Julia Cole

Julia Cole is a country singer and songwriter whose sound brings together her rootsy, empowered energy with a contemporary pop and rock production. Following singles like 2021's "Side Piece," Cole garnered wider attention with her 2022 duet single "Best Worst Ex" with Alexandra Kay. Her debut EP, Whole 'Nother Margarita, appeared later the same year.

Born in 1993 in Houston, Texas, Cole became interested in music at a young age, influenced by her parents' love of Journey and country music. She started taking classical piano lessons at age five and eventually taught herself how to play her favorite pop songs. She began singing and drew the spotlight throughout her teens performing the National Anthem before her school volleyball games. More high-profile chances to perform the National Anthem followed at various professional sporting events. She also won several singing contests. After high school, she moved to Nashville where she studied Entrepreneurship and Corporate Strategy at Vanderbilt University. While there, she continued to perform and began writing her own songs. She also got a foothold in the industry interning at Nashville publishing houses and artist management companies, and she also shared festival billings with the likes of Dan + Shay, Dierks Bentley, and Josh Turner.

Meanwhile, Cole began posting her songs online, several of which -- including 2021's "Side Piece" and a featured spot on Spencer Crandall's "Things I Can't Say" -- went viral and garnered attention on streaming platforms. In early 2022, she paired with Alexandra Kay for the song "Best Worst Ex." The acoustic ballad "Rather Be Crazy" followed in June, a month before the arrival of her debut EP, Whole 'Nother Margarita. Featuring production by Josh Ronen (Somegirlnamedanna), the five-song set was issued by Smokeshow Music. ~ Matt Collar