Andrew Cole

NDREW COLE – http://www.andrewcole.ca
Although there are shades of Radiohead and The Beatles haunting the edges of his voice and arrangements, Cole’s songs and sound are entirely unique. Canadian rock icon Tom Cochrane and his wife Kathleene, now Cole’s manager, heard rough demos of those first efforts they were convinced by what Cochrane describes as “a voice other singers would die for”, and set out to help the fledgling songwriter realize his potential. “Why We Wonder”, Andrew’s debut CD, was released June 8, 2010 (urArtist Music / Fontana North / Universal Music Canada). On “Why We Wonder”, Cole
has created an eleven-song set of material that is both fresh and familiar, channeling influences as diverse as Mark Knopfler, 90’s alt. rock and contemporary Britpop; his voice soaring high, pure and clear above the tracks laid down by his all-star band. The video for lead single, “Out Of Time”, directed by Andrew MacNaughtan, is currently in heavy rotation on MuchMoreMusic. - HARBOUR LIVING

I RECENTLY SPOKE to Tom Cochrane and Andrew Cole..Here is part of the conversations
Tom Cochrane is a Canadian icon who just happens to also be inducted in Canada’s Walk of Fame, The Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Order of Canada and holds honarary doctorates from Brandon University, and humanatarium and charity awards too many to mention
Andrew Cole is one of the 2 or 3 most promising new artists to emerge on the North American music scene in the last 2 years. He moved to Canada from Liverpool England in 2004. HIs first single Out of My Head was written by Cochrane and it’s the only song on Cole’s cd Cole did not write himself. That song is now in heavy rotation on Much More Music
Cole is also managed by Tom Cochrane’s wife Kathleene. I took one listen to Cole’s new cd Why We Wonder and was hooked on how genuine and soulful the music sounded.
John-Your album Why We Wonder is impressive on the first listen. But why did it take 2 years to record it?
Andrew-Thank you. I had a vision in my head of how I wanted the recording to sound like. I had worked hard on the songs by myself. We recorded a lot tracks, and I scrapped it. It was not what I wanted. After that I recorded with Bill Bell as producer and guest players like Colin Cripps and Ken Greer. But I had to wait on their schedules and that took time. On top of that I arranged and co-produced the cd, which took even more time.
John-How did you hook up with Kathleene and Tom Cochrane?
Andrew- Barry Roden a great Canadian photgrapher was taking pictures at a Gibson guitar clinic where I was endorsed. He took some photos of me and eventually we became friends. He said I know some people, and then handed me a copy of No Stranger Tom Cochrane’s last cd. I had no idea who Tom Cochrane was. Not a clue. I liked the cd.
Later I got a call from Kathleene and also spoke to Tom. I asked him where he played. He said oh just around. I still new nothing when he picked me up in the car, and I thought were going to a gig at a pub. The joke was on me, he took me to Air Canada Centre where he was playing with John Mellencamp in front of a sold out crowd. So that was funny.
John-How are you Tom? Heck while I was waiting for you to call, the hospital called and asked me to come in for some tests.
Tom-Gee John let’s make this the nutrution part of our interview because I was just at my doctors a while back and he informed me that I had to ‘smarten up” I have lost 30 pounds in 5 months, and I have more energy on stage than ever. I also get to enjoy my golf game (Cochrane is good friends with Mike Weir) and does Weir’s charity classic tournament every year) So yeah I hear where your coming from
John-There is a connective tissue to your albums and songs.Your classic videos like Good Times about family etc. I thought about that because I spoke to your daughter and wife previous to you and I getting together
Tom-Well the map that has been created by my upbringing is imprinted hopefully into my songs. My dad was my biggest hero and possilby still is. Maybe it’s being Canadian. We have an openess about us. It creates space. I think my songs also have that space. I have been told they still sound good even after all this time.
John-Your right I played my grandson the video for Life Is A Highway. He loved it and had heard the song in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars (600 million gross) He thought it rocked more than the Rascal Flatts version
Tom-(laughs) Great, yes it’s my most popular song but if I had to pick my faves it would be Big League or Ocean Blue. Having said that the residuals from Socan have been nice for Life is A Highway (laughs)
John-You live part time in Austin Texas I’m told?
Tom-Yeah maybe 4 months a year. But I love Canada in the summer. Hands down my favourite place. Heck we are going to be up in Kapuskasing. I love Northern Ontario. It reminds me of Lynn Lake in Mantoba (Cochrane’s birthplace).The north of Ontario is God’s country and I’m not just saying that.We are going to take the tour bus up and I’m looking forward to playing. I hope your coming to the show
John-You do so much charity work. It seems you have never comprimised your music or your work with World Vision etc. How do find the time?
Tom-I make the time because I have to remind myself how lucky we are to be living here in Canada and in the developed parts of the world. It comes down to how you carry yourself. The “Highway’ analogy is apt. You spread the good will and fortune you have as you drive down the highway of life. You cant be looking left or right you.Keep your eyes on the road, or your going to crash
As far as the songs I have tried to make them timeless. I am a storyteller. I’m comfortable in that role, but yes for festivals we bring the rock n’ roll. My inspiration is Neil Young. He stands beyind his words and music. He seems do it all. And very well I might add.
John- I think to many Canadians you do the same Tom.
Tom-Thanks John. It’s been a pleasure. I will see you on Satu - JOHN EMMS WORD PRESS

Toronto, ON – Born in Canada and raised in Liverpool, England, Andrew Cole brings the best of both worlds to his music and live performances. Excited to be performing for fans in Ontario, Cole will be starting his summer shows by opening for Canadian award winning singer-songwriter Tom Cochrane as part of the Twilight in the Vineyard series at the Jackson Triggs Estate in Niagara on July 3rd.

“I can’t wait to perform at the Jackson Triggs Estate. I adore it there, I feel excited like a child on Christmas morning! The beauty of the vineyards make it the perfect backdrop for performers and it’s a heavenly stage to play,” enthuses Cole of the upcoming show.

His debut album, Why We Wonder, (urArtist Music / Fontana North / Universal Music Canada) was released on June 8, 2010 and the recording sessions attracted the crème de la crème of Canadian musicians. Produced by Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Jason Mraz, Justin Nozuka), featuring Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies, Lou Reed), Colin Cripps (Celine Dion, Blue Rodeo), Kevin Bright (Norah Jones), Lyle Molzan (Jann Arden), Gary Craig (Anne Murray), Pat Kilbride, Atilla Fias and guest vocals from acclaimed Canadian artists Tom Cochrane and Kathleen Edwards this album is bound to draw in and move listeners from all walks of life.

Cole’s songs combine compelling vocals with eclectic lyrics and melodies. The first single Out of Time utilizes the unique sound of Paul McCartney’s Mellotron lending a twist to the songs sound. Cole’s dynamic writing style on songs like All You Need, My Lovely and This Lullaby evoke a powerful imagery about finding yourself in a mixed up world full of passion and desire and loving and losing. Other songs on the album like the catchy Birds of A Feather offer a lighter vibe to the album piecing together a diverse collection of music for listeners.

Growing up in Liverpool with the dream of making music, Cole taught himself how to play the guitar and formed his own bands in high school. His talent and skills stood out early on after he received recognition as UK’s North West Artist Of The Year in 2002. Looking to expand on his writing experiences, Cole moved back to Canada where he looks forward to giving fans and listeners his one-of-a-kind blend of Brit rock influences with true Canadian roots.

Cole is set to make a lasting impression in his native country with a number of summer show dates where audiences will get a chance to experience Cole’s classic charisma and quirky sense of humour as well as his powerful voice and timeless music.
- PR*URGENT

Andrew Cole
Why We Wonder
Published September 30, 2010 by Jen Hoyer in CD Reviews

Clean, guitar-driven pop blossoms from Andrew Cole’s first album, Why We Wonder. Cole reveals the influence of years in the UK with britpop-infused sound on “Little Beautiful Thing”, but his Canadian roots poke through in the alt-country notes of “Dead Roses”. The mix seems eclectic, but Andrew Cole pulls it together smoothly. Cole’s strong, compelling voice is comforting whether he’s singing about “crossing a bridge made of tears” (“All You Need”) or “turning black skies into blue” (“We Must Win”). When Kathleen Edwards chimes in on a few tracks, the two sound like they’ve been singing together for years. Hidden tracks seem a thing of the past in the iTunes world, but the buried gem tacked on at the end fills this album out, adding haunting shadows to Mr. Cole’s otherwise transparent sound.

- SEE MAGAZINE

By Melissa Doyle

www.andrewcole.ca

Andrew Cole, having recently released his first album Why We Wonder, is now touring Canada and the world. Born in the UK and now residing in Canada, Cole is someone who enjoyed singing covers before he came out with his album. I spoke with him about the newest album and what we can see from him in the future.

Melissa: I know that the title of the album isn’t one of the songs on it, how did you come up with the title “Why We Wonder”?

Andrew: It’s very hard to name records, and this is a very personal record. It was going to be a self-titled for the longest time; I just though, “Why do we wonder?” That is all I ever do, think about why people can’t stop thinking about things and worrying. And that’s just the way it came out, and it is a great title for it. Why We Wonder is the title because that is what I do all the time and that is what the songs are inspired from.

Melissa: I know that the first song you wrote, which is actually the last song on your album, was written after your father past away - I’ll understand if you are not comfortable talking about it. I know the song is over 16 minutes long. How did you actually make a song that long? When you produced it, what did they think of that?”

Andrew: It’s funny that you picked up on that; a lot of people don’t pick up on that, I guess because a lot of people buy singles, and it’s only really on the album version, We Must Win, has a sort of break and then goes into this song that, which isn’t listed on the record. It’s a very personal song, which I never wanted to sing or do. It just came out one night in the studio and I heard it and a friend of mine said that is was the most honest thing I have ever written. I said that I didn’t write it, it was just out loud and I don’t like it and I don’t want to hear it again. He said it’s going to have to go on the record, it’s brilliant, honest, and that’s why it’s hidden. That’s why it appears a 16-minute song, where it is only 3 or 4 minutes but it is cut with about 8 minutes of silence. It’s hard to get off the vinyl. It’s very tough to get that much off the vinyl. You can’t have a lot of silence on a record - the fun and joy of digital media.”

Melissa: So you said this week you are going to have this album become vinyl?

Andrew: Yeah, I’ve just mastered the record for vinyl, and we are trying to get a couple of new songs. It’s really exciting because I have always wanted to do a vinyl.

Melissa: So you were born in the UK and now live in Canada. When you entered the Stars in Your Eyes concert, back in 2002, did you every see yourself becoming a musician?

Andrew: No, I still don’t. It’s like, I just love singing, love being in the limelight, it’s like, I wasn’t always singing my own thing, I was singing covers of bands, or trying to imitate, and it used to drive me wild all the time, and that is why I ended up writing my own music. I did foresee something great happening because it is as far as from arrogance as you can go. I believe if you think something will happen in life, then it should happen. It’s true. It’s like quantum physics, if you think of something you can almost force it to happen. It’s not like try, try, try again, or practice makes perfect, I mean, that is bullshit. Practice doesn’t make perfect. If you are shit at something and you practice again and again, you’re not going to be perfect. But if you are persistent at anything, then that’s different - you can get where you want. You can’t tell with this business. I hate the business side of it, but personally, technically, I have achieved my dreams already, which is quite sad. Technically I have achieved my goal in life; my life long goal was to have a record that was so personal and iconic to me, not to anyone else, just to me. Then, if I left the earth, this would be the only thing left. I can hold it, it is an object, so I may as well quit now. But dreams keep getting bigger and better. And once we reach goals, we have invented new ones on the way to reaching them.

Melissa: What is something that you want people to take from the last song on the album?

Andrew: I never even wanted anyone to hear it; I don’t like the sound of it. It’s like watching a car accident, the only reason I put it on there was for it to be hard to find; most people just click next. I just put it on there because my friend made me put it on there. What I want people to take away from it is the feeling of honesty, and it should be about a photograph of time. It’s like still animation and most artists nowadays won’t do that. It is not that they can’t, it’s that they won’t do it. They are blanketed, the live under a facade.

Melissa: What is one of your favourite covers as opposed to singing your own song?

Andrew: I was in England in my workman’s clothes and I was entertaining 25 year-olds over to the age of “I-dont-even-know-how-you’re-still-alive”, dancing - LITHIUM MAGAZINE

It only happens a few times every year, which is partly why it is a special experience. Toronto-based publicist Jane Harbury recently hosted her Discoveries night at Hugh’s Room in Toronto, and introduced the packed house to four fresh and promising acts. - ROOTS MUSIC CANADA

The focused and bright Andrew Cole is playing the Vancouver Island Blue Sky Music Festival in Victoria this Saturday August 14th, 2010.
Many say Toronto's favourite Scouser, Andrew Cole sounds like Bono mixed with Coldplay. Cole's music is uber listenable. 'Why We Wonder' is the sort of album you can listen to again and again without becoming annoyed.

Cole is very hard on himself, yet in his ears, the album is as good as new since its June 8th release.

When asked about the Toronto/Liverpool paradox, Andrew Cole responds,

"One of me lives in Canada. I was born in Toronto and moved to Liverpool, England [with help, of course] when I was six months old. I actually live in Canada most of the time-- a Canadian boy with a dodgy accent, I love it here, love Canadians and love the mentality, so I wanted to come back here to stay as soon as I was old enough."

The album title, 'Why We Wonder' is actually an ironic remark. It's more like, Why We Don't Wonder, Why Can't People Just Wonder, Why Don't They Wonder. Andrew, like most of us, is always thinking and worrying too much, so the album is a sort of compilation of wonders. He's got a serious case of the human condition, always prodding dangerously, but not rudely. In fact, nothing on the album is fiction ("a shame" in Cole's mind.)

Andrew Cole has never officially covered Tom Cochrane's 'Life Is A Highway', but may have climbed up on stage after a few beers with his friend and mentor. Tom is a Canadian gem, Cole aspires to: "Cochrane appeared at the time when everyone was pissed off (Nirvana on the grunge scene), and made everyone happy."

'Little Beautiful Things' is Cole's personal favourite track on 'Why We Wonder'. It was written in a backyard, on the topic of Liverpool, with all its intricacies. The track features melotron straight out of the Beatles and pulls some Rolling Stones into the mix, topped off with a bit of Canadian attitude to complete the pastiche.

Don't get him wrong...Cole does not believe in rock stars anymore. A select number of kids who have had it rough and could tell anyone's story; a 6-year-old in Tanzania; those who have not forgotten about love, are rockstars.

For those of you who admire Kathleen Edwards, Cole's Guitar player is mutual accompanist to the female Canadian alternative country singer-songwriter. At a Barenaked Ladies show with Jim Cuddy kicking around, Cole pleaded that he needed a lady's voice on 'Dead Roses', and if she can't do it, he can't release the song. The rest is history.

Preparing to blow crowds away at the Vancouver Island Blue Sky Music Festival this weekend, Cole confides that he has no game plan. He doesn't believe in game plans: the more danger the better. He values the spontaneity that detracts from acting.

Cole is also going to be musically involved at Ride With Lance 2010. He will be playing a couple of numbers at a secret show. A show at which he asserts, fun, great things are going to happen, but he can't share details about because of the barrage of press that is going to follow! That's enough. We'll have to wait.

For now, treat yourself to some Andrew Cole below.
- THE VANCOUVER OBSERVER