ART & CULTURE

STYLING
NICHOLAS MACKINNON

PHOTOGRAPHY
KEVIN SINCLAIR

Singer-songwriter Colt3trane has just released his fourth album, Lush Life. His music is perfect for cruising down the highways and long-distance road trips, offering smooth grooves track after track. It’s a pleasurable journey for an ear-soothing breezy stimulation where the music sends caution to the wind. With his latest release Lush Life, he has infused more life experiences into his lyrics with titles like Logan Paul, written about a time in 2019 when he went to a party at Logan Paul’s house. He describes the experience as “people walking around with shades on and a camera crew following them, and everyone pretending that they are cooler than everybody else. All for what? To make a video to post online.” The album definitely will have you in your feelings.

Go ahead, jump in your car, or whatever your mode of transportation, and go on a journey with Col3trane. You’ll thank us later.

“Performing on stage is an insane experience. I’m grateful and blessed to say I’ve performed in a room of over fifteen thousand.”

Vestal Magazine __ You were born and raised in London and are now based in Los Angeles; tell me how you got to where you are?

Colt3trane __ I was born and raised in London, but my parents are both American, so I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. Through music, I’ve been coming to LA a lot to write and record. I permanently moved there in January 2021 to see what could happen. It’s been incredible so far.

VM __ I understand your stage name Col3trane was inspired by John Coltrane. Were you a jazz fan growing up in London?

Colt3trane __ Yeah, from when I was a little kid, my mom and stepdad were always playing the classics. There was a variety of music to go around—jazz influences like Chet Baker, Miles, Coltrane, etc.

VM __ Your first breakout mixtape, Tsarina, in 2017 garnered serious attention for its unique sound. Did you have a good support team in the beginning?

Colt3trane __ Support? Yes and no; I was in a label management situation that was sweet initially but turned sour quickly and ended up being fucking challenging to navigate out of my contract. But I’ve always had my family and friends who have guided me and helped me move in the right direction. On the other hand, my mixtape was a build-up of years of preparation and a desire to do something I love to do. I spent probably a year writing and recording it.

VM __ At 19-years-old, you performed in front of 15,000 people at Glasgow’s SSE Arena, supporting Dua Lip’s self-titled tour. I can imagine this was a massive opportunity for you at such a young age. How did the opportunity come about to collaborate with her?

Colt3trane __ Yeah, it was fucking nuts. There is nothing that can prepare you for something like that. It’s crazy! You can’t even see people when you are performing on stage, all you can see are lights. It’s an insane experience. I’m grateful and blessed to say I’ve performed in a room of over fifteen thousand people. I can’t wait to do it again!

VM __ Are there any artists that inspire you?

Colt3trane __ So many. I’m inspired every day by the music I hear. Recently I’ve been listening to electronic French pop-type music. Like Phoenix, Stromae, and Daft Punk. I also love Rosalia’s new album.

VM __ You are very popular in London, but your music is rapidly becoming more recognized in the US. How are you handling your stardom?

Colt3trane __ Man, I’m really not that popular, haha. I’m blessed to have supporters worldwide, and all of them that I’ve met have been mad cool. It’s always about the love for the music and never about no other bullshit that doesn’t matter. That’s why I appreciate them so much.

VM __ Can you tell me about your new single, Logan Paul? I understand the inspiration for the song came from attending a party at this home.

Colt3trane __ Yeah, pretty much. I went to a party at Logan Paul’s home, and it was weird, so I wrote a song about it.

VM __ Your music videos feel almost art-house. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Colt3trane __ Any and everywhere.

VM __ From all the music videos you have produced, which one impacted you the most and why?

Colt3trane __ I think the Logan Paul video was the craziest thing I’ve been able to do so far. The video for Pretty was also amusing. (Love and big up to my brother Tom Emmerson for being the creative director on this whole album). He’s a genius.

VM __ In 2021, you collaborated with London’s production whizz-kid, SG Lewis. Could you share any highlights of working alongside him on your first debut album and single Californication (Feels Like I’m Falling In Love)?

Colt3trane __ Bro, I’ve known SG since I was sixteen. He was the first person I ever met in music who was producing brilliant work. He brought me out to my first festival show and some dope places. I don’t know if he knows this, but he was like a mentor to me in many ways. So having this collaboration come out so many years later is a beautiful full-circle moment for me. We’ve done so many songs together, but I love this one a lot. It just feels like summer.

VM __ On Spotify, you have over a million monthly listeners. This achievement must be pretty rewarding. What is a message you would like to give to your fans reading this interview?

Colt3trane __ Love you for listening.

VM __ If you could choose three music talents to work beside, whom would they be and why?

Colt3trane __ Off the top of my head, I would have to say, John Mayer, Stromae, and D’Angelo. Can you imagine what that song would sound like?

VM __ What can we expect from your forthcoming album, Lushlife?

Colt3trane __ Expect to feel the exhilaration with this new album. It’s a journey for sure. There’s something for everybody on this album.

VM __ Where can we catch your performances?

Colt3trane __ Upcoming tour dates are London - June 3, Los Angeles - June 18, and NYC - June 2.

Photography Kevin Sinclair, Styling Nicholas MacKinnon, Styling assistant Cole Rosenberger, Grooming Agata Helen, Talent Col3trane (Community NY PR)