Neel Cole & Southern Street are an original band out of Austin with a uniquely Texan sound. The group refers to their music as ‘Texas Grunge.’ They combine elements of Rock, Grunge, Blues and Country music into their own distinctive groove. The three piece band is comprised of; Neel Cole (vocals/guitar), Wen Thai Liu (bass) and Pedro Duquense (drums). They match their creative mix of musical styles with earnest and meaningful lyrics about the realities of our modern world.
“Face the Day” is the title track and the latest single from Neel Cole & Southern St’s new album released January 16, 2021. The track opens with chiming guitar chords, ringing across the Texas plain. Soon a percussive kick & floor tom rhythm kicks in as Neel Cole delivers an inspirational tale of average people rising to meet extraordinary challenges. From its anthemic chorus to Cole’s Country and Blues fueled guitar the song is an uplifting rocker.
Listen to the entire “Face the Day” album below. You can also hear the title track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. We had the opportunity to ask Cole about the band, the song and the future. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Neel Cole & Southern St.
8 Questions With Neel Cole
The Static Dive: Where are you from?
Neel Cole: Well, I was born in Chicago. My family moved to New Jersey ten years later, and a year after that we moved to Arizona. I spent 30 years in AZ before moving to Texas in 2016. Been in Austin ever since.
SD: How long have you been making music?
NC: I have had a guitar in my hands since I was 8 years old. I didn’t start playing music professionally until 1993. There have been many projects over the years varying from Grunge, to Rock, to Country, and I brought all of those styles together in this new venture.
SD: Who are the musicians involved in your project?
NC: On drums is Pedro Duquesne, who has been backing me up since 2018. He has been playing drums since the end of his high school days. On bass is Wen Thai Liu, who joined our ranks in 2020. Wen had a great career in Korea, and then took time away from music for family reasons. Now he has a permanent residence on Southern St.
SD: Who are your biggest musical influences?
NC: I would have to say that #1 is Pearl Jam. I started listening to them the moment they released “TEN” and have been a fan ever since. Others include: Direks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Tom Petty, Cinderella, Soundgarden, Stereolab, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, I could go on but there’s too many to list.
SD: What is your greatest non-musical influence?
NC: Life!
SD: What inspired you to create this project?
NC: I wanted to give the world music that can make a difference in people’s lives. Music that makes people think, and hopefully make difference.
SD: What are your plans for the future (musically)?
NC: To continue making music, period. I’m not here to get rich, or become famous, I just want people to hear what I have to say and take something away from that.
SD: Is there anything else you would like to say?
NC: Yes! If you (the reader) like what you’ve read, head on over to www.neelcole.com or www.facebook.com/neelcolemusic and check out what we’re doing!