27 July 2024 - 0 Comments

Pōneke/Wellington artist Cole Sebastian is back with the third single, Don't Trip, from his upcoming debut album, Empathetic Narcissist. Releasing today, this track further showcases Cole's emerging presence in the R&B scene.

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Following the success of his two releases this year, Been Runnin’ Mine and Violins, Cole Sebastian has garnered attention and set the stage for the third and final single of his upcoming album. Catchy single Don’t Trip, produced by Settimio, mixed and mastered by Jacob Callwood, showcases a seamless blend of dynamic rapping and smooth R&B vocals, embodying the core theme of Empathetic Narcissist — a captivating juxtaposition of contrasting elements.

At just 20 years old, Wellington-based R&B artist Cole Sebastian is embarking on the exciting first chapter of his music career. Discovering his passion for songwriting during high school, Cole pursued this calling by studying Commercial Music at Massey University, where he is currently completing his degree. Having lived in Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Cole’s diverse international background has infused his music with a unique versatility and contemporary edge. His sound offers a refreshing take on R&B, setting him apart within New Zealand’s current music scene and aiming to elevate the local R&B genre to new heights.

Last July, Cole Sebastian made waves with his debut single 2:30am, a slow, sensual Trap/Soul record that firmly established his presence in the local music scene. This was further cemented with the release of two more singles: the upbeat R&B duet Later Date and the experimental Paint. His voice has drawn comparisons to fellow Kiwi artist TEEKS, while his sound uniquely channels North American influences, reminiscent of Daniel Caesar and Bryson Tiller.

After a period of focused work behind the scenes, Cole is poised for a noteworthy return with the upcoming release of his debut album, Empathetic Narcissist, set to drop by the end of August. Brimming with entrancing harmonies and alluring lyrics, the singer/songwriter portrays an unconventional yet modern love story in the 11 song work. The album rollout is already in motion with the release of its three singles. His latest single Been Runnin’ Mine has already achieved a significant milestone, amassing over 20,000 streams on Spotify in under 2 months and landing on popular playlists like Chill Gaming Vibes and Night Drive Vibes.

Cole is driven by a belief that New Zealand’s R&B scene lacks the vibrant sound that has taken North America by storm. He aspires to fill this gap and become a leading figure in the R&B genre, not only in New Zealand but on a global scale. The release of Empathetic Narcissist is just the beginning; Cole plans to use the album as a foundation for future success, with frequent single releases and collaborations on the horizon. He is already working on new projects with promising Wellington artists such as SheHatesJacob and Doma Cyno, aiming to foster a renewed music scene in New Zealand.

Produced by various talent, mixed and mastered by Jacob Callwood, and written by Cole Sebastian, Empathetic Narcissist delves into themes of love, identity, and introspection. Inspired by Cole's personal experiences, the album explores the dualities within his persona. Through captivating narratives and rich, evocative melodies, Empathetic Narcissist offers a profound and engaging listening experience.

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