Here is the latest single from Pasadena-based singer-songwriter Cole Gallagher. ‘Lines in the Sky’ is the robust, dynamic follow-up to the well-received ‘Chatting Through Steel’, which was a powerful song featuring gritty vocals from David Hidalgo of Los Lobos – check that out here. The new single is equally dramatic, again displaying Cole’s natural songcraft. He is once again joined by some stellar collaborators. The song was produced by the highly-regarded Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White) and members of Jason Isbell’s band, the 400 Unit, deliver stirring performances, including beautifully-layered keys from Jon Eldridge over an insistent rhythm from Jimbo Hart’s bass and Chad Gamble’s drums. More texture and urgency is added by guitars from Sadler Vaden and Barry Billings. The resulting song is fresh but also brings to mind the great artists who have inspired Gallagher. He says: “I’m very influenced by the big singer-songwriters from the ’60s onward – Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Tom Petty, Warren Zevon. They were trying to make sense of the times they lived in, but when I heard them, I felt like they were speaking to me at that moment.”
Just like Gallagher’s previous single, the accompanying video is a real piece of art in itself. The cinematic film, directed by McKone Corkery, is brilliantly shot and presents a full narrative journey set in LA, with Ernestte Bejar and Gallagher himself playing a Bonnie and Clyde-style couple. It’s a tale that, ultimately, leads to betrayal.
This August, Gallagher will release his debut EP, a six-song collection that showcases his imagination, characterful voice, classic songwriting skills and fluent sound. With support throughout from the 400 Unit, this is definitely one to look out for. At just 21 years old, Gallagher has already worked alongside hugely talented collaborators and proven himself to be a fine songwriter and performer. He’s only just getting started.
For Gallagher, making music has been a form of therapy, a way of reaching inside and understanding himself as well as a way of connecting with others. He explains: “At first, music was a social outlet for me. I’d run around with my brothers and talk about forming a band. We even came up with band names, but neither of them actually picked up instruments. Once I started playing guitar, though, it immediately started helping me emotionally. I would write stuff and I’d have no idea where it came from. That’s what fascinated me, writing something and trying to figure out its meaning. Sometimes that answer comes years later, if at all. Making music is something I chose to do, but it’s also something I have to do. I would be happy to play music for people every night. It doesn’t matter how many people are there or where we are. As long as I can try to make a connection with people, that’s all that matters.” Absorb yourself in Cole Gallagher’s music – you’ll be listening for years to come.
