Teen Beat: Paula Cole
Summary
Paula Cole discusses her journey from a repressed student to a Grammy-winning artist, highlighting her early breakthrough joining Peter Gabriel’s tour and the creation of her album *This Fire*. She reflects on her role in the Lilith Fair movement, her collaboration with Dolly Parton, and the unexpected cultural impact of her song "I Don't Want to Wait" on *Dawson's Creek*. Cole also shares insights on navigating political activism, balancing family with her career, and her current independent label work as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of her sophomore album.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Paula Cole's career highlights
Early influences and the power of pop songs
Growing up in an artistic household in Cape Ann
Sponsor segments: Hero Cosmetics and T-Mobile
Sponsor segments: Migraine podcast, Niall Rogers, Hershey's
Personal story of chronic pain and support
Perfectionism, academic pressure, and rebellion
Relationships as a form of therapy
Collaboration with Dolly Parton and Lilith Fair
Joining Peter Gabriel's tour and recording 'Don't Give Up'
Building a career: tours, albums, and female solidarity
Sponsor segments: Hero, T-Mobile, and Head Start
Sponsor segments: Songwriting insights and Hershey's
Woodstock '94 and the male-dominated music industry
Navigating political division and artistic responsibility
The 'I Don't Want to Wait' licensing and hiatus
Luck in hit songs and performing live
Debut album 'Harbinger' and independence from labels
Teaching, family, and the current creative rebirth
Closing remarks and final sponsor segments
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