South African singer-songwriter and producer Lee Cole ends a milestone year on a high note with the release of his brand-new single, “Palace of Dreams.” The energetic, free-flowing pop track builds on the momentum of “Mine,” his long-running radio hit that ranked among the Top 100 most-played songs on South African radio this year.
The song began with a striking synth motif that set the tone for everything that followed. As Cole added guitar, drums, and layers of production, the track evolved into something he describes as “free, explorative, and resilient.”
At its core, “Palace of Dreams” wrestles with the tension between fear and personal growth. “Sometimes you land in situations that scare you and you want to run,” Cole explains. “But at the same time, you know that staying and working through it will help you grow. That’s the contrast I wanted to explore – how something tough can make you want to flee, but looking at it differently can teach you so much more.”
A Bold Sonic Step Forward
Musically, the track sees Cole expanding his sound more than ever before. Lee Cole leans into rich synth textures, stacks of vocal harmonies, and even includes a saxophone-driven outro – the first time he’s incorporated the instrument in his work. It’s a clear signal of his willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic colours.
This theme of inner strength is reflected in the bridge. “It’s about not doing what everyone else wants you to do,” he says. “When I sing, ‘don’t go, everybody’s waiting,’ it’s like a warning. Don’t step outside into a world full of expectations. Stay grounded in your own mind and you’ll figure out the way forward.”
A Year of Massive Achievements
2025 proved to be a career-defining year for Cole. He played to tens of thousands of fans while opening for pop icon Robbie Williams at the Calabash Festival in Cape Town and Johannesburg. His critical acclaim matched his stage success when he was named Best Male Singer (English) at the Afri-Indie Awards.
On radio, his singles dominated – securing multiple #1 spots and racking up over 40,000 plays nationwide. According to Radiomonitor, his music reached more than 190 million listeners, making his sound one of the most widely heard in the country this year.
He also performed on the main stages of some of South Africa’s biggest live events, including Rocking the Daisies, The Durban July, and the Sunset Music Series.
The Message Behind the Music
For Cole, the song’s theme of resilience perfectly mirrors what he learned throughout his breakthrough year.
“This year taught me to relax and stop forcing things,” he says. “When you let go of expectations, things start falling into place. That’s what ‘Palace of Dreams’ is really about. Even when things feel overwhelming, you just have to look up, keep moving, keep dancing, and trust that it’ll carry you through.”
Joining Prime Circle on Tour
Cole will join Prime Circle as a featured artist on select dates of their 25-Year Anniversary Tour, running from December 2025 to May 2026. Other special guests include Tree63, The Blackcat Bones, and Cantrel. Full tour details are available HERE.
The new single is available now on all streaming platforms. Listen HERE.
Lee Cole Tour Dates
- Dec 4, 2025: SPAR Carols by Candlelight presented by Jacaranda FM – SunBet Arena, Time Square Menlyn
- Dec 18, 2025: Cafè Roux (Noordhoek, Cape Town)
- Dec 19, 2025: Club Mykonos (Langebaan) – with Tree63, Prime Circle
- Dec 22, 2025: Fancourt (George) – with Tree63, Prime Circle
- Dec 26, 2025: Kenton-On-Sea Three Tree @The Backyard – with Prime Circle, Tree63
- Dec 28, 2025: The Cove Nahoon Dam (East London) – with Prime Circle, Tree63
- Dec 29, 2025: Tapas Gqeberha (Gqeberha) – solo show
- Dec 30, 2025: Blend Country Restaurant (Knysna) – with Keanan Eksteen
- Dec 30, 2025: Reed Valley (Mossel Bay) – with Prime Circle, Tree63
- Dec 31, 2025: NYE @ Triggerfish Brewing (Somerset West, Cape Town) – with Tree63, Prime Circle, The Blackcat Bones
- May 30, 2026: Sunset Music Series (Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden) – with Prime Circle and Tree63
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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