He’s a few years older than the last local music star, but Cole Roe’s soulful voice and boy-next-door cuteness might give Mr. McCreery a run for his money.
When he first picked up a guitar at age 11, Roe, like so many other kids, tired of the hobby after six months.
Luckily for us, after his family moved from the West Coast to South Carolina, his impending boredom caused him to pick it back up. This time, he was hooked.
“I got really good at it, and that gave me the confidence to pursue it,” Roe said. “When I started getting good I said, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’”
He's off to a good start. After moving to North Carolina and playing with the band 5 Til in high school, Roe started writing his own songs, and now makes his living playing two to three shows per week, primarily in Cary, Apex and Raleigh.
The self-described “folk-pop” singer (think John Mayer meets Zac Brown) is awaiting the release of his second album, First, on Feb. 26.
He credits his fans for his success, as his latest album was financed by their support via an online campaign on the Kickstarter site. Roe hoped to raise enough to cover backup musicians and studio time. The plan worked much better than expected, as he raised more than double his requested amount in a matter of days.
Roe’s a bit of a one-man show for the moment. “I’m looking for a manager or booking agent, but my friends are so supportive they try to get me gigs wherever they know anybody.” He also has an eye out for a band.
First will be available via iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. Roe will also have a limited number of albums for sale at shows. Be warned, though — it's catchy and you might not be able to stop listening!
The release party for First will be held at Rudino’s in Tryon Village on Monday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
Rudino's
1040 Tryon Village Dr Suite 601, Cary
