Hi! I'm Coles.

In 2005 I released my first album, Coles Whalen EP, and set off in a camper to 'tour the US.'

I made up most of what that means and I learned a lot along the way. A little luck, lots of help, and sheer refusal to stop I guess, all got me to 2012 and the release of my 5th album called "I Wrote This for You." We toured it all last year and had a blast at the shows, thanks to everyone who made the release a big success.

After the long road to "I Wrote This for You" I wasn't sure I'd ever be saying these words again but... I'm working on another album! Yep, new songs, and a new CD to be released on iTunes on July 23, 2013 on XMG Records. As soon as we finish up in the studio I'll be hitting the road for a national CD Release tour so please keep an eye on the schedule and come hang out!

Thanks for checking in, hope to see you all soon

-cw

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 (2007). After a year, she found herself in a corner. The label owned the masters, couldn't afford to print more copies and had her legally bound for two additional records. Having no other option Whalen regrouped, bought herself out of contract, and began again.

Whalen moved from her hometown of Denver, CO to Nashville, TN to work on her songwriting. She continued to tour out of music city, playing around 100 shows a year, and wrote and released her 4th and 5th CDs, The Whistle Stop Road Record (2009) and I Wrote This for You (2012) which include co writes with some of Nashville’s best, among them Rob Crosby and Keith Stegall.

Accomplishing all she set out to do in music city, Whalen headed back to Denver where she currently lives. She still tours nearly non stop, recent performances include opening spots for Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Rufus Wainwright, Paula Cole and Kellie Pickler and her music has been heard on US, Canadian and Australian Television. (Passport and Pallete, La Galere, CMC, Elle: A Modern Cinderalla Tale).

In early 2013 Whalen signed with XMG Records and her first album for the company, "Come Back, Come Back", will debut on iTunes July 23, 2013 . The Denver CD release party will be at Casselman's on July 19. The "Come Back, Come Back" national tour launches in Aug 2013, so keep an eye on tour dates!

It is tough to emphasize how lush and powerful this woman's voice is. Those in the audience who had not heard her before were awestruck, and those who already had were mouthing the lyrics to her songs. - Westword Backbeat, Mark Sanders

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

While Coles Whalen's bluesy folk attitude is apparent, it’s songs like “Wake Up Easy” and “Paper Airplane” that give examples of the brilliant mind behind the beauty. All said, Coles Whalen should be the rising star from Colorado – 13 tracks on an album could scare you now a days, but not when the content, lyrically and musically, is profound and jam-packed with zealous and incredibly talented femme flavor. - Colorado Music Buzz

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

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