255 – Cole McSween: Touring and Recording with The Shadowboxers, Opening for Justin Timberlake, Making the Kind of Christian Music He Wants to Hear

Cole’s style ranges from Neo Soul to 70’s inspired yacht rock. His journey as a musician started as a drummer. Attending Georgia State University, Cole studied 5 years towards a degree in Jazz Studies. Cole quickly became a well known drummer in Atlanta, playing with artists such as The Shadowboxers, Kenny Loggins, Larkin Poe, Faye Webster, ATL Collective, and more. He has also appeared on stage with Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Hunter Hayes, Phillip Phillips, and Lucie Silvas. He spent five years in based in Nashville, touring and recording with The Shadowboxers. The band recently decided to relocate to LA, but Cole chose to move his family back home to Atlanta where he can focus on his new creative goals, including making groove-driven Christian music with a more personal message. In this episode, Cole talks about: * Being in Nashville, but dedicated exclusively to the Shadowboxers* Opening for Justin Timberlake on the Man of the Woods tour* The factors in his decision not to follow the band to LA* His new original project, and the new ideas he’s trying to bring to Christian music* The importance of simplicity in music, despite the endless availability of digital sounds and techniques ​ Cole endorses Pearl drums, Istanbul Mehment cymbals, and Vic Firth sticks.