Bryan Cole, Country Recording Artist from Pittsburgh, PA Gives Some Insightful Advice

Bryan Cole's debut album, "Wide Open Road" is blazing a trail on several country music charts. Bryan has taken time out of touring to provide some awesome advice to other musicians looking for the "magic ingredients" to become successful recording artists. What is obvious from Bryan's words in this interview, is his gentle, caring and humorous nature, which creates his "unique" attraction for fans. There is much more to this musician than "just another Country artist". You will find yourself not only enjoying listening to his music and strong vocals, but drawn in by his caring personality.

"Thanks Bryan for the great music, words and what you give back to your fans and others around you".

Here is the interview, enjoy!

DL: Bryan, I see from your BIO on your Official website, that you speak of the fact that your hometown is Pittsburgh, PA and yet you have such strong roots in country music. You attribute this to your family's interest passed on to you. Did you experience a love for other types of music as well and what other kinds of music do you like?

BC: As a child I was surrounded by music. My late Grandfather played amazing guitar, piano, etc and my Uncle played drums for Tammy Wynette. My Father played drums, guitar, piano and taught me my first few chords. I grew up mostly on Country and Rock N' Roll music. I definitely owe my biggest influence vocally to Steve Perry from Journey. With regards to other styles of music, I honestly listen to pretty much everything across the board. I truly have a great appreciation and respect for music as a whole.

DL: You have a clear and deep passion for animal rights. How do you express this passion in your music and career?

BC: I really do love and respect animals and their rights. Animals love unconditionally and we as humans need to learn from them. I firmly believe that animals have the right to live and die with dignity and I am certainly a strong advocate for preserving their rights. Plus they're so dang CUTE! LOL! My latest single "I'm Comin' Home" was written under the inspiration of my love for animals.

DL: Have you always wanted to be a recording artist and what other types of jobs have you done? Also, is recording and performing music your only job right now or do you find you still need to supplement with another job?

BC: From the time I was 5 years old, I knew that music was and IS my life. As a teenager I worked many jobs that never really lasted very long simply due to the fact that I couldn't focus on anything other than music and being a professional artist. I am very blessed to be at a point in my life that music is my sole source of income. In addition to recording and performing, I also produce music for other artists. It is really a great time in my life and I'm truly blessed and thankful for all the gifts I have received and still receive by being a full time musician.

DL: Do you think anyone in the Pittsburgh area wanting to have a recording career needs to go outside of Pittsburgh to really succeed or does Pittsburgh offer the same opportunities?

BC: Pittsburgh is a wonderful city! I really love living here. I feel that the way the music industry is at this point, you can live anywhere and get your music out there. Just educate yourself. With that said, I do think that certain "music cities" like Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City offer many additional resources to help your career that our city is lacking in. I can honestly say that being in Nashville most definitely helped my career.

DL: Who have been your major influences in music?

BC: I have MANY influences LOL! I can honestly say that vocally, my biggest influence is Steve Perry. That guy has MAJOR pipes and is one of the nicest guys on the planet! Musically, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Brad Paisley, Jerry Reed, Brent Mason, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc... LOL! I guess I gravitate to musicians that can REALLY PLAY! When people ask me what my style of playing is, I always tell them "Gumbo!" LOL! I just throw a bunch of influences into a big ole pot and mix it all up and that's what you get..

DL: I see you have Sponsors listed on your website. Is this something that new recording artists are pursuing and what advice can you offer to other musicians wanting to have the same success you are having?

BC: Well I think people need to realize that this is a business. Long gone are the days when record labels shell out millions of dollars to help you. Having sponsors is a great way to cross-market. You help each other. With regards to advice I can give other musicians: I'm a firm believer that you have to think outside of the box when it comes to business. You're going to need to have working capitol in order to fund certain needs to help further your career, so think creatively and find ways to develop a strong team of people that believe in you and support you. Think BIG!

DL: What's the newest upcoming news for you, tour events, aspirations, wishes for your future?

BC: Right now I'm doing shows and working on promoting my debut album "Wide Open Road." I am hoping to do more touring both nationally and internationally. I am also working on the next record. For the future, I just hope that I can keep doing what I'm doing and hope to continue to make music people what to listen to.

DL: What is your opinion of the importance of using social networking resources, such as Facebook and Twitter for success in the music business?

BC: HUGE!!!! You honestly cannot survive without them. These important sites afford the ability to interact and reach fans all over the world with a single posting. This is invaluable! I can't stress enough the importance of making it look professional. Remember..this is a business! If it looks cheesy and thrown together, chances are, that's how the public will perceive you as an artist.

DL: How long have you been seriously trying to break into the recording industry and what was a key break that started your success?

BC: Many years. I have achieved early success but it didn't last. My key "break" came when I went to Nashville and worked with Producer/Engineer Chuck Ainlay. Chuck worked with everyone from George Strait, Sugarland, Vince Gill, Reba and everyone in between. He taught me so much. Being in Nashville also helped to develop strong friendships and business relationships. I also have to say that my best friend/Manager (Michael Stover) has done and is still doing an amazing job bringing in more opportunities and putting up with my crap! LOL!

DL: Thanks for your time Bryan and best wishes for your continued success!