Hello. It's Coles.
I've been singing since I was 7 but only recently did I settle into A STYLE. It's a tricky thing, determining A STYLE. I'm pretty sure I've finally got it. Singer songwriter: Including, but not limited to, country, blues, jazz and pop. Presto Colesio. I've been playing piano for 21 years and guitar for 8. Last year, while we were making this record, I picked up a mandolin and an acordion. Fell in love with both, you can witness this love at a show very soon. I started writing songs while in college at USC. LA is a good place to write songs. Hollywood is dirty and romantic all at once. I think songwriting, like anything, gets better with practice and I hope this record shows that I've been engaging in LOTS of practice. Speaking of, this record is my 5th and it's called "I Wrote This for You." I chose the title because each song was written for, or about, a specific person. I've never written anything inspired entirely by personal experience and it's gritty, but magical, how it all came together. I should mention, we recorded in Nashville, (the city that's to blame for all the songwriting practice) which, was a pretty cool thing. Charlie Sexton... just walking down the street... next thing I know he's playing on the record. Carrie Underwood's keyboardist, Keith Urban's drummer etc etc. I live in Denver so you will also hear contributions from Denver musicians who are equally as talented. I'm so excited for "I Wrote This for You", it's been a long time coming and I can't wait for you to hear it. THANK YOU for taking the time to read, listen and support. You are appreiciated.
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Ten years ago, after finishing a degree in music and business, Coles Whalen decided to sell everything she had in order to buy a camper. This camper became her home as she toured the nation selling her first record Coles Whalen EP (2005) soon followed by Gee Baby (2006) - her first full length album. Whalen found a way into Borders bookstores and spent almost four years playing multiple shows a day in Borders across the US, building a following and selling over 10,000 CDs right out of her truck.
In 2007 Whalen signed with an independent label and released "Nothing Is Too Much." After a year, despite strong sales and successful touring, Whalen found herself in a corner. The label owned the masters and wouldn't print more copies, and she was bound to them legally for two additional records. Well-known producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band) wanted to work with Coles on a new album. They went as far as booking the studio time and musicians when her label stepped in and halted the process. Having no other option but to walk away, Whalen regrouped, bought herself out of contract, and began again.
Coles moved from her hometown of Denver, CO to Nashville, TN to work on her songwriting. She continued to tour, playing around 150 shows a year and began work on her 4th CD, The Whistle Stop Road Record (2009). With live recordings from Akon’s HitLab showcase in Montreal, and studio tracks recorded in Nashville and Denver (including one track co written with Stegall), the 11 song alt-country release propelled Whalen to new heights in placement and press.
She moved back to Denver and was embraced by her hometown. In 2010 Coles and her band played over 200 shows and festivals across the country opening for Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Kellie Pickler and headlining her own stages.
She formed Wrecking Ball, LLC - an umbrella company to consolidate her record label, merchandise production and touring operation - and took a leap of faith, self funding her 5th record, accompanying merchandise and tour. That record, reported to be Whalen’s best to date, is due FEB 25th and is titled "I Wrote This for You."
The nationwide CD release tour kicks off in Denver then heads to the Mid-West and Texas, Nashville, Atlanta, on to the west coast and beyond. Look for dates at coleswhalen.com.
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A glance at the life and times of this honey-voiced Nashville-via-Denver singer confirms Whalen has always been an unflinching romantic with an epic vision. - The Omaha Reader
Coles Whalen makes things happen. When she wanted to jumpstart her music career she bought a pickup truck, toured the country and sold CDs out of the back. Then, when opportunity knocked and kept knocking, she picked up her guitar to open for artists like Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Rufus Wainwright, and yes, even Akon in Montreal, Nashville, Denver, and all points in between. But it isn’t just sheer will that’s gotten Whalen to where she is today. Her homespun blend of bluesy, swampy folk has something to do with it. – OurStage
I am sitting here today with a true sense of the word talent. With a voice that will knock your socks off and the musical talent that will make you sway right there in your chair, she understands what it takes to make it. - IndyConcerts.com
Soulful, powerful, straight from the heart -Monica Younge, Indie Music Reviews
It’s truly inspirational to see an artist that possesses so many excellent qualities; she’s talented, approachable, and extremely loyal to her fans. - Music Tyro
The next big thing, mark my words –Kelly Ford, KYGO 98.5 FM - Denver’s New Country
Whalen delivers an absolutely great show. She left a lasting impression on me. - Ricardo Baca, The Denver Post
If you haven’t heard of singer-songwriter Coles Whalen, you will. - Colorado Music Buzz
This girl is one of the best country performers out there right now, just under the radar- a great time to see an artist in my opinion. - No Depression
Coles Whalen has one of those unique voices that holds your ears captive. - Uncommon Music
For lovers of good music, you can’t go wrong with anything by Coles Whalen that you can get your hands on. This record is going to be in my personal rotation for quite some time. - Collected Sounds
Whalen maintains a rich consistency in her musical style, yet continues to evolve in her songwriting technique. Her lyrics are honest and powerful. - Echo Magazine, Phoenix
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