We recently connected with Wyatt Corder and have shared our conversation below.

Wyatt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

Pursuing a career in music can not be the most profitable venture all of the time haha. For example, we poured most of the money we had in our band fund into recording our new album, “Built to Last” and we most likely will not see a return on that investment because there’s no money in streaming and most people don’t buy physical copies of albums anymore. As a band, we combat this by doing private and corporate events that typically pay well, and show our music to a new clientele, creating a chain reaction for potential future gigs. Our brass band also works as a freelance horn section for shows and in the studio. Music is a ruthless and ever-changing industry, so I have found that pivoting to different opportunities and challenging yourself to take on a variety of gigs/roles has helped with our longevity.

Wyatt, 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 name is Wyatt Corder and I lead Big Wy’s Brass Band, a brass band based in Austin, TX. I work as a freelance musician on trumpet, guitar, keyboards, and bass and teach music as well. As a musician in Austin, I’ve gotten to play at events such as ACL Fest, the COTA Grand Prix, the Austin Music Awards, and more with Big Wy’s and other various groups. It’s been a crazy fun ride and I wouldn’t change a thing, having music as a career is the only life for me.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

They’re lame. Seems like some more tech-bro bullshit to me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I feel like my goal with music is to spread positive vibrations and to bring a sense of community. When I play my trumpet and our band is killing it and people are dancing, smiling, feeling free to be themselves and have fun at a show is what I live for. Over the years Big Wy’s has played in Guatemala and Costa Rica at jazz festivals and it’s been so amazing to share our love of music with teachers, students, and citizens of the world. In the face of all of this conservative, alt-right hate that’s taking over America it’s our job as musicians to let people of all creeds, classes, races, and sexualities know that they are ok being themselves at our shows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigwysbrassband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigwybb/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigwybb/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigwybb

Image Credits

Marshall Moon
Henrietta Wildsmith
Heather Johanning