Bear Cole: An Artist’s Emotional and Truth-Seeking Journey in “Alabaster”
Bear Cole produces pulsating beats and infectious rhythms for the dance floor. With the release of his full-length album titled “Alabaster,” Cole makes a significant transition. Instead of producing instrumentally-based dance music, Cole reveals a different side of his artistic abilities as a songwriter and vocalist. The title track, “Alabaster,” opens the door for listeners to enter new creative spaces. Cole moves from being behind the turntables to standing in front of the microphone and offers a raw and introspective look at the various emotions humans experience. The pop-oriented aspects of “Alabaster” allow for entertainment; however, the song also goes much further than just providing entertainment. “Alabaster” provides a thoughtful commentary on the uncertainty and instability of the pandemic period and its aftermath. The song reflects on how we feel about losing loved ones, searching for something better, feeling happy or sad, hoping for things to improve, feeling hopeless and angry. The song is ultimately a search for what is real, what feels comfortable and safe during these uncertain times. The central theme in “Alabaster” is the reference to alabaster. Alabaster is a type of fine-grained, translucent gypsum that is typically used as a symbol of purity and fragility. Cole uses alabaster to create a visual representation for listeners to consider how we balance strength and weakness and how we use our resilience to overcome obstacles. Like alabaster itself, the song's lyrics have multiple levels of meaning that invite interpretation and self-reflection.
Ultimately, “Alabaster” is evidence of Cole’s growth as an artist.
Alongside Cole’s background in bands, hip-hop, DJing and dance music, he displays a versatility and maturity that transcend genre limitations. By allowing himself to show vulnerability and explore the emotional experiences of people, Cole transforms “Alabaster” from being simply entertaining into a piece of art that speaks to individuals on a very deep level. As listeners embark upon this musical adventure with Bear Cole, they will be given the opportunity to examine their own emotions, fears and hopes. Through the therapeutic nature of music, “Alabaster” provides listeners with a sense of peace and strength. It reminds us all of the continuous ability of art to help us heal, inspire and unify us as members of our common humanity.