Jason Cole
- David Lannan
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
I've always wanted to write... And write I did - poetry and song lyrics from an early age. Once I learned to play guitar, and put music to my song lyrics, it became a passion for sure. - Jason Cole
JASON COLE ISN'T SEEKING FAME OR FORTUNE ON THE ROAD
Making music is his goal
By David C. Lannan
Jason Cole, born in 1970 in Birmingham, AL, may have been destined to wind up in the music business with the musical gene running in the family. In fact many readers might recognize one of her better known songs, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Yes, Jason’s aunt is Brenda Lee.
Jason said he first began singing when he was a kid “but only when I was by myself, or maybe along with the congregation in church.” He doesn’t remember the first song he sang in public but thinks it could have been a Hank Williams Jr. or Willie Nelson song.
I exchanged emails with JASON COLE to get an update on what he has been doing lately. Here’s our Q&A session.
Q&A WITH JASON COLE
DL: What is your favorite part of the music business and why? Your least favorite?
JC: My favorite part about the business is you can get a lot done on your own in this current modern era. If you put in the work, and build your foundation properly, you can basically wear every hat in the music business, and make some real strides. I've done it. My least favorite part is the ROI of all of my time and effort. I think I'm making about 25 cents an hour at this point, if I’m lucky!
DL: Where is your favorite place to perform and why?
JC: In my room and in the studio. I'm still not a natural performer and so I enjoy it when it’s me and four walls. The studio is like Christmas morning to me. I always have a blast throughout that entire creative process, and I really enjoy other people (my producer, players) contributing and becoming a big part of the final product. Many times my songs are improved and enhanced tremendously in this way.
DL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
JC: 60 years old, still married, still believing in God, and still writing something between four walls.
DL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get in the music business as a singer/songwriter?
JC: Do the work! Also, carve out your own path, and since it's never easy, always remember what made you love writing and playing music in the first place.
DL: Have you always wanted to be a singer/musician? If not, and you couldn’t be in the music business what career would you choose?
JC: I've always wanted to write. I can say that for sure. And write I did - poetry and song lyrics from an early age. Once I learned to play guitar, and put music to my song lyrics, it became a passion for sure.
DL: Was it always your dream to be a singer/songwriter and tour? If not, what other career have you been in or wanted to be in?
JC: Honestly, it all happened kind of organically. I never purposed to be a singer-songwriter. I still don't want to tour. I enjoy writing and being what I call a “studio artist”.
DL: What do you consider your most significant achievements so far in your life?
JC: Being saved by the grace of God, and marrying the love of my life, Tara LeeAnn. As far as professionally speaking, it has to be winning Songwriter Of The Year at the 2024 International Singer Songwriters Association Awards in Atlanta, GA
DL: How would you like to be remembered?
JC: As an honest, God-fearing man, who loved his family. But whatever people remember, as long as it's the truth, I'm good with it.
DL: Is there anything you would like to add about your music journey or life in general?
JC: I'm focused on sync licensing above everything else these days. I have 11 sync deals under my belt, and I would love to build upon that foundation, and see those opportunities continue to grow. (Sync licensing is the process of linking music with visual media, such as TV shows, films, commercials, and video games).
CLOSING THOUGHTS
One of his cowriters, Daniel Fagan, said, “Jason is a true singer-songwriter, with the heart of a poet, who writes ‘real’ , meaningful songs – and sings them with soul and passion. As a co-writer on a couple of tunes with Jason, I’ve seen first-hand his passion for storytelling, and maybe best of all, he’s truly interested in supporting and encouraging his fellow songwriters."
Jason’s sister, Lisa McNutt said, “Jason is and will always be THE BABY. He has always had a very deep passion and love for music. Our parents were both writers. I am so proud that my brother has continued to chase this dream. He has worked so hard to be where he is today. I am sure he will have many more accolades to add to the ones he currently has.”
His wife, Tara Cole, said, “From the day we first met I discovered Jason's love of music, then I discovered his talent for writing poetry and music, and I loved the way he looked in a cowboy hat. Therefore, he became my Poetic Cowboy.”
HAVE A LISTEN
Speechless - Can’t Find the Words
Shine Bright - The Yellow Circle of Light
WHERE CAN YOU FIND JASON?
Website: www.jasoncolesongs.com
Also on YouTube, social media and many streaming platforms.
In addition to writing this blog for KICR, David C. Lannan is a freelance writer with feature stories published across the country. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for The Branson Opry. If you would like to be considered for a future blog, send your contact info and links to your music to dlannan@LFE.design.
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