Arlene Kole and the Koles

In her relatively short singer songwriter career, Arlene Kole has made a tremendous impact on the singer songwriter scene. In fact, the December issue of Music Connection Magazine will name Arlene in their HOT 100 list of the top live acts in the nation. Art of the Song, the nationally syndicated radio program featured Arlene and her debut album in a one hour show that they say is their most responded to and successful show to date. Viv Nesbitt, co-host says: “We simply weren’t prepared for ...

In her relatively short singer songwriter career, Arlene Kole has made a tremendous impact on the singer songwriter scene. In fact, the December issue of Music Connection Magazine will name Arlene in their HOT 100 list of the top live acts in the nation. Art of the Song, the nationally syndicated radio program featured Arlene and her debut album in a one hour show that they say is their most responded to and successful show to date. Viv Nesbitt, co-host says: “We simply weren’t prepared for what we received in the mail. Arlene Kole’s debut CD “One Day” stopped us in our tracks. The lyrics, the arrangements and instrumentation are amazing, but it is the voice that grabs your heart with the gentle firmness of an artist, mother, bombshell blonde and says “Listen, I have something to say.” Brilliantly produced by her husband, Bill Kole supports with elegant production and astounding lyrics. This team is non-stop musicality and heart. We love this CD and these people and so did our listeners. Arlene & Bill Kole appeared as the featured guests on Art of the Song Show #248. It is our most responded to show yet, with comments filled with praise and identification with their remarkable story.” CBC Radio Canada has gotten on board and is playing the record as are hundreds of terrestrial and internet stations. Her debut album has exceeded sales expectations with orders coming in from all over the world. "One Day" chronicles the life of a wife, parent, and the eventual plight of us all: growing older in a society that prizes youth. Most importantly, as the title implies, Arlene sends an inspiring message of hope to those who have given up on their dreams, whatever the reason. The dedication on her record says it all: "This music is dedicated to women everywhere. To wives, mothers and girls like me…those seeking to redefine themselves while being told that their best years are behind them. To all who have dreamed of “one day…” This is that day. This is one day." Arlene recently appeared as a musical guest on a new Lifetime night time women’s talk show pilot episode entitled Mom’s Night. She was named “Best of the Best” by the Los Angeles Women in Music for their 2008 campaign and this past summer saw her take the main stage of numerous festivals accompanied by her family “the Koles”. In the past few months they have played alongside Reel Big Fish, MXPX and accompanied the great Glen Campbell. The Koles feature Arlene Kole, husband Bill Kole, and their youngest daughter, Skye. As well, multi-instrumentalist Jim Rolfe joins them to round out their core lineup. The Koles appear as a 4 piece, a 5 piece (add Shane Gaalaas on drums) or a 6 piece (drums and Rob Hewes on piano/ dobro). They also have a funny and entertaining workshop for festivals. Arlene and Bill have been together for over 30 years and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1992, Arlene worked 3 jobs and sang sessions, nightclubs and weddings while Bill got their music business up and running. They truly embody the American dream as their hard work has manifested as a successful production business and commercial studio. Arlene Kole graduated the vocal program at the prestigious Grant McEwan College jazz school in Edmonton, Canada. She has sung hundreds of sessions for television, records, and commercials. In the late 80’s she had the honor of seeing a composition penned by herself and husband Bill performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (of Procal Harem fame). Arlene embarked on her solo career in 2006 and her 2008 debut CD has been met with critical acclaim as has her live show. Bill Kole is an award winning engineer producer in his own right and was distributed by A&M records in Canada for his solo debut CD entitled “Bill Kole”. He and Arlene toured together in the late 70‘s to the mid 80‘s whereupon Bill left the live scene and began producing. In 1991 he won Engineer of the Year in his home province of Alberta and the largest prize in a songwriting contest judged by Desmond Child (Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, etc). Upon relocating to Los Angeles in 1992, Bill opened a commercial recording studio and has placed and worked on music for American Idol, all the major networks and for numerous feature films and for major advertisers such as Verizon, American Red Cross and others. Skyeler Kole is 21 years old and attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. She started singing studio sessions at 11 and has since sung for Fox, Mattell, Macy’s as well as lead and backup vocal sessions for countless CD’s. Recently she appeared on a remix for world renowned remixer Laurent Wolf and with Kate Markowitz and Arnold McCuller (James Taylor’s singers). Skye is a prolific writer and she and Arlene together defined a first for the national GINA for the missing songwriting contest; the first mother and daughter to both be chosen as top 10 finalists. The Koles embark on their first full time tour in the summer of 2010. They are currently coordinating a sponsorship deal with Dirty Laundry Winery and the Bottleneck Drive group of wineries in British Columbia Canada and will spend a portion of next summer’s tour in Western Canada (Vancouver, the Okanogan, Calgary and Edmonton). The Koles are currently working on a new CD and DVD for the 2010 tour.