The first time I saw a Vulfpeck video I was
floored by the band, groove, and Cory Wong’s
guitar playing. When Mark Lettieri mentioned
that Cory was also a believer, it took all of a
hot second to shoot Cory an interview request.
Once Cory replied I had a couple of days to
prep for the interview during which I had both
an excuse and opportunity to do a serious
Cory Wong YouTube binge. Unlike a lot of the
guitar players who have such a diverse range
of influences, they are more of an echo in the
background of Cory’s voice as a player. And like
Mark Lettieri, pretty much every time I watch
one of his videos I have to pick up a guitar and
start playing.
Whether he’s playing with his own band,
Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers, the Minnesota
Orchestra – or doing session work for the likes
of TobyMac, Cory brings a level of musicianship
you rarely encounter. Regardless of where
you’re at with the guitar, the following interview
quickly reveals that the most inspirational thing
about Cory is the heart and humility behind
everything he does…
[WM] Chalk it up to your youthful exuberance,
but I was really surprised to discover that
you’re in your mid-thirties. So, let’s dial the
musical clock back a bit and start with your first
instrument – was it the guitar?
[Cory Wong] I’m a bass guy, I love the bass.
I don’t come from a family of musicians, but
when I first started getting really into music
my Dad was big into the Weather Report, so
I listened to a lot of Jaco Pastorius growing up
(see video below). But I loved The Red Hot Chili
photo by Nick Langlois
Peppers and Primus, and those are two bass-
heavy bands.
Jaco Pastorius // “Bass Solo”
I wanted to be the bass player in my band, but myself enough to get him going so he could
the two friends I had, one of them said, “My start playing. My other friend was like, “Yeah,
Dad’s got a drum set, but my parents won’t pay my Dad’s got a bass in the basement, but you
for drum lessons, so if you want me to be the can’t have two bass players in the band.” So I
drummer you’re going to have to show me how was just like, “Fine, I’m gonna get a guitar. I’m
to play drums.” So I asked the band director in gonna learn how to play guitar!” And I’ve been
middle school if I could come in before school, stuck playing it ever since. So the guitar, I love
teach myself how to play the drum kit, and then the instrument, I know that I was destined to
eventually invited my friend Derek over and end up on it, but I started as a bass player.
show him how to play the drums. I just taught
February 2019
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