Dive into the mind of a restless soul in This Town - Joe Cole's first release in almost a year documents a raw and unflinching journey through turmoil and despair. The song's storyteller clings to fading memories, as he claws his way towards a brighter future. Witness his struggle, his reflections, and the burning desire for a simpler life to return.
This Town follows the success of the New Zealand based artists independently released May 2024 EP Breathing In, which to date garnered nearly 500,000 streams on Spotify alone. More music is on the horizon, so stay tuned.
Joe Cole is on tour in Aotearoa/New Zealand in May 2025:
23 May, Nivara Lounge, Hamilton, NZ
24 May, The Yard, Raglan, NZ
25 May, Portland Public House, Auckland, NZ
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 night shift 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 later, Joe has several thousand hours of live music under his belt and his May 2024 EP Breathing In has surpassed 500,000 streams.
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.”