Colton Ford is Stronger Than Ever
By Brad Nichols
Photos: Kevin Hoover
Colton Ford has taken a conscious step back from public life over the past seven years. He’s released an album (2016’s Glenn Soukesian) and several singles, but he hasn’t pushed his work the way he had done previously.
“I needed time to process the losses I was experiencing during this time; to reflect and grow,” he says now. The losses he is referring to are the passing of his mother and the end of a long-term relationship. He also dealt with some health issues.
Fortunately, he’s doing better today and even says he feels stronger than ever. In fact, the name of the first single from his new Unity album is called “Stronger.” We spoke with Colton Ford from his NYC home.
It’s been a minute. The last time we spoke you were still living in California.
I moved to California in 2013 to be with my mom. About a year and a half ago, I started making my way back east.
You say the past several years have been challenging, even debilitating, at times.
Processing through the changes of life, which is a real and impactful thing for men, can be challenging. It was a lot of new and unexplored territory for me in many respects.
Losing your mom was especially difficult. What made you decide to come out publicly with your grief?
I’m jumping back into promoting myself and my music. Talking about my trials and tribulations, experiences and observations, both in song and elsewhere, is a part of it. We are all figuring our way through this life, and can gain insight and motivation through our shared experiences. That’s the power of art, and the bond between the artist and his audience. Music and art are a powerful way to reach, comfort and inspire.
They say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
Literally! I wrote the lyric for “Stronger” as a self-speak to stay positive and hang in there. Our internal dialogue can help us process through difficult and challenging times, or be the catalyst to our demise. It has helped me through, and the positive message is very timely, especially now.
Do you elaborate on these themes in the other songs on your new EP, “Unity”?
I do. This record acknowledges the challenges and obstacles in front of us, but is also clearly hopeful. It’s a message of empowerment, not just for us individually, but also as we come together in unity. We need to recognize that we are one species with all kinds of wonderful brothers and sisters in it, and we have to celebrate all of that!
Which song on the EP is the most powerful to you personally?
Honestly, they’re each equally powerful to me. I know that’s a lame answer, but it’s how I feel.
How are you today? I’m doing well. I’ve been in therapy for almost thirty years now, and it has been a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Therapy ain’t easy. It requires commitment and consistency, but it works! Now I will say that I’m disgusted over what we’re witnessing in our country and globally. Unconscionable! Where is the empathy? I do believe there are more good people then bad, but we’re in a serious struggle between good and evil.
Are you stronger on your own or have you found strength through a new love?
I am happily single and strong on my own. I’m open, though, but not looking.
Follow Colton Ford on Facebook @ColtonFordMusic and Instagram @gsouke62.