Taking the leap… 🌵💀🌵

Hey friends,

I’m new to Substack and have been encouraged by my label, Mad Records, to start writing and sharing some of my experiences as an artist here in Nashville, TN—hopefully something I say resonates with you and helps you along your own journey.

I’m 24 years old (25 in just a couple days!) and making a decent enough living playing music in Nashville, Tennessee. Along the way, I’ve worn a lot of hats—side-manning on fiddle or guitar, teaching students, freelancing—always with the dream of being a full-time artist. That’s been a tricky tightrope to walk.

Versatility can be a blessing when it comes to paying the bills. But the catch is: people tend to know you for what you spend your time doing. For a long time, many people knew me as just a fiddle or guitar player. They didn’t even know I write songs or play my own shows, even though I was touring all over between side-man gigs and starting to make decent money doing it.

That realization pushed me to leap off the metaphorical ledge and dive headfirst into what I’ve always wanted: being an artist.

And man… it was scary.

Recently, I was offered some of the biggest gigs of my career. We’re talking tour buses, international travel, huge crowds, and steady money. Saying no felt crazy. And I was incredibly grateful to even be considered. But something in me knew: this wasn’t the road that led to my true goal of artistry. I recently came across the quote “the man who chases two rabbits catches neither.”

I’ve always wrestled with anxiety, especially around big decisions. Saying no to something so many people would kill for triggered every fear and doubt in me. But when I made the call to go all in on artistry, it was like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my chest.

Nothing is certain, and the future is still a mystery—but now, I’m spending my time doing what gives me life. The fire in me is burning brighter than it has in years. I am spending my days songwriting, recording music, and playing my own shows. It’s a lot of work, but I feel alive. Feels like a great way to kickoff being 25.

If you’re reading this, I hope you find the courage to be bold—Follow that gut pull. Do the thing that gives you breath. We only get one life… be a good steward of it!

Cole 🌵💀🌵

P.S. I’ll be posting more about my musical journey, gear tips, and exclusive content only here on Substack!!! Stay tuned!!! Cheers Y’all!!!!