We first heard from Cooldown in April of last year upon the release of the single “Tell Me How to Lie.” That track introduced readers of The Static Dive to singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist producer Cole Downing. He launched the project in 2020 after years of performing in various bands in and around his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
Since then the prolific artist has released a dozen singles. He is currently working on his debut solo album “Uncomfortable High,” slated for release later this year. On January 22, 2022 Cooldown dropped a sneak peak of the new collection with the new single “Good As it Gets.” The track is available worldwide on all major streaming services.
“Good As it Gets” opens on a clean guitar strumming jazzy minor-key chords over a mellow funk beat. Soon Downing steps on his Fuzz pedal and kicks the song into a downtempo shoegazer groove. Cole sings “Welcome to the good times, good as it gets,” over a cool Rock funk vibe that brings to mind seminal 90’s UK acts like The Stone Roses or Happy Mondays. The song ends on a nice extended Acid Rock guitar solo.
Check out “Good as it Gets” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Cole about the new record and his plans for the future. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links below to connect with Cooldown. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the news surrounding his upcoming debut album.
8 Questions with Cole Downing (aka Cooldown)
Where are you from?
I am from the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. Born and raised. From what most of the country would call the “boonies.” I had a natural childhood and music was always a huge part. I’ve been playing music since I was 10 years old, starting with alto sax and chorus.
I moved on to become a singer songwriter. Later in 2017 I was a singer and guitarist/writer for the Atlanta based rock band Mount Royal. Now I have moved on into new things, expanding my sound and art. Focusing on bringing back the magical things of music from the past into the future with a modern attitude and polish.
How long have you been making music?
Since I was 11 years old. Seriously at this level, 2017. First with the band Mount Royal, and now as the solo artist Cooldown.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Just me. It is hard out here. A lot of work. But I will be on the top of billboard charts one day here soon.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Led Zep, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tame Impala, The Strokes, are my top. But I love Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, Lenny Kravitz, The Weeknd, Gorillaz, Cage The Elephant, Old Maroon 5, Black Keys, and the Beatles. These have been literally the biggest influence in the records I have been putting out since 2020.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
People in my life. My fiancé, my family and friends. My work life, and NATURE. The world is a big place. I plan to see most of it and be known in some parts 😉
What inspired you to create this project?
Many years of built up emotions, songs, feelings of inadequacy, and mainly the courage to go out and do it alone. I have worked with many many musicians and some I love like brothers. But life takes you in different directions, so it can be a challenge logistically. However, that hasn’t stopped me from collaborating.
I am releasing a collaboration with LA based Sound Child late February. But in all seriousness, I never had a choice. Music is something that happened to me. And I have to play it to survive, blessing or curse. I have to get it out of me. Writing songs is the most powerful way I know to rid myself of negative emotion, fill myself with bliss, rise above, or escape. You will find all these emotions and more in my sounds.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
To release a huge album towards Fall 2022, and to keep releasing a single around every 3-6 weeks.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Please check out my website and follow me on social media, specifically Spotify & Apple Tiktok and Instagram. PEACE and LOVE
