By Megan Wadding, April 2015 Web Exclusive.
Echo caught up with folk pop singer and songwriter Coles Whalen ahead of her sixth Phoenix Pride performance.
Echo: You’ve become a Phoenix Pride favorite; where are you based?
Whalen: I am currently based in Colorado Springs, but my home is Denver. I feel like Denver is the city that has supported me through most of my music career.
Echo: Have you been to Arizona before?
Whalen: We love [Arizona]. Our Phoenix people always give us such a super warm welcome. We will probably spend our time soaking up the heat before we head back to chilly Colorado.
Echo: How would you describe your music? Are there any specific genres that you identify with?
Whalen: My genre is singer songwriter – folk pop, with a little country flavor mixed in.
Echo: What about your music are you most proud of?
Whalen: I am most proud of the fact that my music has kept going. It can be difficult to stay creative and happy with music when you are also using it as a means to support yourself. I built a studio in my house so I can make music there and we will be taking shorter, longer distance tours over the next few months so we can still hit all the places we love this summer and fall.
Echo: What is your connection to the LGBTQ community?
Whalen: I was lucky enough to tour with Melissa Ferrick years ago. Since then I have experienced nothing but love and support from the LGBTQ community in my music life and my personal life. It’s a great community to be connected to and active in.
Echo: Have you ever performed at Phoenix Pride before?
Whalen: This will be our sixth year playing Phoenix Pride. I clearly remember this cute couple that came to see us and had made a shirt for their little girl that read “I love Coles.” That was pretty much awesome. The people here have always been super excited to hear the music; we have really appreciated the opportunity to play.
Echo: Will you be playing any instruments during your set? Will you have a band with you or will it be an acoustic set?
Whalen: I will be playing acoustic guitar and piano. I will also have my percussion player with me and she will be playing Cajon. This our acoustic set up and I think it suits the music nicely.
Echo: What about the performance are you most excited for?
Whalen: I am really excited to see and hang with all our friends in Phoenix. They all listen as intently as they did at the first show. We are also excited to debut a couple new songs.
Echo: What projects are you currently working on? Do you any new music in the works?
Whalen: I have started writing for my next record. I am planning on getting back to my roots and releasing an acoustic record. The new one is still a long way off but I am excited to be working on it already. We will be back on the road late summer and fall 2015.
Echo: Will you be staying before or after your performance to check out the other events at Pride?
Whalen: We are coming in on Saturday afternoon of Pride weekend. We hope to get out Saturday night to see what’s going down. I am prepared and excited for you, Phoenix!
Whalen will perform on the Bistro Stage with Kim O’Hara at 4 p.m. April 12. Follow her on Twitter at @ColesWhalen.
