The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Magic touch
After writing songs for established country stars, Cole Swindell is in the process of becoming one himself
Over the last six years, Cole Swindell has established himself as a prolific Music City hitmaker. ¶ The platinum artist has enjoyed three hit albums and seven No. 1 singles, including “Chillin’ It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey,” “Let Me See Ya Girl,” “You Should Be Here,” “Middle of a Memory” and “Flatliner.” ¶ However, the Georgia-born singer-guitarist didn’t start out on top. While he arrived in Nashville a dozen years ago, it was roughly half a decade ago when he started to make inroads on Music Row cowriting hits for the likes of Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line. ¶ What he didn’t realize at the time was being in the industry as a songwriter was providing a foundation that would prove pivotal years later when he became a big-name recording artist.
In fact, considering Swindell is a big football fan, his experience is analogous to a talented college quarterback being drafted and sitting on the bench for a year or two before getting pressed into game action.
“I never heard it like that, but I think that’s dead on,” said Swindell, calling from Nashville. “To be able to kind of see the business from a different angle was huge. One day I’m writing songs hoping somebody will record them and then the next thing you know I’m on the other side of it.
“The first job I had was selling T-shirts for Luke Bryan. I don’t think my career would have happened like it did had I not had those experiences.”