We recently connected with Corey McCormick and have shared our conversation below.

Corey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I had a good combination of book learning and street learning. I first learned a ton by just the amount of music I listened to in my early years. I loved to dance and sing and I was obsessed with Michael Jackson. I learned his whole Billie Jean routine. I roller skated so I was exposed to a ton of pop music there.
When I started playing it was in school. I played trumpet. I started to learn about theory and how to read. Next came piano. Then guitar.
I played in school bands from 4th grade until I graduated from college. I had great teachers and learned so much from private lessons and being in school bands with amazing musicians. Ask through that I worked on my own time. Dissected records. Worked on technique. I was up early to warm up and bed late learning songs and practicing some lick I just learned.

I’m not sure I could pin point something that would have sped up my learning process. I feel like it was all necessary to make me what I am today as an artist. If I could pick something it would be having to take other classes. Especially in college. I was already making a living as a musician and I knew that’s what I was gonna do. I faked my way through everything else. I just didn’t have time or the interest. I wish I could have had more time with my instrument.

My skills that were essential were organization, dedication and unwavering commitment. I didn’t have a gift. Wasn’t born with natural talent. But hard work and dedication was what I did have.

Obstacles that were in my way of learning more was having to work while I was in school. I began working at 14 and was completely on my own by 17. If I don’t have that stress, learning would have been exponentially easier.

Corey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My affinity for music began at a young age. From the soulful sounds of my father’s folk and rock records, to the pop and electric music I was exposed to at the local roller rink, I was drawn to the music. That draw led me to join the band in grade school, and I began learning to read and write music, while also studying the trumpet and other brass instruments. After seeing his father’s old guitar sit on a stand in their living room, I taught myself to play it, and later switched to that instrument in high school.
When I discovered the upright bass, years after in college, I knew I had finally found my voice. Years of immersion in the study and performance of my craft would follow, culminating in a Bachelors degree in Music Performance from California State University, Long Beach.
For me, honoring the music and elevating my fellow performers has always been paramount.
I have had the honor of working with amazing artists, some of which I grew up a fan of, learning their music long before I had the opportunity to play with them. Some of those artists include Chris Cornell, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. I’ve also had the pleasure of being called upon by international artists such as Vasco Rossi and Koshi Inaba.

When I’m not on the road touring, I spend as much time as possible with my family, while also finding the time to be creative and continue my studies in music.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I used to get this from my friends a lot.. “You’re still doing that?”(meaning playing music for a living) “You should get a real job!”

They didn’t get it. I love what I do. I don’t do it for stability or money. I do it because I have to do it. If I don’t do it I would be extremely unhappy. Non artists have terrible with this concept.
Many of them live their job as well. But they have security with their corporate job. Heath insurance for their families. A 401k. Music didn’t offer me any of that. I had to set that kind of stuff up myself. But I wasn’t able to do it right away. I wasn’t able to have a family right away. But I can now. And I do. I have two beautiful boys and a lovely wife that I support in my pay check alone. We have investments and a nest egg. I’ve been lucky. But I’ve also been smart. I’ve played the long game and note it’s paying off. And I’m free.
I live in Japan now. My job allows me to live where ever I’d like. But I’ve earned that over years of grinding.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

This new world of AI and digital intelligence is an endless resource. I wish I had the tools that are available now. And the confidence they offer. I could have gotten a lot more done.

Contact Info:

• Website: Corey McCormickofficial.com
• Instagram: coreymccormickofficial

Image Credits

Joey Martinez