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THE RAMBLING MAN INTERVIEWS: BLUES GUITARIST DARNELL COLE

 

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The Rambling Man caught up with blues guitarist Darnell Cole to discuss his upcoming "Life on The Run" UK tour this June, which will include several local venues and festivals. I also grabbed an opportunity to discuss his band The Vibe, The differences between American and British audiences, and what instruments Cole will be using on the tour. Scroll down to read the full interview.



Hello Darnell, Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your band, The Vibe?

Haha, I don't know if anything about us can be summed up into little bits. I started this current journey after the end of Porcelain Hill and have metamorphosized into something much more impactful, I truly feel it is my goal to bring the world together with this music, music that transcends politics, genre, age, and music you experience. To do that I need musicians who are on the same wavelength, that deep meaningful frequency because the audience can tell, and this current Lineup of the Vibe is RESONANT! 


Congratulations on your upcoming tour, what can you tell us about it?

It's a tour spanning as much of the little Isle as I was able to book! I've had some help this time around thanks to MTJ Promotions and I'm really trying to push this new Album "Life On The Run". Getting this music to new (and familiar) ears is what's going to really show people that we're all in this thing called life together. 

What can British audiences expect from your shows?

 To feel something. To Experience what it's like to just enjoy the moment, to feel connected to those on the stage, but more importantly to those around you. To feel free and happy for an hour or two and to transport to a place where the barriers of fear or insecurity we put up around ourselves no longer exist. where we can be unapologetically authentic.  

You have made some interesting choices for the tour. You will be playing some Festivals and some towns. Which one are you looking forward to the most?

- Honestly, it's Apples and oranges, mate, the festivals are always fun, with big crowds, big stages, and a chance to really test your might as a band can you win over several thousand? haha but the truth is Festivals set you up for success, most fans will already be in the best mood and setting for your music so it's really just kind of respite. The small-town pub gigs are where the action is at, that's where you truly test your mettle, where you form deeper connections because of the intimacy of smaller venues, and also the challenge of winning over those who are just there for a pint. To put it simply I'm eagerly enthralled to perform for both the towns and the festivals for different reasons. 


What can you tell me about your upcoming appearance at Isle of Wight Festival? It is a historic festival, which has hosted acts like Jimi Hendrix and The Who in the past.

Well, I can tell you that it's definitely a bit surreal. Even being on the smaller stages (Kashmir Cafe) it's an honour, and I'm/ we're truly grateful to be a part of something so iconic. it's almost like feeling what the greats felt at some level and that opportunity means something. We're crafting a set that's really FOR the crowd, a gift from the heart and intended for those who want to vibrate higher.  


Do you feel there is a difference between Festival and gig shows?

Besides the ones I've previously mentioned? haha just being cheeky,  I'd say for us as a band there isn't, we're there to connect with people and get whoever we're performing for to join our vibration, festivals are just inherently a louder signal haha. 


Will you be having any support for your Concerts in England?

YES!....kinda of? haha so there is no consistency (yet) but our Mates the Lightning Threads will be joining us in a couple of shows, as well as Tom Killner (I believe). Until the economy improves (or we start selling out bigger shows ) it's hard to consistently afford an opener, We could offer crap fees but that's not what we're about, you can't pay the taxman with the exposure you know?  that's why we really do appreciate EVERY SINGLE FAN THAT COMES OUT, BUYS MERCH, SHARES US ETC. every bit helps. 


What differences do you think there are between American and British audiences?

haha, we get asked this often and I'll put it like this because it's small but HUGE. In America, a band you don't know walks in, and you think "Aww probably wrap let's leave" and they do. In the UK a band you don't know walks in you think "Ugh they're probably crap, but I'll give them a pint and a song or two" and that LITTLE difference, makes ALL the difference.  In the UK, the audience gets the music because they give it a fuckin chance. 


You recently released your latest album ‘Man of Soul’ How has the response been to that?

It's really good!  my first SOLO record, and every song is up over the 1k threshold so Spotify is happy, it's on several playlists including some curated by Joe Bonamassa himself, and a couple of radio spins, what more could I ask for?  the music is out there connecting with people, hopefully getting some through tough times. 



Will you be playing songs from the album on your upcoming tour?

of course! however, we will be heavily showcasing the NEW album "Life On The Run" which I'm VERY excited for you all to hear. 


Finally, what effects and instruments will you be using for your "Life On The Run" Tour?

All my guitars are from Vintage brand, an amazing brand that's been taking care of me for a while now,  I'll be rocking their VS6 model, strung up with Savarez strings, custom fitted with p90s from Euphony pickups, a polish company that makes some SCREAMING Pickups, and a Bullet Cables guitar lead. I'll be running that mainly straight into my Orange Super Crush, but as far as pedals,  nothing fancy,  a fuzz a uni-vibe, some Octave here and there.... to really know, you have gotta come to a show 😉👉🏿👉🏿


Darnell Cole was speaking with Rambling Man's Reviews. You can check out the upcoming dates on the poster below


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