Bullet Cable Artist Spotlight: Darnell "Big D" Cole – Rocking the Blues with Soul and Authenticity
Here at Bullet Cable, we celebrate artists who pour their souls into every note, and Darnell Cole is a perfect example. Known for his captivating blend of blues, rock, and Americana, Darnell’s music is a journey—emotional, raw, and steeped in the roots of American soul and gospel. As an independent artist and frontman of his new project, Darnell Cole & The Vibe, Big D captures audiences with his electrifying guitar work and powerful stage presence, all amplified with Bullet Cable technology that ensures his music reaches listeners with unmatched clarity and tone
A Lifelong Connection to Music
Darnell was born in Pasadena, California, in 1990, and adopted by a family with a passion for music. His adoptive parents, Dennis and Janet Cole, played in a top 40 cover band, giving him early access to instruments and an environment alive with sound. By age 10, Darnell was already experimenting with bass guitar and writing original music, eventually picking up an electric guitar at 15 and never looking back.
With an early taste of the performer’s life, Darnell would busk outside his local grocery store and coffee shop for hours, five days a week, crafting his style and learning the value of connecting with people through music. His ethos is rooted in compassion; his experience as an EMT taught him that “music heals the wounds medicine can't fix.” For Darnell, music is more than entertainment—it’s a form of deep healing and connection.
The Rise of Porcelain Hill
In 2011, Darnell launched his solo career with the acoustic album Loving Antics before forming his blues-rock band, Porcelain Hill. The trio—fronted by Darnell alongside drummer Sonny Campos and later bassist Jacob Lucero—quickly gained momentum. Known for their DIY spirit, Porcelain Hill toured across nine countries and shared the stage with legends like The Wailers, Iron Butterfly, and Ana Popovic. Darnell's work with Porcelain Hill established him as a talented musician with a unique approach to rock and blues.
An Unbreakable Spirit and Solo Evolution
The pandemic in 2020 halted much of Darnell’s momentum, but he used this time for introspection, honing his songwriting skills, and expanding his musicality. In 2022, after Porcelain Hill disbanded, Darnell seized the opportunity to rebrand as Darnell Cole & The Vibe. With a new EP, a fresh sound, and an invigorated passion, he embarked on a tour across the UK and Ireland, even returning to the prestigious Electric Picnic festival.
Recently, Darnell released his debut album, A Man of Soul, available for download exclusively on Bandcamp or as physical copies at his live shows. He’s now preparing for his Soul Funkin' Wicked Tour, set to cover the UK and Ireland, including major festival appearances at PAX in the Park in Sheffield, England, and the iconic Electric Picnic in Ireland.
Why Bullet Cable?
For an artist who values integrity in his music, Darnell chooses Bullet Cable for the precision, durability, and rich tone our cables bring to his sound. Whether he’s channeling gritty blues licks or intricate melodies, Bullet Cable ensures his unique voice is always delivered with the strength and clarity it deserves. Big D is all about capturing the essence of his soul in every performance, and with Bullet Cable, he knows his sound will always reach his audience, pure and undistorted.
Onward and Upward
From his beginnings in Pasadena to international stages, Darnell Cole embodies the relentless pursuit of musical passion. Follow Darnell’s journey on his official www.darnellcole.com and social media for the latest updates, tour dates, and releases as he continues to push the boundaries of rock and blues.
Stay tuned to the Bullet Cable blog for more stories from Darnell and other artists who are changing the game, one note at a time.