I just, I felt different about it than anything I'd ever written. You know, I just knew about how many times I listened to it. If you can listen to something that many times and not get tired of it, I was like, this is it. And the crazy story talking about the highway is about two weeks from then we were supposed to release my highway, find some, which was another song that ended up being on my first album and were released later.

2 (28m 26s):
But a, when I wrote this, I went to my manager, Carrie Edwards in a while, I was like, look, this is, this is it. We gotta go. This is it. And I, and we finally, we got lucky enough and changed it. And you never know when you do that, that you just expect, you hope, you hope. If you love it, that much being a fan, you hope somebody out there connects with it. And to me chilling it. Yeah, it was just one of those people didn't know who I was yet. He didn't want to know they, I just wanted it a song. And I don't know why I had that mindset, but I wanted a song that they didn't have to know who I was or care. Like I wanted him to roll the window down and that may be their favorite song that summer. And that was my plan. I don't, you know, I don't know what made me want that plan, but you know, thank God at work and that's all you ever want. And I think is for people to kind of connect with what's your you wanting to do.

2 (29m 7s):
And that song I just wanted to, and you know, that song allowed me to do that. You should be here is the breakup in the end is because, you know, it's all, I think you're only, you're judged by your latest song on the radio, but its like, look, we can't, you know, release but one at a time. So it's amazing to get, to kind of tell your stories. Like you said earlier through my singles, answer the albums, not just the songs you hear on the radio. That's why I hope people, you know, go back and listen to all the songs on the albums because some of my best stuff, I think we didn't get a chance to release it, but its that's the beauty of it, man. Just trying to record the best songs. And I'm just glad, glad I'm going to do it. 2014

1 (29m 43s):
Debut album called Cole Swindell catchy a catchy title by the way. So, so, so chillin it's on there and hope you get lonely tonight. Ain't worth the whiskey. Let me see a girl, which song let's just focus on that album for a second. Cause that was, that was the launch. Which song has special. Meaning not because it's better than the other and I'm sure you get asked this a lot. Oh what's your favorite song you can say. Well, no I don't like those songs, but which one has special meaning because it's tied to your life or who you are, who you are or we're at at that time.

2 (30m 14s):
Yeah. So the talking about the debut album, so you're not talking about just the radio tour.

1 (30m 21s):
Yeah. That album,

2 (30m 24s):
You know, if my number in, in high school was always 12, that's still to this day when I say To, I think about that. That's always my favorite number. So if you notice Tracks number 12 on every album is always a, a special song. And I think that's the one for me on that. One is called the back roads and the back row. And it's just, you know, just everything just about growing up what I did in South Georgia. And I think, you know, when people say, what was it like growing up in to be able to say, you know, check out this song, that's about as good as I can say it. Sometimes I can't say it How so, you know, it's, it's, it's better to just write it down his singing. And I think that's one of those to me, you know, obviously ain't more at the whiskey, it's a single, but you know, the, the special, the times I've had with that song as well and just how connected it is with all of our men and women serve in the country.

2 (31m 8s):
It's just, it's like I said, those two sounds to me are the, the, you know,

1 (31m 13s):
All right, notice here. I'm going in chronological order. So 2015 ACM new artist of the year. That's cool. What was the thing you learned about yourself in, in finding your first, you know, individual big time award? Was it perseverance? Was it reaching the potential you always thought was their, what was it that the, you know, when they said your, that guy knew artists of the year, what went through your head?

2 (31m 37s):
You know, it's crazy. Just the other day I was, I was looking through an old phone for a number and I was going through all these, you know, I had these pictures from they CMEs and videos of me and the band when we were going through trying to get fans to vote. And I'm just laughing. I'm like, God, I can't believe we did that. Like just some of the stuff, the memories and to still have those. I mean, man, that was in the, be there within the SHAIR that, that night, that was, you know, one of the biggest moments of my career. If not, I mean, you go from the night before getting a sing with, I sang with Alan Jackson Chattahoochee the night before, or a hero of mine, nervous as, as all get out. And then the next day was no different. I mean the whole, you gotta just the whole day, the whole night.

2 (32m 18s):
And just when they, when their writing out those names, I've never felt like that in my life, man. Like, no matter if you win or lose, it's just it's nerve wracking. And to hear my name at night, I don't, no, that was the highlight of my career. Think that it is so far, it's just a to know and Hey, I'm, I'm here. Like, well, let's go. And that was like I said, we didn't stop there. But that was to me. Did that was you talked about confidence. I mean, I felt good about it then, you know, when you, and it didn't about the awards, you said that and you learn later on, you're not gonna win every award. Its not, you know, it doesn't happen like that. So it makes you appreciate the one's that you have a shot at. And that to me will always a man and it was the 50th. They see him. It was in yeah, out in, in Arlington, outside of Dallas.

2 (32m 59s):
It was amazing. Amazing night.

1 (33m 1s):
Yeah. Second album, you should be here. 2016, three hit singles, all reached number one or number two, 2018, third studio album, all of it. And all you've recorded. Three studio albums, 10 singles, five extended plays. You've done 15 videos. What I want to know is what moves you? Like what gets you amped up? Are you a perfectionist as a performer or a guy who can just let it all go and just kind of wings it out. They're a little bit more what I'm saying. How are you structuring? What gets you fired up? Cole

2 (33m 37s):
And I need some more structure, honestly. I don't ha I just, yeah, I got to feel it man. And that's sometimes that's good and bad. Like it's, if you rely strictly on the crowd energy, you, you might, it might take a couple songs, you know, to really put in. And sometimes that happens to me. Like if it, but man, when you, when you run out there and they're already ready, it's just, I just feed off the crowd. And I know I'm sure everybody says that, but you know, there's times when the shows get bigger and this and that, you have to start thinking about where you're going to be, Hey, starting this song. And that's just as you grow and in the fun part, you know, but I don't ever want it to be so planned out. That is not natural. That's all I want to do. And that's what I've learned from my favorite performers, who is whatever they're doing is not on par. It's just, they're just doing it.

2 (34m 18s):
And it's everybody is connected to it. And that's what I try to do in every show. You know, its a, you have the moment to take a break down there and sing the slow ones. But man, when it's time to get back going up and it's just like the crowd, seeing other people have fun. That was always from the beginning for me, my first shows in college was being on stage. I hadn't even started writing, just seeing people have fun and knowing that man, I could help with that. That's that's what I get into. Yeah.

1 (34m 42s):
You've had relationship songs, love songs like breakup in the end, I'll be your small town. How tougher relationships in your line of work, everything, you know, it's so public. So every new relationship, every breakup, you know, there's articles, this magazine, that magazine when it falls apart, how tough is that?

2 (35m 6s):
You know, it's luckily, I mean, like I said, I haven't figured it completely out yet obviously, but it's, it is tough man. And like I said, I haven't had to deal with, with the, the public kind of relationship too much. I mean, I, I definitely have, and it was, it's not that fun. That's not what I asked for. You know, that's not what it's about the million, you know, and it is in this world today at so much about social media and your personal life and this and that. And when, you know, I just want to write songs and sing them in a way, but I get that. People want to know more about you, you know, but it's just, I don't know. Sometimes it's personal stuff like that. I just know how this world is and how, how it can be, you know, when people, no, you know, you're dating this person or that they're going to go after 'em and it's just like, you know, saying things mean things.

2 (35m 50s):
And it's just, I've seen it happen in less, walked down a lot of to keep my personal life private, but you know, I get it. Some people don't, I mean, it's just a, ah, it's a personal preference thing for me, but that was, it was a learning experience in, Hey, when I finally do a figure it all out and hopefully get settled down and it'll be a, it'll be worth it. But a lot of it to has been how much work I'll put into my career and how hard it is to have a relationship being gone all the time. I think what it's going to take, somebody's really, really special for one to just put up with me, to put up with the travelling, you know, is going to be, I'm a, I'm looking forward to that, but man, it's like I said, and that's another thing I'm looking forward too, is not putting so much into my career. That's all, I mean, I've worked so hard on this, but you know, I also want to have a, the other, you know, outside of This that are real life to, and then, you know, this is real life, but it's just not always, I feel like I want to have that personal way.

2 (36m 41s):
I can shut off the being on stage and just, you know, people to know me for who I really am. You know,

0 (36m 48s):
In addition to hosting this podcast, Kraig leads the Kann advisory group focused on elevating communication for companies and individuals, company consulting and powering team in individual workshops, mind altering webinar's and Craig's inspiring keynotes for your conference or company meeting there all on the menu of services. Kann advisory helps companies clarify their message, helps professionals build and showcase their brand and helps everyone present their best selves. So if you're the leader of a team or company looking to give your employees a game changing one day experience or an individual who wants to become a speaker and presenter that gets other people talking visit Kann advisory.com.

0 (37m 37s):
And when you do connect, make sure to mention the Tracks To Success podcast to receive a special discount on any of the Kann advisory services. That's Kann advisory.com. Now back to the, you know,

1 (37m 51s):
Alright, let's do some fun stuff. Quick hits here. Quick hits, quick answers, fun stuff. Number one, I'm starting with this one. It's it's pretty easy. Colden Rainey. Swindell that's your real name? How come Colden didn't work out? Why didn't you go with that?

2 (38m 7s):
I dunno. I'm in cold and rainy. The, the more I looked back as to as much as it sounds like a weather forecast, it's a, it's a I'm named after my grandpa's. So I'm, I'm proud of that, but I don't know, you know, Colton that's I was just called Cole as a kid and I just kind of always stuck, but people was funny when people a here, my name where the hell I'm calling you called him. I'm like, that's fine. I, I, it is a, I don't know, maybe, maybe I'll go by that someday, but for now, I guess I'll stick with it. Stick with Cole can be a new album title. Alright. Hi, there you go.

1 (38m 39s):
The artist you would pay to go see any type of music

2 (38m 43s):
Sick. I would love to, I mean, I would have loved to seen Prince, obviously Elvis would of been, I mean, I would love to have seen that I'd love to sing with the Beatles ran out and it sounded like now when like Taylor Swift runs out or something, it's just like that How I mean, people would just fainting and stuff. Like what is that like, like that is, would love to see a concert of the, you know, legends that came before has any of them, but yeah, Elvis would probably be my favorite.

1 (39m 7s):
Okay. You just said Eric Church, the artists, you would pay money to go see country music.

2 (39m 14s):
Okay. Obviously, obviously church. I said that, but I'm going back to the first time I saw Kenny Chesney man that's and like I said, I mean, its, to me, I love is music, but just, well the guy he is in how, you know, he connects with all it is. We've been talking about that the whole time, but it's I'm serious. The first time I saw him play, that was when I said that was it. I was like, I have to be able to do that. I mean, whatever he's doing me house, you know, he's got the person in the very top up there and locked in and you know, he's just, he's one of many, the, ah, like I said, I, I paid it. I'm just a big fan, but of Chesney. Like I said, if you've never seen like a big stadium show or something, I mean, it's just the energy in their, and how he's got.

2 (39m 59s):
Everybody is just his speech is in between songs. Just everything. It's like, just, if you're in this business, you and you ain't watching and learning, then you shouldn't even say you shouldn't be there. So

1 (40m 8s):
What's better for travel. What's better for travel bus rides or flying. What do you enjoy more

2 (40m 16s):
A death plan. I love, love the bus, man. I, I pretty much do live on it, but I've gotten so used to it I'd sleep, but on that thing then that at home, but flying, it just depends on where you're going. I think. But for me, even in the long rods, you know, it's not too bad on, on the bus. I do love that. I actually, you know how to deal with security, all that stuff. So I love, love the bus, but when we're, when we're going out West or somewhere, we have to have to fly and the bus picks us up. So

1 (40m 42s):
Is a better judge on American idol, Katy Perry or Luke, Bryan

2 (40m 48s):
Sorry. Luke Katy Perry to that. I love both of them, but I'm going to Katie. I've never, I don't know. What should I go with? Who do you think? Hey,

1 (40m 57s):
I mean, you think I'm on it? I'm not going to offend your friend, but I'm kind of a Katy Perry fan too.

2 (41m 2s):
Yeah. Yeah. Well You let's see. Yeah, I'll go with Katie. Luke we've we've talked about him enough today in here. Awesome.

1 (41m 10s):
The texts people or phone calls.

2 (41m 14s):
Oh boy. Text all day. That's that's my eye. Not like, unless it's something that you know, can't wait, but you would just like call her up in the middle just to, you know, I'm going to text

1 (41m 26s):
Beach, vacation, ski vacation.

2 (41m 30s):
Mmm. You know what? I've never been on a ski vacation. I'm going there of all I do is go to the beach. So I'm going to ski vacation.

1 (41m 39s):
Well or NBA

2 (41m 42s):
NFL

1 (41m 44s):
Is Tom Brady or a guy. Cause he wears number 12.

2 (41m 49s):
No, he's not. I'll take Matt. Ryan were a number two, I guess

1 (41m 54s):
It doesn't shock me. You wear the ball cap a lot. You brought that up. Georgia Southern. Do wear the hat during the day. All day. I mean you got the diamond resorts hat going right now. Do you always wear the hat including on stage?

2 (42m 6s):
I mean, yeah, that's kinda kind of my thought I'm a hat gal. I guess. I always have been just growing up playing baseball. That would just always, I don't know. I'm more comfortable with one arm.

1 (42m 15s):
Alright, here we go, buddy. This is for you golf. How many rounds do you play per week?

2 (42m 22s):
Oh gosh. I mean, I, that honestly depends on the schedule I'm in here anywhere from, you know, three or four to nine to one, you know, I'd just at any, any way I can, especially like one wrong we're on the road and just, we have a schedule. I like that's what I like to do is try to book the teatime in the morning and you know, so that's the only three or four days we might play twice, you know, maybe once early in the week. So maybe I'll say three times if I'm, if I'm lucky, but I love it. I'd love to play more than that. So

1 (42m 51s):
How much golf channel do you watch?

2 (42m 54s):
A lot of just, you know how I leave it on pretty much and fall asleep, whatever. I always have it on. I definitely, I like to a follow up on

1 (43m 2s):
You're you're addicted to the game. How did you get hooked?

2 (43m 6s):
You know, my dad just, he was all, he always loved it and I just growing up, he always taught me. He taught me to play and he just, I would always remember him saying, you know, I know you love, you know, football, but all this stuff, but I bet you'll be able to play golf a lot longer than you'll be able to play that. And that's just a man that's that? I've always just loved it. And like I said, people like, they expect me to be like really, really good. And I'm all right. I'm not saying I'm bad. I've played my whole life. I shouldn't be terrible, but it's just, I just love the game. I don't. And maybe that's cause he taught me maybe that's because I just loved God. I just love it. I mean, I love everything about it. And like I said to me, I'd love in sports is kind of the only thing I still play. So maybe that a part of it to, but man, I shared, they respect the game and just the people that all of you that are around it.

2 (43m 50s):
And I dunno, I, as something other than music, people know what my passion is in it's like I said, I'll I love golf.

1 (43m 57s):
The good players in country music to write. I mean

2 (44m 0s):
Like real cult for it. Yeah. That's a Cole is unbelievable. He's just a good of a teacher Mann as he has played at. He's like a really good, obviously Jacobson's great. Charles Kelly. There he is. I mean, there's, there's so many that are better than me. I just loved it. But you know, maybe that's some motivation I'm going to, I'm going to get there. I'm going to get you to hook me up and we get some lessons going and if anybody will teach me,

1 (44m 24s):
Yup, you got that. We'll we'll we'll get that going right after this, your favorite player on the PGA tour, who is it?

2 (44m 30s):
Oh, I'm going with a Justin Thomas. So I met him a couple times and just, I dunno, it's, it's crazy to see him play the game. And I, I liked JT.

1 (44m 42s):
You got somebody on the LPGA tour

2 (44m 45s):
LPG. Oh, I've got a chance to play in the, a, the diamond resorts invitation with a Danielle King a couple of years. She's a, I like you said, I love all those girls. I would just get in the play with her. And just how funny she is, man. That was, we hit it off. She is, she's a cool girl, but you know, like I said, I, there, it's amazing the play in that tournament and watch how good they all are. I mean, it's just, it's amazing.

1 (45m 7s):
Super talent, super person. To alright. That was fun. You don't have kids, but you just talked about your dad getting into golf and stuff. If you did have kids, what would you tell them is most important about picking a career?

2 (45m 25s):
And you know, obviously, I mean, This, I never, it seems like such a simple answer, you know, to just find something, you know, you love to do. And that's, I don't know. I was always so nervous in college and stuff about it. And I mean, I was undeclared major for two years. Cause I didn't want to make the wrong choice. I didn't want to have to switch it or whatever. And it's just, sometimes it takes that you gotta find what you love. I mean, I, I didn't know until my last year in Statesboro that, I mean, I knew I wanted to do music, but I didn't know I was really gonna get to it. But I just found that. Is there anything else that I could do that makes me feel like music does? And although it's not, it wasn't the smartest thing at a time. Cause you gotta, you know, you gotta be smart about it. You don't, you gotta make a living. But to me, I just, I went after the feeling instead of the money and I was just, I dunno, I just knew I had to be around it.

2 (46m 10s):
No matter what happened, I was going to be in the music business in to me. I just think he finds something that, that moved you like that, that your, that passionate about. Like I said, a man, it's what I would say.

1 (46m 21s):
Talking with Country music artists. Cole Swindell a few more things Cole before we let you go, this podcast is called Tracks To Success inspiring people and they're inspiring stories. What inspires you the most in your life? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? I'm guessing you're an early riser. Just to get a few.

2 (46m 42s):
Yeah. Yeah, I am. Yeah. I like to like to get up and get going. I mean, for me, like I said, it's been a crazy year, but honestly it's it's like you said, has been taken away. I feel like, I think to me, its, it is honestly the people that let me do what I do. I mean, I know I wouldn't be where I am without people that love my music fans that support you. And I think that's, I mean, showing up for them, giving them the best show right in the best side is just like I said, I mean, other than my family and people like that, I think it really is the fans that people that you know, allow me to do what I love for a living. We were just talking about that. And those are the folks responsible. It didn't, there's a lot of people involved, but the fans that show up pay money and support you.

2 (47m 26s):
That's that's that's what motivates me, drives me in getting

1 (47m 31s):
To the tour is incredibly hard, right? There's so many people that want to do it. Very few can achieve it. And I have a good buddy of mine who I work with on, on the radio talking about it. And I did TV with him as well. Who said that to her a card is on loan. You've got to really work hard to keep it so stain there and staying among the elite is an incredibly difficult task for most to do people really realize the work it takes to stay relevant in your industry, in the music industry.

2 (48m 2s):
I wouldn't think they do because I'm learning it. It's I'm literally, it's it's crazy man, that, like I said, I feel like obviously sport's and what we do are a little different, but just the shot and get in your chance and even getting there. I mean, it's, I feel like that's so similar in staying there. I mean, it's, like I said, especially we talked about the star of my career. I mean right off the bat, just boom. And it doesn't happen like that, you know? So when it, you know, when you're not the new guy with a brand new guy or, you know, the very top of the genre, you're going to be somewhere in the middle and there's going to be these other new people wear these new hot songs and is just to stay there. I mean, you've gotta, you know, and so its kind of a wake calls like, look, I gotta, I gotta start writing. I think this year and last I've been writing a ton.

2 (48m 43s):
It's all about the song's and just, you know, being the best artists you can be in. Like I said, it's, there is so much talent that it's tough, man. I made it all, everybody thinks it's all fun and games, but it really is. I mean, you've got, you know, people that would give them anything to be in your shoes every single day, not to mention a banned, a crew of people, people to take care of, relying on every decision you make one bad decision and it ruins your career and its ruins all that. It's like a, it's a big deal. Like I said is a lot of time on anything when you get to, I feel like a level of, you know, when you're a pro with anything, it's a gosh man, you gotta, you gotta take care of that and realize that this is your shot and make the most of

1 (49m 22s):
What are you nervous about social media and the potential of a slip up and the way the world is today?

2 (49m 29s):
Absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, I think its obviously one of the best tools ever. I mean it always will, but then again, I mean its the way things are taken, the way things are portrayed, it's just, I don't know. I mean, not obviously, I mean things back in the day would of never happened like that, but then again, you know, like I said, there's a lot of good to it, but I think it can be, you know, somebody makes a mistake and it costs them their entire career because of social media. It's just a, it's sad. I mean it really does. I mean, if you notice, you know, I do post up here and there, but it's just not because I think I'm going to slip up. I just, I just know how people are when they get into your personal life is just, you know, I I've kind of butt. It is, it's a great tool. And like I said, I just wish all the, you know, the haters, I would just wish everybody to be good to see everybody.

2 (50m 13s):
And that's why I think some athletes, some use, they don't even look at that stuff and I, I need the, you know, I wish I could do that, but I just feel like we kind of have to, we kind of have to know what's going on and, and stay relevant and all that stuff. It is, that's a tough call. But like you said, I'm sure it's a good and bad think. Yeah. I

1 (50m 28s):
Mean, you're all about your brand. You're trying to put it out there. And sometimes I think people, when they look at social media, they don't know if it's really Cole Swindell or if it's your quote unquote handlers or your PR team. That's a tough thing about having an authentic message, which is what I want to get two here real quick. I've spent my entire career in communications, TV, radio, and now podcasts like this, or going out, doing workshops on leadership, communication with executives or media coaching with athletes and so forth, then you gotta have a message and you have to teach people how to give others a message that has a stickiness factor that they can use in and take with them, et cetera. How important is it for you Cole, as an entertainer, as a singer to communicate, I'm not just talking about connecting with your audience, I'm talking about communicating with your audience both on stage and off to make them no you and what you believe or feel.

2 (51m 23s):
Right. You know, and that's, that's something that I think I can improve on. Definitely, you know, I, you know, move to this town to do music, but I guess when your, you know, you do have a platform, I certainly want to use mine for good, but also, you know, want to be careful about what I do. And I, you know, I believe that, you know, I respect everybody's opinion on anything and I have, I do have my beliefs, but you know, there's some things that I like to keep to myself and you know, their, the world has enough negativity that I, I just think, you know, I'll, I'll keep that to myself and let you know if other people want to voice them, be stern on this, that, that does that. But I respect every that's their choice, you know? And I wish people that didn't want to speak on every single thing weren't just bashed because they were a celebrity or getting to do what they is just that doesn't, I dunno, kind of didn't make sense.

2 (52m 12s):
But I also understand the fact that when you are in a position to speak on things and have an opinion on them, on anything, you know, and it is important. I did want to get better that, especially my fans, even if it's just me not speaking on issues or this and that, just about what you know, who I am and what I do believe. And that's something that I don't know, I'm just a private person, I think, but that's something that I even, my management team were all like, they want people to know the real me and I just kinda kind of guarded, you know, but I am a, I am working on that, so

1 (52m 41s):
Right. Let's fast forward five years last quick, hit question. And then I'll wrap this up with one more. What's your dream venue to perform? Like where haven't you been onstage? Wembley stadium, London, Madison square garden. I dunno. What is it?

2 (52m 58s):
Well that's like, yeah. I mean, I've played, you know, being all the tour is obviously just opening up for, for bigger artists over the years. I mean, some of the tours I've been on has been amazing. I've played about everywhere you would want, but there's one venue that is still my dream venue. And I'm glad that I haven't opened up for any of that. I hope one day check and have a headline show, but at red rocks and a Colorado that's, that's my dream dream venue right now. So I've heard like place to something. And that's like I said, I just, I remember in like a Dave Matthews live album in high school that I just wore out and just be like, I don't know. I just, it would be cool to go back and get to do is show there. And I'm a man, a big cool

1 (53m 36s):
Red rocks. You should be here. Right? Cole you're in 11 time. Number one hits songwriter, breakthrough songwriter of the year, 2016, songwriter artists of the year, 2016. My guess is that songwriter takes a lot of reflection to get the words right. To get the vibe of the music just right. You've got to sit there. You got, gotta think about it and make it perfect. You seem to me based on what I've just heard in our time together, like you're a reflective guy in quiet moments. Do you give yourself enough credit for your rise? Do you appreciate everything

2 (54m 15s):
In that? Probably. Probably not. I a, I dunno, you know, it just, I feel like it all goes to fast and that that's a thankful for my mom, for, she always reminds me in the eye, puts me back in place and it's not because you know, there's a fine line of sounding like, like ungrateful or whatever, cause it's always what's next. What's next. And it does take somebody like my mom will be like, look like at what you've done. Like did you ever, because if you'd have told me when I was driving to Nashville's scared to death that you would have had anything like this, I would have thought you're crazy. So it's just, you know, when you get caught up in the, the rush of everything, I think it does. I mean, it takes something to just take like, look a step back and just look at a, like what you done, you know?

2 (54m 57s):
And that's, to me, I, I, I just know that I have worked hard to get here, but also start for me to take credit for it when I just know that it takes a lot of people. And so it's just that I walk a fine line with that, but it is, like I said, I'm proud of, of everything we've done. And I'm glad that, like I said, I'm glad I made the move. You took a chance. Cause not everybody is, you know, right enough to do that. Our can do that. I think that was my thing. A lot of people want to move the national into it and they are in a situation when they can start for me to be in one, get here and to make it happen. I am, I'm very, very proud of that.

1 (55m 30s):
I'm really proud that you took the time to be with me, man. This has been so cool. I really appreciate it. And single Saturday night, you know, it's a big hit for you. Not only do I hope for many more single Saturday nights, but a whole lot of nights on stage. And I hope I get to see again a in concert real soon.

2 (55m 48s):
Awesome brother. Well, I a you all stay well. And as you know, a you and the family, whoever y'all got tickets to my show, anytime

1 (55m 58s):
In our conversation, Cole talked about his gift for songwriting that made other stars bigger and gave him a huge value in a boost as a performer. And that leads me to my one last thing. So if you want to be an influencer, realize the importance of small steps to the big stage can actually make everything you do plays a role in your future success, no task, too small. There is something to gained from every opportunity. Cole has a number of hits singles. And if we can use that as a Tai in my advice, if that you take each career or work project as an opportunity to create your own hit single over delivered on the expectation, give people on board with your talent and your ability to create something that people will follow.

1 (56m 46s):
Any music. Artists is only as good as the following they create. That's what you need to do. And sometimes your first brush with big notoriety has happened with Cole might come from being a big part of someone else's big hit. The bottom line is the climb in the charts in your career is all about making one hit at a time. Keep that focus when you're Tracks To Success will be a whole lot easier. I hope you'll share this podcast with friends and others. You think might enjoy it just as you have and give it a rating as well. Hey, I'm hoping this podcast keeps climbing the charts as well until next time I'm Kraig Kann thanks for listening.

3 (57m 32s):
Dying girl for kids, you know,

0 (57m 34s):
You've been listening to Tracks To Success brought to you by presentation partners, visual storytellers, passionate about connecting presenters with their audience. Don't forget to subscribe to the show for more great interviews and thoughts on reaching your highest personal and professional summit. You can follow Kraig on Twitter and Instagram using the handle at Kraig Kann and four exclusive Tracks To Success content and news about our upcoming guests. You can find Tracks To Success on Twitter. It's at the Tracks To Success.