Georgia-Country.com Artist of the Month

On a monthly basis, Georgia-Country.com spotlights a Georgia artist that we feel is furthering their career in country music. Below is our current artist of the month. We hope you enjoy reading their interview and getting to know this artist more. Be sure to check out their music, videos and schedule for the month. If you are a Georgia-based artist, 18 and over, and would like to be considered for Artist of the Month, please contact us with your name and a website to review.

Our February Artist of the Month is Cole Taylor.

GC: Cole, lets get everyone familiar with you. Tell us where you were born, raised and a little about your family.

CT: Well, I grew up in Cuthbert, GA and just like the songs I sing about it's a one red light, everybody knows everybody knows everybody, big square in the middle of town kinda place. If there were an all-star line up for parents my parents would definitely be the heart of the lineup. I have been very fortunate to have such a supportive and loving family through all of my adventures in this crazy music life. I grew up in church, started singing in church, and the Lord is the reason that I am able to do everything that I am doing now.

GC: When did you feel that you should pursue music as a career and why?

CT: When I was 12, I was singing country gospel songs at local festivals and in church. I thought it sounded good but then I had people start requesting me to come to their church and their festivals and then I figured out I could make money doing it. From that, it was either working at my dad's deer processing business or singing for money. At 17, I started playing guitar and then I figured out that guitar could reel in the girls and it was at that moment that I was like, "well I think that I have found my path". This has really been a blessing to me to be able to write and sing my songs for people and they enjoy it.

GC: Who would you say were your early influences and why?

CT: My early influences were: Randy Travis because I sang "3 Wooden Crosses" on Karaoke every chance I got. Luke Bryan because he was from a smalltown just like me and it showed me that anything is possible. Travis Tritt because he has the most powerful vocals that has every hit country radio.

GC: When did you write your first song and do you feel that comes naturally or has it been a learning process?

CT: I wrote my first song when I was 14 called "Do You Ever Think Of Me?" Does it come natural is a tricky question because I can sit down for hours and not think of anything, but on any other given day I can sit down and write 5 songs in a matter of 2 hours. So does it come natural? Kind of. Has it been a learning process? YES. My songwriting has improved tremendously and continues to improve. It seems that everytime I write a new song I come out saying, "I think that's the best one yet."

GC: What would you say is the #1 challenge to a young artist?

CT: The Number One challenge used to be getting my music to people, but all of that is possible now due to Facebook, Twitter and iTunes. So now my number one challenge and to many artist around is getting club owners to give you that one chance that you need to get in front of a new market. This world is run by money and if you can't draw a crowd in an area, the club owners can be real sketch to giving a new artist a try.

GC: So far, what has been your favorite memory on stage?

CT: My favorite memory on stage, that's a tough one. I have two I recently opened for Corey Smith in Valdosta and 400 college kids screaming "That Makes My Neck Red" while I was singing my latest single is the memory fresh on my brain. My next one would be about a year ago I got up on stage to sing "I'll Fly Away" with my long-time friend Brent Cobb who is a co-writer on Luke Bryan's song, "Tailgate Blues."

GC: Whose cds are you listening to these days?

CT: Chris Young- Neon, Double Live- Garth Brooks, Dallas Davidson- This Ole' Boy and anything by Rhett Akins

GC: If one major act could record one of your songs, who would that be and why?

CT: Definitely George Strait or Luke Bryan. George Strait because he has a very powerful voice and can sing the alphabet and take it to number one and Luke Bryan because he's one of my favorite singers on country radio right now.

GC: What do you do in your spare time when away from your music?

CT: I am in class at Valdosta State University (getting a degree in accounting) for most of the day, working out, playing intramural softball, playing Madden, doing homework, or eating.

GC: What does 2012 have in store for you?

CT: 2012 has ALOT in store for I that will kick up this month. I am playing five new markets off the top of my head. Athens, Augusta, Savannah, Starkeville MS, and Dothan, AL. I just got asked to play at the Toadlick Music Festival in Dothan, AL. HUGE opportunity for me and I am very excited about it. I have hooked up with Farm Life which is a new brand that will be hitting stores soon. We will be going around to rodeos and music festivals promoting how the Farm Life is good. Fingers crossed about a song that I cut written by Stevie Crider that will be featured on Huntin' Is Good TV. Last, I am writing a lot to hopefully to have a new record out soon. I have also teamed up with 615 Entertainment Group and Shani Sammons Marketing Group to help expand my market and fanbase. 615 Ent helps me book my shows now and keeps me on track. SSMG has started running my facebook, twitter, and all the social media as well as managing me. I'm looking forward to 2012 gonna be big!

Check out my updates at www.coletaylormusic.com., Follow me on Twitter @coletaylorlive , #taylorstailgaters for prizes at shows, "Like" my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ColeTaylor.Music

For more information on Cole Taylor, go to ColeTaylorMusic.com

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Georgia-Country.com Artist of the Month