Hailing from a small Devonshire village that is tricky to pronounce, Cole Stacey is a songwriter, singer, lyricist, and musician who roams diverse echelons of contemporary folk, 80s pop, spoken word, and new romantic electronics. From The Royal Albert Hall to Westfalenhalle Arena, The London Palladium to live sessions on BBC Radio 2.
“Soft, pop-aware voice describing a life alive with motion”
– The Independent
As one half of alt-folk duo India Electric Company alongside Joseph O’Keefe, Cole has recently been found on prime-time live sessions for BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music live sessions, at Glastonbury Festival and they’ve enjoyed BBC Introducing’s backing with FRUK declaring them “one of the truly pioneering acts in folk music”.
“A full musical odyssey”
– BBC Radio 1
In 2015 Cole accompanied Midge Ure and Joseph O’Keefe on mandolin on the extensive Breathe Again tour which subsequently led to a live release of the album. Since then sold-out tours of Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Germany in this three-piece lineup have followed. In 2017 he became part of Midge’s Band Electronica playing Bass Guitar and Keyboards with subsequent tours with The Human League and headline shows including The London Palladium and Hammersmith Apollo.
“Cole’s soaring vocals were a highlight of an electrifying performance, nothing short of mesmerizing”
– Scottish Music Network
Cole is someone who can be found most days attempting to sample the finest specialty filter coffee and listening to an odd vinyl and mini-disc collection acquired from early morning Essex car boot sales. With Devon very much in his blood his explorations into traditional music and verse and its place within a contemporary context have led to collaborations and projects far beyond his Dartmoorian horizons.
“This is a man who needs doughnuts, you can barely see him from behind that mandolin”
– Midge Ure
All photos courtesy of Copper and Blossom Photography (apart from the low-res selfie at 6 Music)
Links
Ashbury – Proud to play and endorse their mandolins
Coal Poet Media – Photos!
Copper & Blossom – Photos!
Cosmic Ears – Proud to endorse their IEMs
Elixir Strings – Proud to use and endorse their strings
Faith Guitars – Proud to play and endorse their guitars
