Alternative Pop artist Cole Pryor is from Memphis Tennessee, where he exudes his talents as a vocalist, carefully thought out songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer.
Cole Pryor is an artist that draws inspiration from his traumatic past with his family to create the music we hear and love. Growing up, Cole Pryor dealt with abuse from his father that led him to deal with trials and tribulations he would have to recover from years later. After the passing of his father, Cole Pryor took the next few years to work on becoming better at the craft he put so much time towards.
The goals of his music are to share his story of domestic abuse, raise awareness for domestic abuse victims, and motivate others to pursue a healthier life, by not allowing the trauma to define them. Cole Pryor hopes his story will also raise awareness of mental health issues and resolve the stigma that surrounds them.
Delving into the anthemic Pop essence of Cole Pryor’s latest single, “Girl Underwater,” we get to feast upon a rhythmic atmosphere vibrant in percussion, elusive synths and the despairing hues turned into passion showcased in the vocalization of Cole Pryor.
The buoyant instrumentation dips into slight Americana elements which take on notions of a dark atmospheric realm that is filled to the brim with anticipation. Paired with the smoldering spirit of Cole Pryor’s poignant croons, and the entirety of this composition jumps from your sound waves in a compelling manner. One to showcase his songwriting techniques in a way that incorporates abstract elements structured by a heart-rending framework, the intricate words amalgamate in a graceful way that allows certain lyrical motifs to infiltrate your mind. “She’s sinking deep into the sand, as the darkness covers the land,” propels an urgency in the pain that one feels when they are drowning on their own through hardships encountered.
Cole Pryor makes it so the pain that is released in his illuminated timbres is felt and heard with a thorough consistency that corresponds with the inner emotions we display. As we become more apparent of the authenticity that hails from Cole Pryor’s musicality, we submerge ourselves in the carefully thought-out masterpieces he releases as he aims to make a difference in the world.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Cole Pryor. Your latest single, “Girl Underwater,” uses a brilliant display of words in the songwriting to structure the storyline. Could you please take us into the inspiration behind this piece?
Absolutely! Thank you so much for your kind words. Girl underwater, like all the songs off of my record Perspective were written about the physical and mental abuse that my family endured with my father over the course of our lifetime. When I sat down to write this record, Girl Underwater just came pouring out of me. Together with my co-writer Simone, we embarked on a journey to revisit the most painful part of my family’s life and to tell a story through music that would inspire and educate my listeners. Girl Underwater was written about my Mother and all she endured in the years she spent with my Father. I consider Girl Underwater the first chapter of Perspective!
In the past, you’ve been known to dabble in the various avenues of the full spectrum of your releases. How long did it take you to create this record and what was your involvement with the production aspect as well?
We started the process of making Perspective back in November 2019, but COVID-19 caused some delays as I’m sure everyone can understand. But there was a silver lining in all of this. It gave me the time to really work on the writing and production of this record, as well as get to know my inner artist. I am the only producer on the record so my entire record was made out of my bedroom studio. The process of making this music was a very personal one. Everything that you are hearing is coming directly from me and that gives the record a very personal feel. Every note, sound, and lyric has meaning and comes directly from my soul. I have been truly blessed to have mentors and teachers who are veterans in the music industry to assist me. They taught me everything that I know and always made sure that my inner artist shinned through. This process has been a very cathartic and enlightening experience. It taught me so much that I will carry with me through the rest of my career.
What are you hoping that your audience takes away from the messaging in “Girl Underwater?"
When people listen to Girl Underwater I hope it will begin to shatter the stigma that surrounds domestic abuse. But also, I hope it inspires people as well. All of us experience trauma in our lives, and I want EVERYONE to know that their feelings and experiences are valid. Our trauma doesn’t define us, but what does define us is how we chose to let trauma affect us! With that being said, I hope Girl Underwater will inspire others to use their trauma to pursue a happy and healthy life.
What has been the highlight of your artistic career this far into your journey?
The highlight of my artist career has been being free to be myself. Since my father’s passing in 2017 I have been free to live my life and make my own choices. It has been amazing to be able to share my story and music with people, connect with others and share our life experiences and help each other heal. This experience has been life-changing and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
What’s next for you?
I am going to be moving back to Tennessee to promote my new record Perspective when it comes out later this year. I hope to be able to bring Perspective to a live audience when it is deemed safe enough. I can’t wait to perform this music and to connect with an audience and be able to experience this music with people. But live streaming shows are in the works! I will also begin working on my next project! I hope to keep spreading awareness of domestic abuse and mental health issues! I also will be working on myself to become a better artist, writer, and producer. There’s so much to do and learn!! I feel like this is just the beginning and I couldn’t be more excited.