Cole Williams, photo by Michael Alford

Cole Williams: 2023 Unsigned Only Music Competition Semi-Finalist

The 2023 Unsigned Only Music Competition recently unveiled its list of semi-finalists, and among the standout talents is Cole Williams, the Jamaican-American multidisciplinary soul singer based in New Orleans. 

Williams has been active in the music scene since her move from Brooklyn to New Orleans in 2015. She lent her vocals and percussion skills to acclaimed artists such as Joey Bada$$, Chiddy Bang, Aloe Blacc, and more. Cole is not just a singer but also an artist committed to pushing boundaries in music and social justice. Known for her direct involvement with the houseless, Williams utilizes her songwriting to champion causes close to her heart.

Cole Williams’ stage presence is equally impressive, having performed at prominent music festivals like the New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Joshua Tree Music Festival. In recognition of her talent, Williams received a Best of the Beat nomination for Best Female Vocalist from OffBeat Magazine in 2017.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Williams actively contributes to the music community by sharing her knowledge and experiences. In May, she co-hosted the “International Touring” webinar presented by the ELLA Project alongside Ron Rona, Artistic Director of Preservation Hall, showcasing her commitment to nurturing emerging artists.

“A Better Woman” showcases Cole Williams’ vocal prowess and songwriting skills and demonstrates her dedication to humanity. The record has garnered widespread acclaim and has even seen support from major companies like Spotify, where it currently sits in their “Soul ‘n’ the City” playlist.

The final results of the competition will be announced in a few weeks. To follow the competition, make sure to check out the official Unsigned Only website.