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Though the imperial Grammy committee crowned her Best New Artist of 1998, Paula Cole is a wise and wary veteran with six years of road service under her belt and lofty aspirations for the future. |
Following the undying pursuit of a diverse fan base, Cole is touring with both the roots-rock H.O.R.D.E. Festival and the all-female Lilith Fair this summer before heading out on her own from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4. Then, two years of ruthless touring will cease, and the most accomplished "new artist" in recent history will attempt to outdo herself with a studio release tentatively slated for the fall of 1999.
Long before that nugget drops, Cole will debut a single inspired by this year's hip-hop-infused Lilith lineup. During an interview backstage at H.O.R.D.E. last weekend, the poetic singer/songwriter told JAMTV that Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott recently pumped up her otherwise ethereal sound with a touch of Supa Dupa Fly. Earlier this summer, the no-nonsense R&B sensation contributed vocals to a remix of "Feelin' Love," which originally appeared on Cole's 1996 breakthrough, This Fire. The remix was slated to appear on the forthcoming South Park soundtrack, but was recently scrapped following a dispute between the women and the project's executive producer, Rick Rubin.
Before launching that collaboration, Cole explored other artistic vistas with her first onscreen acting role. Flaunting her nepotism proudly, the Massachusetts native snagged a role in an independent film produced by her boyfriend, Seyi Sonuga. Though it has no confirmed release date yet, Don't Explain will feature a very pregnant Cole waddling through the streets of New York City in devilish heat, she said.
"It was 102 degrees, I was wearing a giant Styrofoam belly and full makeup, then I hit my head and had a concussion for two days," she said. "It was hard work -- very challenging."
Portraying a pregnant mother did more than expand Cole's resumé. After strapping on the fake tummy, and helping a friend with her Lamaze breathing in the delivery room earlier this year, the 30-year-old singer said her mommy instincts are calling louder than ever.
"I'm the first woman in my family who did her dream -- who wasn't just a womb," Cole said. "But I definitely want children, too. I have strong maternal instincts. I just don't know how to balance this career with a family."
Living venue to venue and night to night, Cole said her current
touring schedule does not allow time for the best of both worlds.
And with plans to continue her rock 'n' roll lifestyle for decades
to come, Cole worries she will never find the balance. But like
hundreds of female performers before her, Cole said nothing will
stop her from playing her heart out and one day achieving that
"Tina Turner kind-of vibe." (Anni Layne)