DJ Cole Plante is set to open for Demi Lovato March 22 at Nationwide Arena.
Credit: Courtesy of Kelly Goldberg
At 17 years old, Cole Plante has performed at Lollapalooza and is currently on tour with Demi Lovato — a far cry from what most high school-aged kids are up to.
Growing up playing the piano, guitar, bass and trombone, Plante has been influenced by music since an early age.
“Music, in general, has always been a huge passion of mine,” Plante said.
An electronic musician and DJ, Plante is currently performing in support of Demi Lovato on her Neon Lights Tour, which is set to come to Nationwide Arena Saturday.
The Los Angeles-born Plante has released singles on his own and in collaboration with other artists. His most recent hit, “Lie To Me,” featuring Myon, Shane 54 and Koko LaRoo, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts in January.
Plante said his father played a large role in his decision to become a DJ.
“My dad used to DJ in the early 2000s … He is definitely what inspired me to try and go after it,” Plante said.
Plante said he began producing music when he was 13 years old.
“I started producing on (the) computer. I messed around on my computer and played around with a mini-keyboard, trying out different sounds and playing different percussion notes,” Plante said.
His first performance as a DJ was three years ago, when he was 14.
“Right after that first show, I knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue for a very long time,” Plante said.
Over the course of his career, film composers such as Joseph Trapanese, Alex Wurman and John Swihart have influenced Plante. Alternative and rock bands, such as Arctic Monkeys, are also where Plante gets some of his inspiration for his sounds, he said.
“Contrary to a lot of beliefs that electronic artists listen to electronic artists, I am heavily influenced by (all of) the artists I listen to,” Plante said.
Although he focuses on the “electronic crowd,” Plante said his goal is to produce music for many different age groups.
“I try to cater to as many people as possible, especially people my age because we are the future of the scene,” Plante said.
A major part of the electronic dance music scene is the large music festivals established around the genre, Plante said.
“You have these major festivals that kind of bring all the fans together into one place, and it’s only a good time and only good vibes,” Plante said.
Plante said one of his greatest memories of his career was his chance to play at Lollapalooza last spring. Lollapalooza is an alternative and rock music festival that takes place in Chicago every summer.
“It was a great experience. I was able to play with a lot of people I really look up to, like, The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, Two Door Cinema Club … all these different people, and I was able to say ‘Wow, I played the same set as them,’” Plante said.
Some students at Ohio State are planning to attend the Demi Lovato concert. Chandler Austin, a second-year in marketing, said she is eager to hear Plante’s music.
“I’ve only heard one Cole Plante song, and I loved it. It was full of energy, so I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to Demi’s show,” Austin said.
Megan Logsdon, a second-year studying fashion and retail studies, hasn’t heard of Plante but enjoys listening to electronic dance music.
“Electronic music is something I’m into and it would definitely be worth checking out some of his stuff,” Logsdon said.
Plante plans on continuing to produce music and DJ in the future while also pursuing other aspects of the music industry.
“I dream (of) playing all the festivals across the world, like Ultra, EDC, Tomorrowland … definitely touring those festivals and also doing film scores,” Plante said.
Doors for Saturday’s concert are set to open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, starting at $20 each.
