Meet Nate Cole | Singer and songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is by Bayard Rustin: “If a bigot says to me, ‘The sun is shining,’ if the sun is shining, I say, ‘Yes the sun is shining,’ because I want to tell the truth.” These days there’s so much loaded into a brand and an identity. My goal has always been to get as close to the truth as possible, and I’m happy to do that even when it’s uncomfortable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was lucky to be born into a musical family and then at age 18 I charged into a professional singing group that became Plus One. The first album we ever recorded was produced by David Foster who’s produced some all-timers. I made a name for myself without even knowing who I was. But that type of searching endures. Curiosity keeps me in motion. Never thought of giving up on my art until recent years, but even in the midst of doubt around the stability of being an artist I can’t help but chime in with another tune when it’s given to me. Glad I didn’t throw in the towel before meeting Reverend Baron who is an artist I love and admire. He produced my latest and greatest collection of songs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wake up and go to the ocean. I live in Venice and the water is the main draw. You can look at it, dip your toes in it or dip your whole ass in it. The ocean is healing and rejuvenating. We’re spoiled with coffee..the peeps at Gnarwhal are sweet and you should prob grab a banana bread. Then get outta there, head to the east side and get a sando in Eagle Rock at Bub & Grandma’s. I like to grab a beer at Solarc while waiting for a table. Then visit Norton Simon to get philosophical and trip out on historic art, or if it’s not too hot go to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena which feels like another planet. By then you’ll be thirsty, so head to Cafe Triste for happy hour. Now it’s time for dinner so get tacos at Villa’s Tacos in Highland Park. Prob still thirsty after that so I’d say go to 1642 bar and listen to some live ragtime country music. Or head to The Dresden for martinis. Or both! Are you still thirsty? Prolly not, but you might be getting hungry again. If so, get a late night burrito from El Primo Taco, the stand outside of Whole Foods on Lincoln back in Venice. I know, you already had Mexican food but this is LA and there are no rules. Now you’re home, thank God, that was a lot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mama. My mom pushed me to do what I loved but was also fearful of, which was singing in front of people. I remember when she bought an accompaniment tape for me to sing to at church, We practiced in the living room and I sang with my back to her. It was terrifying, like a rollercoaster. After riding it once I couldn’t wait to do it again.

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Z7MRcEkL4SJML0I7tLrfE?si=n7Jt1V9nS6iBnoMIrX-9pg

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nate_cole

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@n8cole

Image Credits
Photos by Olivia Grabelle, Scott Sanford