I’m super excited to talk to Cory Wong for this week’s episode!! Cory is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer and producer recognized for his extensive collaborations across the musical spectrum — and best known for his amazing rhythm guitar playing in his bands Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers. He recently released a new album with his Cory Wong Band project entitled Lost in the Wonder — and it's yet another shining example of his unique blend of funk, jazz, and rock.
In this awesome conversation, Cory and I talk about his recent trip to South America where he was blown away by the fans. For someone renowned for his super energetic live performances and infectious enthusiasm, he was in awe of the power of the crowd energy there. We also discuss his various takes on the jam world, how he has always leaned toward improvisation in his own work, and how his truly refreshing sense of gratitude to share the gift of live music with his fans has become the life-force behind his creative endeavors.
==============================
Chapters:
0:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg
03:34 - Cory Wong’s musical ethos
03:45 - Wong’s recent performances and festival experiences
04:45 - Behind the scenes of standout live moments at Northlands
05:21 - The art of guiding improvisation in large bands
06:10 - Balancing meticulous arrangements with spontaneous exploration
06:51 - Techniques for band leading and cueing during jams
07:12 - Structuring live jams within song frameworks
08:17 - Surprising band members with spontaneous solos
08:58 - Managing risk and vulnerability during live improvisation
09:47 - The importance of respecting musical duty and community
10:15 - Cory Wong’s diverse catalog and live repertoire
10:46 - Navigating audience expectations and hits in different settings
13:32 - The influence of jam band culture on Wong’s style
13:50 - The contrast between Vulfpeck’s structured approach and Wong’s improvisational style
15:46 - Early musical influences and Minneapolis scene
18:15 - The origins of Vulfpeck and the jam ethos
20:19 - The role of spontaneity in band cohesion and creativity
24:09 - The impact of global audiences, from Dublin to Buenos Aires
29:59 - Crowd energy and chanting in international shows
33:26 - The collective human experience in live music performances
36:21 - The significance of authentic, imperfect moments in the age of AI
40:19 - Innovative projects like the sleep app experiment and streaming hacks
45:20 - The role of AI in music and visual arts—opportunity vs. threat
48:10 - Ethical considerations and thresholds with generative AI tools
50:33 - The importance of live human connection in an AI-driven world
53:52 - Embracing humanity in performance and creative evolution
55:28 - Mentoring and guiding young artists amidst technological changes
56:17 - The future of live music, ticket sales, and artist resilience
57:11 - Upcoming tours, festivals, and personal projects in Europe
58:00 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg
==============================
Resources:
For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com
Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com
Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer
