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From Pembroke, North Carolina, to The Voice
Rob Cole joins Local Music Somewhere for a conversation about country-rock, honest songwriting, and the road that brought his music to a national audience. From Pembroke, North Carolina, Rob has spent years performing throughout the Carolinas, blending Southern rock influence with modern country and lyrics grounded in real perspective. In 2025, he appeared on NBC’s The Voice, Season 28, as part of Team Bublé. His vocal performances and songwriting have also earned honors at the Josie Music Awards and the Carolina Country Music Awards. Terry Hudson talks with Rob about the work behind the spotlight, his current single “Sweet Home Carolina,” and the music and touring ahead.
Award Recognition and the Songs Behind the Story
Rob Cole
Rob Cole is a country-rock singer-songwriter from Pembroke, North Carolina, whose music is driven by honesty, grit, and real perspective. Blending Southern rock influence with modern country sensibility, his sound is soulful, emotionally grounded, and built for both the stage and the storyteller’s chair.
In 2025, Rob reached a national audience as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice (Season 28), earning a spot on Team Bublé and showcasing a vocal style that is powerful without being over-polished. While the exposure was new, the work behind it wasn’t—Rob has spent years building momentum through consistent touring and high-impact performances throughout North and South Carolina.
His songwriting and vocal performances have earned industry recognition on both regional and national stages. Rob was named Country Male Vocalist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards—held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN—in 2024 and 2025, and his song “I Should’ve Been”won Country Song of the Year in 2024. That same year, he received Christian Country Song of the Year for “Jesus & a Woman” at the Carolina Country Music Awards at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Rob’s original music favors clarity over clichés, pairing strong melodies with lived-in lyrics and a rock-leaning edge. Projects like Hard Lessons & Good Times reflect an artist focused on substance, connection, and growth. Whether performing solo or with a full band, Rob Cole delivers music that feels earned, personal, and unmistakably his own.
Rob Cole Upcoming Events:
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/13345212?came_from=267&app_id=linktree_13345212&utm_medium=api&utm_source=public_api&utm_campaign=artist Key Takeaways
Rob’s conversation with Terry Hudson offers plenty for musicians, independent artists, aspiring songwriters, and anyone pursuing a dream that hasn’t happened on their preferred timeline. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from this episode:- Don’t let rejection define your future. Rob experienced multiple auditions without chair turns, but he kept moving forward.
- Your biggest battles may be internal. Self-doubt, timing, and questions about whether you’re good enough can be harder to overcome than outside criticism.
- Follow the peace. Rob has learned to pay attention to where he feels he should go and what opportunities feel right.
- Stay authentic. Don’t allow outside expectations to reshape your identity as an artist.
- Protect your family and personal foundation. Music matters, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the people who matter most.
- Treat every stage like it matters. Whether you’re playing for five people or thousands, give the audience your best.
- Write before you worry about being good. Songwriting takes practice, patience, and a willingness to start with imperfect ideas.
- Keep your own creative thumbprint. Rob wants his music to reflect his experiences and his perspective.
- Celebrate your roots. His music continues to reflect his connection to Pembroke and the Carolinas.
- Build relationships with your audience. Performing is about more than getting noticed; it’s about creating a connection that lasts.
Rob Cole: From Pembroke to The Voice – A Journey of Faith, Country Music, and Finding His Own Sound
Some journeys don’t happen overnight. Sometimes they take years of playing small stages, facing rejection, questioning yourself, and learning to trust the path you’re on. For North Carolina country and rock vocalist Rob Cole, the journey has been about more than getting noticed. It’s been about discovering his identity as an artist, staying grounded in his faith and family, and learning that success doesn’t always arrive on the schedule you imagined. On this episode of Oui Talk Raw, Terry Hudson sits down with Rob for a conversation that feels more like two music industry veterans catching up over coffee than a traditional interview. With their shared history in the music business, Terry and Rob explore the realities behind an artist’s journey, from small-town beginnings and musical influences to national television exposure, songwriting, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Rob’s story is one of persistence, perspective, and a willingness to keep going—even when the chairs don’t turn.Rob Cole’s Musical Roots: Growing Up in Pembroke, North Carolina
For Rob Cole, music was never something he had to go looking for. It was part of his upbringing. Raised in Pembroke, North Carolina, a small community of fewer than 3,000 people, Rob grew up surrounded by music, family, and the rich musical traditions of the Lumbee Tribe, of which he is a proud member. His parents played a significant role in shaping his musical foundation. His father was a guitarist influenced by Southern rock, including Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, before developing a passion for sound engineering. He eventually opened Triple R Music, the first and only recording studio in Pembroke at the time, named after his three sons: Rob, Richard, and Ryan. The studio brought a variety of musicians through its doors, including Southern Gospel groups, rock bands, and contemporary Christian artists. Rob’s mother also came from a musical family. Her parents performed as the Glory Bound Gospel Singers, traveling along the East Coast for tent revivals and other performances. Music wasn’t simply entertainment in Rob’s household. It was family history, community, and a way of life.A Musical Education Beyond the Classroom
Rob describes himself as a kid in a music store rather than a kid in a candy store. Watching musicians come through his father’s studio exposed him to different sounds, styles, and approaches to performance. He developed an appreciation for Southern Gospel harmonies, contemporary Christian music, Southern rock, and country music. But country music eventually captured something particularly important for him: storytelling. Terry recognizes the connection between Southern Gospel and country, particularly the emphasis on lyrics that communicate real experiences and emotions. Rob agrees that the ability to take something happening in life and turn it into a song was one of the things that drew him toward country music. Those early influences continue to shape his sound today.The Reality of Pursuing Music: Playing Small Stages and Fighting Self-Doubt
Before national television exposure and larger festival stages, Rob spent years performing throughout North and South Carolina. And those early performances weren’t always glamorous. He remembers playing for only a handful of people, sometimes performing for three hours when just five people came through the room. But he approached every performance as if the room were full. That mindset speaks to one of the biggest lessons he has learned as an artist: the hardest battles are often the ones happening inside your own head. Rob wasn’t necessarily afraid of someone telling him he wasn’t good enough. In fact, he believes criticism can sometimes motivate an artist to improve. The more difficult questions came from within. Was he doing what he was supposed to be doing? Was he pursuing the right dream? Was he too old to start chasing something bigger? At 35, he was still questioning whether the timing was right. Terry understands that internal struggle and recognizes how easily artists can allow rejection, age, or outside opinions to determine their next move. For Rob, the answer has become surprisingly simple. “Follow the peace. Follow the peace.” It’s a philosophy he has carried throughout his recent musical journey. If something doesn’t feel right, he doesn’t feel obligated to keep pursuing it. Instead, he listens to that feeling and moves forward where he finds peace.Rob Cole on The Voice: Two No-Chair Turns and One Life-Changing Second Chance
One of the biggest chapters in Rob’s story involves his experiences auditioning for televised singing competitions. But it wasn’t a straight road to success.The First Rejection: American Idol in 2011
Rob’s first experience with a major television audition happened in 2011 when he auditioned for American Idol in Charlotte. After standing in line for hours, he eventually performed John Legend’s “Ordinary People” in front of a small group of evaluators. The response? He was told to go home, get some life experience, and perhaps come back later. It was an experience that left him uninterested in auditioning for another television show. More than a decade passed before another opportunity presented itself.The First Time on The Voice: No Chairs Turn
In January 2023, Rob’s sister-in-law sent him information about online auditions for The Voice. This time, he decided to give it another shot. He submitted a performance of Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around” and quickly heard back that the producers wanted to move him forward. Six months later, he was standing in front of coaches John Legend, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay, and Chance the Rapper. His blind audition song was Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doing Something Right.” Despite spending more than a month preparing, rehearsing, and filming behind-the-scenes material, none of the coaches turned their chairs. But something had changed since his American Idol experience. Instead of feeling defeated, Rob left encouraged. His mother and wife were concerned about how the rejection might affect him. Yet during the ride back to the hotel, Rob fell asleep. He wasn’t shattered. He wasn’t broken. He was ready to keep going. That difference in perspective became a defining moment in his journey.The Second Chance: A Two-Chair Turn
Rob wasn’t finished. After his first season aired in March 2024, he decided to audition again in October of that year. He didn’t want to look back 20 years later and wonder what might have happened if he had tried one more time. This time, he submitted a Chris Stapleton song. Rob explains that Stapleton’s blend of country, Southern rock, and soul had become a major influence on him. More importantly, he admired how Stapleton remained authentic to his own sound. In January 2025, Rob received the call inviting him back. His previous audition had also been aired, giving him a five-minute television segment despite receiving no chair turns. That exposure became a calling card, helping him move into full-time gigging. Then came his second blind audition. Performing Chris Stapleton’s music, Rob finally experienced the moment he had hoped for: chairs turning. Michael Bublé turned, followed by Reba McEntire, giving Rob a two-chair turn. For Rob, the moment meant far more than advancing in a competition. It represented years of persistence, personal growth, and refusing to give up after previous disappointments. He even describes taking a deep breath and turning away from the coaches when Michael Bublé turned, overwhelmed by the emotion of finally seeing someone respond to his performance. Terry also points out that the moment represented something important for Rob’s career: a new opportunity to build an audience and move toward the next stage of his musical journey.What Michael Bublé Taught Rob Cole About Music, Family, and Authenticity
One of the most meaningful parts of Rob’s experience on The Voice came through his mentorship with Michael Bublé. Rob describes Bublé as genuine, honest, and someone who knows how to bring something out of another person. Their connection was rooted partly in their shared experiences as husbands and fathers. Rob asked Bublé how he managed the demands of being a world-renowned performer while still protecting his relationship with his wife and children. The answer changed Rob’s perspective. Bublé emphasized that family wasn’t something to fit into a list of competing priorities. His family was the priority. Music would find its way, but the people closest to him needed to remain protected and valued. For Rob, that advice became a new way of looking at his career. Instead of constantly trying to check boxes or force opportunities, he began focusing more intentionally on his wife, children, and the life they were building together. He believes that shift has even helped his marriage.Staying True to Yourself as an Artist
Terry and Rob also discuss the importance of authenticity in the music industry. Terry shares his perspective on how artists move through different career plateaus. Sometimes a television appearance, a successful song, a festival performance, or a viral moment can create the momentum needed to reach another level. But those moments don’t last forever. The challenge is continuing to build, adapt, and find the next opportunity without losing the identity that made people connect with you in the first place. For Rob, that means remaining grounded in who he is rather than trying to become what someone else thinks a country artist should look or sound like.Faith, Family, and the Story Behind Rob Cole’s Music
While Rob’s career continues to grow, he is clear about what matters most outside of music. His faith, his wife, and his three children are the foundation of his life. He explains that the previous 15 to 16 years of building his faith have helped him understand himself and establish what is truly important. Rob doesn’t describe himself as a theologian or preacher. Instead, he hopes his music and the way he lives offer people a sense of light and hope. That philosophy is especially evident in his song “Jesus and a Woman.”The Song That Shows Who Rob Cole Is
Rob considers “Jesus and a Woman” one of the best introductions to who he is as a person and artist. Written in May 2022, the song reflects his relationship with the Lord and the importance of his marriage. He recorded it in a small space in his bedroom, working around family life and the realities of having young children. But the song has grown beyond its original recording. Rob says audiences regularly request it, even when it isn’t on his setlist. He’s also witnessed the emotional impact it can have on listeners. One particularly memorable experience involved a couple who asked him to play a song they could dance to. Rob chose “Jesus and a Woman.” After the performance, the couple approached him with tears in their eyes. They explained that they had been close to giving up on their marriage, and the song had given them something they needed to hear. For Rob, that’s what music is about. It’s not simply about entertaining an audience. It’s about creating moments of connection that can stay with people long after the performance ends.From North Carolina Bars to NASCAR Events and Carolina Country Music Fest
Rob’s recent career momentum has opened doors to audiences and venues beyond the smaller stages where he first developed as a performer. Following his appearances on The Voice, he began performing more frequently and building relationships throughout the Carolinas. He also signed a booking agreement with Charlotte-based Imagine Music Group, working with Tina Gibson and her team.Bringing Country Music to New Audiences
Rob shares several highlights from his recent performances, including:- Events in Mooresville, Davidson, and Harrisburg, North Carolina.
- Performances in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
- NASCAR Fan Zone in Darlington, South Carolina.
- Performances in Richmond, Virginia, including campground appearances.
- Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Sweet Home Carolina: Rob Cole’s Anthem for North and South Carolina
One of the biggest musical highlights discussed during the interview is Rob’s single “Sweet Home Carolina.” The idea developed while Rob was in Los Angeles for The Voice finale. He had previously released “East of Tennessee,” a North Carolina-inspired song that came from a friend’s observation that so many country songs celebrate places like Texas and California, but fewer focus on life east of Tennessee. Rob wrote the song and released it in 2025. However, he realized that while North Carolina audiences could relate to it, he wanted something that would connect with listeners in South Carolina as well. That’s when “Sweet Home Carolina” was born. Written in a Los Angeles hotel room, the song was created with two goals in mind:- Get the song recorded and released.
- Find a way to perform it at Carolina Country Music Fest.
Representing the Carolinas Through Music
“Sweet Home Carolina” has become Rob’s most-streamed release during its first few months. The song also inspired a music video filmed on Bird Island, one of the locations mentioned in the lyrics. Its message extends beyond a single state, bringing North and South Carolina together through a shared musical identity. The phrase “Rep That Line” has even become part of the merchandise associated with the song, including Sweet Home Carolina shirts. It’s a fun, summertime country song, but it also represents something bigger: Rob’s desire to celebrate the communities and places that helped shape him.The Josie Music Awards and Recognition for Independent Artists
Rob’s journey has also included recognition through the independent music community. He has attended the Josie Music Awards for four years, watching the organization grow and provide more opportunities for independent artists. He notes that the 2025 awards received just over 102,000 submissions, highlighting the scale and international reach of the event. His own experience has included both disappointment and success. In his first year, he received two nominations but returned home without an award. The following year, he received additional nominations and took home two awards:- Male Vocalist of the Year.
- Song of the Year for “I Should Have Been.”
Rob Cole’s Songwriting Process: Start Writing and Keep Digging for Gold
Terry turns the conversation toward songwriting, asking Rob about the process behind creating original music. Rob has written most of his recent singles himself and believes it’s important to have his personal thumbprint on the songs he releases. He wants listeners to know that he’s not simply singing words someone else experienced. He wants the music to reflect his own life, thoughts, and perspective.You Don’t Have to Write a Great Song on the First Try
Rob’s advice to aspiring songwriters is straightforward: sit down and start writing. He describes a period when he had to teach himself to write by putting thoughts on paper without worrying about whether they rhymed or sounded like finished lyrics. Sometimes he wrote poems. Other times, he simply wrote down whatever was on his mind. Eventually, those thoughts began turning into song ideas. He also keeps notes on his phone to capture lyrics and inspiration whenever they come to him. One of his favorite comparisons is the experience of panning for gold with his family in the mountains. You scoop up dirt, mud, and whatever else is in the water, then keep shaking the pan until you find something valuable. That’s how he views songwriting. You might start with something that isn’t very good, but you have to be willing to work through it to find the line, idea, or phrase that sparks something special.Writing in Creative Streaks
Rob describes himself as a streaky songwriter. He doesn’t necessarily sit down every day and force himself to write. Instead, inspiration tends to arrive in concentrated periods. During his time in Los Angeles for The Voice finale, he spent three days writing in his hotel room and completed approximately 12 or 13 songs. Some came together in 15 minutes, while others took several hours. He describes the experience as almost like receiving a download of inspiration and needing to get it onto paper before it disappears. For Rob, songwriting is about being prepared to capture those moments and staying honest about what he wants to communicate.Follow Rob Cole and His Musical Journey
Rob Cole’s story is still unfolding, and that’s part of what makes following his career so interesting. From his early days in Pembroke to playing the stages of The Voice, performing at Carolina Country Music Fest, and releasing music that connects with audiences throughout the Carolinas, he’s continuing to build a career on his own terms. His music reflects country, rock, Southern Gospel, and soul influences, but the common thread is authenticity. Rob invites listeners to follow his journey rather than simply follow a social media page. You can find him across social media under Rob Cole Music.- Facebook: Rob Cole Music
- Instagram: Rob Cole Music
- TikTok: Rob Cole Music
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