Cole Lumpkin is an artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. As a progressive pop artist, he has already cultivated a passionate, supportive fan base that embraces his unique sound. With the release of his album OTHERWORLDS out today, he aspires to reach a whole new audience and draw them into his musical world, which is described as “delivering constant sonic surprises.”
Growing up in the Hustle of New York City
Lumpkin’s musical career originated during his childhood in New York City. Born to parents who were artists, his love of music manifested early in life when he started improvising piano pieces into tape recorders. Though his parents supported his musical endeavors, other kids didn’t understand his passion.
“I began to just write and record all of the instruments myself since I had no one to do it with. That definitely helped me shape my abilities to play multiple instruments,” Lumpkin says.
Lumpkin discovered iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and his greatest musical inspiration, Frank Zappa. In high school, he found other kids who shared his love of music and formed a band. Eventually, the band was performing around New York City and Lumpkin learned the ins and outs of the music scene.
“By the end of college, I knew music, especially the music I was making, was what I wanted to cultivate for a living. I began working at a studio and recording my original music, a blend of the progressive rock I had listened to since childhood, and pop music, which I had come to know and love as an adult,” Lumpkin says.
It was after he met his manager Ignacio Lecumbeerri that Lumpkin started to release his music.
A Musical Force To Be Reckoned With
Lumpkin’s breakthrough single “Lowest Moment” with DECAP appeared on the Swedish Pop and Digital Music charts in 2020. His music has also been featured on national (United States) and international radio (France and Germany) and on multiple Spotify Editorials. One month, he peaked at 29k listeners on Spotify.
The musical artist has had a diverse career, from being the keyboard player and vocalist of the indie fun band, Cool Company, to being the guitar-playing body double for Frank Zappa’s 2019 hologram tour. Lumpkin’s music career has taken him across the country, where he has played at many venues, including the legendary Cervantes, The Viper Room, and The Bitter End.
“As a producer and engineer, I have credits with Matchbox 20, John Legend, Fetty Wap, Santana, Forest Blakk, Sok, The Higher Brothers, and more,” Lumpkin says.
A Culmination of Past Experience
The album OTHERWORLDS is deeply personal to Lumpkin, rooted in feeling “othered” in his life as he struggled with anxiety and OCD. Having overcome those stumbling blocks, the album reflects Lumpkin’s life to this point and his commitment to being true to himself. He plays every instrument, created all the compositions, and produced the album himself.
All the genres that have been a source of inspiration throughout Lumpkin’s musical career are threaded through the songs. The album doesn’t fit tidily into any particular genre, which suits Lumpkin.
“I have never and never want to sacrifice my creative impulses in making the music I love. While it may be full of curveballs, this music is the most authentic version of me. It is music that I hope represents being who you are at your core,” Lumpkin says.
Lumpkin looks forward to touring and hopes to perform a unique version of his songs for each audience.
A Vision Realized, A Journey Just Beginning
With OTHERWORLDS, Cole Lumpkin invites listeners into a kaleidoscopic universe born of decades of personal growth, sonic exploration, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The album is a testament to his refusal to be boxed in by genre or expectation. Lumpkin is a bold, subversive voice in modern music, one determined to connect, inspire, and transport listeners to a world entirely his own.
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