INTERVIEW: Country Singer Cole Bradley Chats his Brand New Single, “Happy Hour”

Country music has a new singer emerging in its roster and that singer is Cole Bradley. Cole is originally from Western Canada, but made the move to Nashville to continue to grow his country music career.

Last week, Cole performed a number of shows while fans were in the country city for CMA Fest. We got the chance to chat with the budding star about his brand new single, “Happy Hour”, playing during the Fest, inspiration behind his new single, his dream collaborations and so much more.

Tell us a little about yourself and your new single “Happy Hour”?
“Man, that’s a long story to tell! I grew up in Calgary, Canada and now I live in Nashville, TN pursuing a country music career. I’ve been playing music since the age of five and began writing and recording songs since the age of ten. It’s been a wild ride to say the least!”

You wrote “Happy Hour” in 2016, why did you decide to release it now and not when you wrote it in 2016?
“Great question! I felt like this song was super special, so I was very patient in terms of when to release it. I wanted to make sure everything was “in the right place” and this summer just felt like the perfect timing!”

Was there an inspiration behind the song? If so, what was it?
“The inspiration from the song came from when I attended my first year of University on the east coast of Canada. My friends and I played a game called “Power Hour” where we would do a shot of beer every minute for one whole hour. Things got pretty fun after that! 😉 I took the idea down to LA and my co-writers and I wrote the song!”

You can read the rest of our interview below. Also, if you have not had the chance, take a listen to his new single “Happy Hour”, it can be found at the bottom part of our interview, and let us know what you think.

Why did you want to write and perform country music?
“Country music has the best story-telling. There is so much sincerity and honesty in country music and that’s why I fell in love with it. I wanted to tell my stories truthfully and country music fit perfectly in that realm. The fact that I have been listening to country music since I was three years old also played a part.”

How different is Nashville then where you grew up in Canada?
“It’s different in the sense that the music scene is much less prominent than in Canada. I have been surprised at how everyone I’ve met in Nashville is extremely collaborative. The food (southern BBQ, fried chicken) and weather are a little different, but the people are so kind just like those back home Canada!”

You had two shows taking place during CMA Fest, what was that like?
“It was amazing! Nashville is the county music capital of the world so to be able to play shows during the biggest country music week of the year is something I do not take for granted.”

One of your shows was at The Bluebird Café, how did it feel to perform in a place that is so iconic in the country music world?
“It is an honor. I feel so grateful to get to play there. All my heroes have played at the Bluebird so to be able to stand where they once played is something that continually gives me goose bumps. I’ll never take it for granted.”

Who were you most excited to see at this year’s Festival?
“Unfortunately, I was so busy this CMA fest working that I did not get out to the festival. Although, I am seeing my hero Kenny Chesney this summer in Seattle. I believe this will be my fourth time seeing him- he truly is at the top of the country music game. Kenny sets the bar and that’s where I strive to be in my career one day.”

Do you have any dream collaborations?
“If not Kenny, it would have to Garth Brooks. These two are both incredible writers, performers and artists.”

Are you planning on going on tour this year?
“We’re going to be playing shows throughout Canada in July and August. We’re also expecting to go on a US radio tour for “Happy Hour” the last two weeks of July so I am so excited about that. I’d expect some US dates in the fall.”

What else can fans expect from you for the rest of this year?
“New music and new shows! It’s going to be a super fun, exciting summer. If you catch us at one of our shows, y’all can expect a party!”

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.