Simi mother filling her empty nest with song
Singer shows it's never too late to start chasing dreams
By Robin Nasby Special to the Acorn

Arlene Kole

Arlene Kole watched as her husband's dream of writing and producing music materialized into reality. She then watched her children grow up, find their passion and begin chasing dreams of their own.

Now, after years of providing unconditional love and support to the endeavors of her family, it's Kole's turn. Today, the Simi Valley mother of three and grandmother of two is fulfilling her lifelong quest of becoming a singersongwriter.

"I'm in my 40s and the dream is finally being realized," Kole said. "It's interesting that it comes now at a time when everyone says it can't be done."

Kole's recently completed debut album, "One Day," features songs from the perspective of a wife and mother that reflect the ups and downs of life, love and family.

The artist's past provides a plethora of stories and experiences from which to draw upon for musical inspiration.

"Becoming a mother at a young age changed my path dramatically. Survival and responsibility were my new world," Kole said.

When the aspiring singer became a mother at 17 her musical career was put on hold because she needed a stable income.

Nevertheless, the Canadianborn musician said she doesn't regret her decision to put her family before her pursuits.

"The love and connection to family is what makes everything feel right in my world. My children are my biggest fans and supporters," said Kole, whose entire family collaborated on the production of "One Day" by providing backup vocals, writing, producing and playing instruments, she said.

Kole's musical preferences have changed over the years, shaping what would become her own style.

"I grew up listening to Jackson 5, Sly and the Family Stone and a lot of old Motown music. In high school it was Neil Young," Kole said. "Now I love bluegrass, jazz, Latin and classical."

She said her favorite song on her new album is "Time Stands Still." She hopes its lyrics will resonate with women struggling with self-confidence.

"It's about aging and wondering if you're still 'in the game' at this time of life," Kole said.

Although the completion of her long-awaited album is a relief, Kole must still beat the odds to make it in the youth-dominated music industry- a fact she's well aware of.

"The two major struggles are my age and lack of history/publicity. The mainstream music world caters to youth. . . . It's difficult to find someone to take a chance on me," she said.

While the challenge has been daunting at times, Kole said, she encourages all people who fear that their "one day" has passed to never give up

"I have people contacting me on MySpace and congratulating me and sharing their similar experiences about the second part of their lives," Kole said.

The longtime musician dedicated her album to women everywhere, writing on the inside cover: "To wives, mothers and girls like me . . . those seeking to redefine themselves while being told that their best years are behind them. To all who have dreamed of 'one day . . .' this is that day."

For more information on Arlene Kole, or to pick up a copy of "One Day," visit her website at www.arlenekolemusic.com.