Before receiving any formal training at the age of 12, Canadian female electronic music producer Piper Cole was already teaching herself how to sing and play the piano, later she was taught professionally how to play the guitar and better her singing.
“I love trying new instruments so I have dabbled in bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, mandolin and lots of orchestral instruments but not to a high level. My main instrument was voice and I studied Opera at university”
Says Piper Cole during a recent interview with Mister Styx of Musicarenagh about her latest release Oh Honey where she shed more light on her music and her personal life
‘Oh Honey’ is meant to be a song of comfort to us all. It’s been a heartbreaking and confusing time in the world as of late. It can feel like the weight is pulling you down and swallowing you up.
If we search for helpers, rest in kindness and look to the stillness of nature, then maybe we don’t need to keep running. Adjusting to the strain, the strong river bends itself into new forms. “You’ve been running for too long.” Oh, honey, I get it, I am here with you and “you just gotta hang on.”
More of this was shared during the interview, get the full story below while you enjoy Oh Honey
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What is your stage name
Piper Cole
Where do you find inspiration?
Musically, I find inspiration from artists pushing their genre’s boundaries. I love the sound of acoustic/folk music that has experimental electronic aspects. I find sound design thrilling and enjoy studying electronic sound production.
I feel I have been on a quest from an early age, to express myself musically so my lyrics are often human struggle themes and journeys into connecting with an inner knowing to guide me through.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I didn’t come from a musical family but music was appreciated. I discovered music kind of on my own. I have early memories of writing songs and drawing sounds with shapes before I could write. I must have been very young.
I can still hear some of that music in my head. Singing evolved with that. I was a quiet, shy child and just hearing the sound of my voice singing out has been a lifeline for me.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I wouldn’t say I have longed to be a part of the music industry, rather I have longed to create music. There are things about the music industry that I could do without. I try to engage personally as much as possible, but it is hard.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I thought myself to sing and play piano, then I started formal lessons at age 12. I then learnt the guitar and took singing lessons. My guitar playing has always been about songwriting so I am pretty good at chords and accompanying myself.
I love trying new instruments so I have dabbled in bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, mandolin and lots of orchestral instruments but not to a high level. My main instrument was voice and I studied Opera at university.
What was the first concert that you ever went to?
My first concert was 80’s pop star Tiffany in 1989. Yes, I was an 80’s kid.
How could you describe your music?
Folktronica – A mix of acoustic folk/singer-songwriter with electronic and experimental elements.
Describe your creative process.
Tortured 😝 Seriously I love it and also struggle immensely with it. I must push myself to finish songs as I get so caught up trying to make them perfect. It’s a love/hate relationship.
What musician do you admire most and why?
There are so many! I admire artists who play with genre boundaries like Jesca Hoop, Kate Bush, David Bowie. Artists that truly write songs and make music from a place of expression and not an attempt to be commercial. Artists that bring something unique and authentically themselves.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
I’ve been through many evolutions but my beginning was an indie folk singer/songwriter. Over the years I studied Opera and also sound design and electroacoustic music so my music has gradually taken on an electronic element.
What are your interests outside of music?
I’m a Psychotherapist by day and I am pretty devoted to the search for and expression of the essential self. I read a lot and am currently interested in quantum physics and the nature of consciousness.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Music is my passion project not my career. I work with individuals who are wanting to improve their mental health. I am also developing a type of music therapy called therapeutic voicework.
What would it be if you could change one thing in the music industry?
I would like to see more women in technical music roles as producers, mixing and mastering engineers. I would also like to see artists get paid more fairly for the music we all listen to.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
‘Oh Honey’ is something you might say to a dear friend who is struggling. It is a song of comfort.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I will be releasing three new singles in 2023. The next release will be in February.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I will be working again with UK Animator Will Clarke on a full-length animated music video for one of my next singles.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Do what you love. Care for yourself. Hang in there – good times always follow the bad.
