Cole Swindell

“When I first met Cole he was selling T-shirts for Luke Bryan, but I knew there was something special about him, and it was confirmed as soon as I heard his music,” WME’s Kevin Meads told Pollstar.

Swindell, who majored in marketing in college, wasn’t just selling merch during time on the road with the fellow Georgia Southern University alum. Between shows Swindell was taking notes and diligently writing songs, including the one that landed him a major label record deal.  

“Once we saw the reaction to his first single ‘Chillin’ It,’ we knew we had to get Cole in front of as many people as possible,” Meads said.

Swindell was soon promoted to the big stage, not selling shirts for Bryan but opening for the country superstar’s “That’s My Kind Of Night” amphitheatre tour in 2014. Swindell had three No. 1 singles on his debut album already, as well as songwriting credits for hit songs by Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.

“That fall, he went on to headline smaller clubs in the same markets, selling out weeks in advance,” Meads said. “His talent is undeniable and he has a unique ability to capture a crowd.”       That talent went noticed by the Academy of Country Music, which in April gave Swindell its new artist of the year award.

He’s currently wrapping an opening spot with Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean, and rejoins Aldean at sheds in August.

Fall will see headline dates in 1,500- to 3,000-capacity rooms as part of Swindell’s annual Down Home tour. 

Next year will be a mixture of headline shows as well as direct support on another major tour, Meads said.