Darnell Cole & The Vibe Talk New Album, Musical Instruments And More

American band Darnell Cole & The Vibe have a busy 2024 planned with live dates following the release of their album ‘Man Of Soul’. Mr Darnell Cole sat down with JLTT to tell us more:

Your new album ‘Man of Soul’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

From the heart. Honestly it was a labor of love, and a bookmark of a very emotional time in my life, having just split from Porcelain Hill.

Where did you record it and who produced it?

So we did 99% at Mix LA Studio D in Los Angeles, with Marc Desisto, and tracked a little bit at Brass Plate Records in Covina

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

haha oh man too many! In particular though there was the making of “Take me by the hand” which went from a groove idea to a finished idea in 10 minutes! I remember jamming it out and then even the break after the solo, Jit ( the drummer) and I were so locked in but also we were signalling each other with looks and it was like riding a bike downhill with no breaks haha.

In addition, you have the track ‘A Little Bit More’ on the album. What was the inspiration/story behind the song?

So I always look at my music like cheaper therapy, and with this soapbox I wanna spread love cheesy as it may sound its what we all need “a little bit more” of. I was reflecting on that while driving and somehow the gospel/Sly and the family stone drums came to mind and then the melody and once I manifested the chorus, the rest flowed!

Who is in your touring band and what do they play?

So I’ve had several rotating rosters, both a US and UK Vibe, but recently I’ve solidified “The Vibe” as Jit Chatterjee on drums, and Elliot Lawrence on bass.

What is your earliest musical memory?

probably banging on pots and pans like drums when I was a wee baby. My mom was a drummer and my dad played guitar, and whenever they’d play I’d be there tryna join in on the fun!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones?

Vintage Brand Guitars, Orange Amps, and Bullet Cables, If you have that, you’ve got some QUALITY musical tools.

Do you have any live plans for 2024 in the UK and Europe?

I definitely do! should be announcing soon, but June – mid August I’ll be in UK and MAYBE France/Ireland.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Hunting Beach California, and five words? Great Weather But Over Priced.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations?

If its good it’s good. Too many people limit their listening my genre or artists, or style, there’s something to takeaway from all music if you’re looking in the right places. I’d recommend Buddha Jones & The Man, Lightning Threads, These Wicked Rivers, Tom Killner, and the Falling Doves for sure!

How do you look after your voice?

HYDRATE!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I hope that I’ve created an experience for those in attendance, and a memory of joy that moves them to change for the positive. Nothing drastic, but something small like they smile a little more, or they see things a bit more optimistic the next day.

Was it a difficult album to write?

Was 9/11 an inside job?

What makes Darnell Cole happy and what makes you unhappy?

Making people realize how beautiful life is makes me happy. What makes me unhappy is when people forget they’re part of what makes life beautiful.