Born in Nelson, Aotearoa / New Zealand, at the cusp of a new millennium, Joe Cole is the youngest of three. Shifted shortly after his birth to the northern hemisphere, he learnt to walk and talk amidst the brick buildings and overcast skies of Scotland.
His family moved back to New Zealand’s South Island in 2003 and a few years later on to the windy capital Wellington, where Joe saw out his schooling days and first got started in music: “Mum bought me my first guitar, Dad’s a drummer and paid for my piano lessons. My brother and sister both taught me the first songs I learnt on guitar. Saying they have all played a role in my musical journey is an understatement.”
By now accustomed to making himself comfortable in new environments Joe followed a love to Hawkes Bay at seventeen. This is where his music career came into fruition. “It took one bad shift at my nightshift job for me to make the decision.” Taking what money he had left, he purchased a simple busking set up and took to the streets of Napier.
Joe Cole is authentic. His unique voice, raspy and soothing at the same time, and heartfelt performance style quickly made him a crowd favourite in the Hawkes Bay.
Five years on, Joe has several thousand hours of live music under his belt - performances at classic NZ festivals such as Soundsplash and Outfield included.
When it comes to writing the music, Joe Cole finds inspiration in his day to day.
“It’s everywhere. The stories, the characters for your stories. You just have to remember to look out for them, that’s all.”
