Meet Cole Larravide

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Larravide.

Cole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I started playing guitar before high school and knew right away that I wanted to write my own music. Once I learned chords, I began writing as many songs as I could! I also started jamming with my friend (and fellow guitarist) Jake Simpson. With Jake, I found a passion for improvised jams, which helped develop my style of guitar playing. 

Fast forward a few years, and I had written a collection of songs that I had never played for anyone. Then I had an opportunity to perform a concert at George Washington University’s Hammer Auditorium and decided it was time to finally bring my songs to an audience. For the event, I put together a great band with Jake and two other lifelong friends and incredible musicians – Will Saar and Gray Yachup. The show went really well, and I knew I wanted to continue playing my songs live. 

I started booking gigs at local DC music venues – in particular, a great venue called The Pocket, where I’ve played many shows. 

Soon after, I played my first Raleigh show at Packapalooza 2022. An amazing band called Coexist Music Group invited me to play guitar for them at the festival. It was such a fun experience that I came back this year to perform my own songs at Packapalooza 2023! Raleigh is a wonderful city, and I really enjoy playing here. The audiences have been fantastic, and there are so many great venues and events I want to play. I’m definitely planning on performing in Raleigh as much as I can! 

Besides Raleigh, I’ve also been playing a lot of other cities up and down the East Coast, like New York and Boston. I’m really grateful for the wonderful opportunities and fun experiences I’ve been able to have. 

Next, I’ll be performing as a special guest for legendary rock band, Three Dog Night at their October shows in Montana! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are definitely a lot of challenges going into any artistic field. One part of it is finding a way to juggle all the different aspects. I’m currently my own manager, as well as performer and songwriter, so I’m constantly looking for the next gig and opportunity. If I’m booking a band gig, I have to work around my bandmates’ schedules, and if it’s a travel gig, I’m figuring out all the logistics. It always works out, but it can definitely be a challenge. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In songwriting, I love to explore different genres and capture an eclectic sound, which then comes across in the live performance. Some gigs lean heavily into the softer singer-songwriter side, whereas others are geared towards giving a high-energy electric rock show. Most shows have it all! 

When performing with others, I also lean heavily into improvised jams. I love jam band music and concerts, so it’s always a lot of fun to tap into that. No one knows what’s coming, and every jam/show is its own unique experience! 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think persistence and patience are two helpful qualities when out getting gigs. I also explore a lot of different opportunities and try to play as many places as possible! A positive and optimistic outlook is also really important. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://colelarravide.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cole_larravide/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clarravide
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyiYRD8aY_r6U5ggvRQmwHQ

Image Credits
Tris Larravide