Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Nella Cole

Nella Cole is the definition of a triple threat: she acts, sings, and dances, and has been going all out her entire career. Though 2019 is just around the corner, 2018 is a year she won’t soon forget. She made her off-Broadway debut in This Ain’t No Disco, dropped her highly anticipated new single, “All Out”, and will star alongside Natalie Portman in Vox Lux in just a few days, but this is just the beginning. Pop Culturalist spoke with Nella about her career, the release of her upcoming EP, and the message she hopes to spread with her music.

PC: When did you discover your passion for acting, dancing, and singing? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Nella: I was always a very creative kid from as early as I can remember. I would act out plays in my room, write songs (my band was called Glitter), draw out fashion designs, and more. I started dance and vocal/piano lessons as after-school activities, fell in love with them shortly after, and have been hooked ever since!

I’m most excited about my music at the moment, but I live for creating and storytelling in any way!

PC: 2018 has been a big year for you. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out to you the most?
Nella: I’m really grateful for all of the opportunities that this past year has brought me, but I have to say the most fulfilling moment was releasing my single! I’ve been working on the music for quite a while, so it was such a rush to finally put it out into the world and have people listen to it and post videos singing and dancing along. The response has been nothing but love!

PC: Tell us about your new single, “All Out”. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Nella: I wanted to write a party song that captured the essence of being spontaneous and completely living it up. “All Out” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever had a night out that turns into a wild adventure. For me, that means nights in New York City. It’s all about the “Glitz and Grime” of the city and just making it up as you go along.

PC: You’re set to release a new EP in 2019. What can you fans expect?
Nella: I worked with female production duo, Lyre, out in LA and they slayed on this project! Fans can expect some beats that make you want to move, lyrics that make you feel empowered, and songs that will get stuck in your head. [laughs] This is only the beginning!

PC: What do you hope to get across with your music?
Nella: When it comes to my music, I want to build a community of people who all relate to and understand each other. Sometimes we party together and sometimes we cry together—either way it’s love and support.


PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Nella: I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to not take anything personal. It’s a very tough business to navigate and there are a lot of highs and a lot of lows. My advice to myself and to others is to keep finding joy in what you do and remember why you’re doing it in the first place: because you love it!

PC: You have a new film with Natalie Portman being released later this year. Can you tell us about it, who you play, and what drew you to that project?
Nella: Yes! I’m playing a backup dancer for Natalie’s character. I was super excited to work with Benjamin Millepied when I heard he was choreographing! He was the choreographer for Black Swan and is also Natalie’s husband. They are both beautiful people and we had so much fun on set! Vox Lux is in theaters this December!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Nella: Keeping Up with the Kardashians!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Nella: Glitter with Mariah Carey!

PC: Favorite book?
Nella: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Nella: Wicked

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Nella: Definitely Pearl Jam, Incubus, Korn etc. [laughs]

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Nella: Madison Square Garden, of course.

PC: First album you bought?
Nella: Spice World

PC: First concert you attended?
Nella: Spice Girls

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate/work with?
Nella: I would love to collaborate on a song with Post Malone.

Make sure to follow Nella on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “All Out” on iTunes or Amazon Music.