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.

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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

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Resources:

• Corey Wong 
• Vulfpeck - Official Website
• Fearless Flyers - Official Site
• Weather Report - Iconic Fusion Band
• AI and Music - Articles on Generative AI