Cue the confetti! New York’s own Cole Lumpkin has clinched the #1 spot on Amazon Music with his unique mix of experimental melodies and pop hooks—Gen Z, take note.
He’s a full-time creative from New York City who’s been working in the music scene for six years. While freelancing as a producer and engineer, he’s been carving out his own lane as a genre-defying pop artist, backed by Suite 484 Records and The Orchard.
His genre is progressive pop, which means taking unexpected time signatures, weird but brilliant chord shifts, and guitar solos—and fusing them with pop structure, heavy 808s, and risers. The result? A sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.
Why’s Gen Z loving it? Simple. His songs tap into vintage vibes while riding the TikTok algorithm with replay-worthy choruses and emotional edge. The whole aesthetic hits that perfect middle ground between retro and now.
Cole’s latest single surged thanks to this very combo. With strong label support and smart strategy, his streams and concert numbers soared—leading to this Amazon Music milestone.
His personal favorite track is “Every Night,” written during a rough patch in his love life. That emotional weight is clearly felt in the lyrics and performance.
Dream collab? He’s got big ideas: writing with Joni Mitchell, co-producing with Pharrell, and having the legendary Manny Marroquin handle the mix. Oh—and he wants to design his own custom guitar with Gibson.
For new artists, Cole’s advice is gold: learn to do everything yourself. From production to promotion, the tools are out there. You don’t need a full team to be your most powerful creative force.
Cole’s blend of emotional resonance, creative risk, and DIY energy makes him the kind of artist Gen Z can get behind—and this #1 is only the beginning.
