If you haven’t heard the name Cole Decker yet, it’s only a matter of time. At just 28, this Mississippi-born, Montana-based singer-songwriter is shaking up the country scene with his raw, soulful voice and no-nonsense storytelling. Think the heart of Chris Stapleton, the grit of Whiskey Myers, and the authenticity of 49 Winchester, all rolled into one powerhouse performer.
Cole’s journey started behind a piano in his small-town home, where he first fell in love with melody and story. By college, he’d picked up a guitar and started turning life’s highs and lows into songs that cut straight to the bone. That honesty has earned him a reputation as a rare breed: an artist who can pull you into his world with every lyric.
His breakout 2020 EP, Can’t Ruin a Bad Reputation, showed fans he wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, but it was his 2024 album, Starting Fires On a Dare, that turned heads across the country. With standout tracks like the cheeky, addictive “Tinder Queen” and the gut-punch ballad “Fifty-Fifty,” the album showcased his versatility while staying true to his roots. The title track, “Starting Fires On A Dare”, a fiery anthem about loving something you know might burn you down, has quickly become a fan favorite, and a staple of his electrifying live shows.
And speaking of live shows- if you’ve seen Cole on stage, you know the hype is real. Whether it’s a packed venue or a small-town stage, he commands every room with a mix of grit, emotion, and pure energy that leaves crowds buzzing long after the last note. Sharing the stage with heavy hitters like Parker McCollum and Frank Foster has only fueled his momentum.
But what really sets Cole apart is his commitment to authenticity. He’s not chasing trends or trying to fit a mold; he’s writing his truth, and fans are responding in a big way. As his streaming numbers climb and his tour calendar fills up, one thing is clear: Cole Decker isn’t just another country artist; he’s the next big name you need on your playlist.
