We spoke to up and comer Cory Fisher about his musical inspirations, his musical obsessions, his sound and more. Read our interview below! Catch Cory on tour with Morgan Alexander this winter (dates here).
- Introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Cory Fisher; I was born and raised in middle Tennessee. I am in my final semester of college and will be graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Science, specifically Commercial Songwriting in the Recording Industry. My body is 21 years old but my soul feels more accurately closer to 60.
- Describe your sound to a reader who may not have heard it before.
I am very influenced by music from the 70’s, so a lot of what I write comes out with a funky groove, soul-filled vocals, and a blues infused melody. Anything with a groove grooves me, and I try to keep that theme consistent in my tunes. I like to create something you can bob your head to just as easily as you can get up and dance your heart out.
- How did you get started in music?
When I was in middle school, I was riding the school bus home and singing along to what was on the radio speakers. A buddy of mine that played guitar asked me to come over and sing with him after school. From that moment I discovered my love for singing and my desire to learn how to play guitar and write music.
- What are your musical influences?
My dad was a classic rock and roller and my mom was a disco boogie-woogie woman, so those two genres fueled most of my musical influence. From the Bee Gees and Stevie Wonder to the Doobie Brothers and Journey, my musical palate was pretty tasteful and diverse.
- Do you write your music or lyrics?
Yes and both. There is a healthy mix in my catalog of songs that I have written by myself and songs that I have co-written with other songwriters.
- What’s something interesting about your creative process?
Since I am a guitarist, I write most of my songs on the guitar. But I am simultaneously thinking of what the bass and drums are doing at the same time in the song, so it usually translates to me attempting to play guitar as if it were a guitar, bass, and a drum kit all in one. This helps me convey what my vibe is for the song to the other players in the group. If the rhythm is established in the guitar, it becomes much easier for the drummer and bassist to pick up on the groove.
- If you had the chance to play any venue, what would it be and why?
This is a hard pick, but I’m gonna say Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. There’s a lot of history to the venue and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
- If you could plan your dream tour, who would be on it and why?
Definitely The Doobie Brothers because of their impact in my life as a musician, and I’ll say Allen Stone because of his personality and his sound. Both of these groups have challenged me both as a songwriter and a musician.
- You recently released your debut single, what was that process like?
It was nothing short of magical. From start to finish, each element of the production of the track was like a first kiss: elation and anxiety swirling together. This was the first song that I was able to look at from a distance and say “I think people are going to love this as much as I love it”.
- What’s next for you in 2017?
It’s time to form the band and start hitting the road. I’ve had time now to work on my image and sound, and the next step is forming the rest of the band and beginning to put ourselves out there for people to see and hear. I would like to say by the end of this year, I’ll be launching my first official tour with the band.
- Coffee or tea?
I love both! But coffee takes the lead. I like the bold strong flavor and its perfect for pulling late nights.
- Song you wish you wrote?
Hands down Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. For one person to create such a musical masterpiece and have it affect so many people is mind blowing to me.
- Song you’re obsessed with, but ashamed to admit?
Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys. Growing up, my older sister was obsessed with them and I just couldn’t get them out of my head. A boy band with a ripping guitar solo was intriguing to me. To this day I still jam to it.
- If you could sit next to a musician dead or alive on a plane from LA to London, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson would be a blast to share a plane ride with. He has such a colorful personality and I’ve always admired him as an entertainer.
- Pool or ocean?
Pool, no doubt about it. I have an irrational fear of being eaten by sea creatures and any body of water that couldn’t fit into a back yard. Give me a Bluetooth speaker and 5 feet of creature-free water and I’m having a great day.
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