Interview with Cory M. Coons

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Thanks for the opportunity! Probably hearing music from local radio stations and old lp's and 45's on my mother's old floor model stereo at home in the late 70's and early 80's is what introduced me to the good ol' days of music. If I hadn't gotten into music, I may have tried to go farther in sports like hockey or football. But who knows, I'm pretty sure I have followed the right passion and road that was laid out for me... It was just meant to be. :)

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Mostly I just enjoy spending time with my family...My wife, and my now 10 year old daughter. :) We also do a mix of homeschooling and a private learning pod (micro-school) in Ottawa now this year. And I still teach a little bit of part time guitar to some kids as well. Often times life experiences and emotions mixed with good storytelling can influence my own personal creativity.

How long have you been making music?

I have been in the independent music industry for over 30 years as a performing musician, singer-songwriter/guitarist & recording artist. My first band record was in late 1999' (Tycoons) and my first “official” solo release (From the Ground Up) was in 2004'.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I am located in Eastern Ontario, south of Ottawa in South Dundas County. It is very rural, and I think that is probably what has helped keep me grounded while I have stayed true to my roots in my life and songwriting as well. It has probably kept things honest, and well balanced between my career and family also.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

Opening for some major recording artists in Canada has been memorable. Bands like April Wine, Kim Mitchell and Glass Tiger come to mind locally. Getting to play the nomination night for the 2014 Los Angeles Music Awards at the Whisky a-Go-Go is another highlight I think... I also have travelled and toured in the south-east US earlier in my career as part of a different touring band originally from Ottawa, doing retro-rock covers and 80's material. That was an interesting and fun time in my life as well. Lots of Frat Houses and some very cool live venues across Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi in the late 90's.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I usually enjoy most of the venues whether they are larger fairs and festivals, or just smaller more intimate acoustic style shows. Of course I would love to do some Arena shows and theatres as well.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

At this point in my life as an independent artist, honestly, I'm just happy to still be able to do what I enjoy most in playing live to anyone who still enjoys live music and performances. ;) So as long as I am resonating with an audience, then I think I would enjoy being on a bill with anyone, whether it be similar independent artists like myself, or if I had the chance to perform on a a larger scale ticket that would be great too. Hard to pick who that might be!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Always surround your self with the right people, and team of players in this business. The ones who are honest, and are in it for your best interests! For my younger self: I would say becareful that some people you meet in the industry along the way, may not be what the truly appear to be, or stand up for what they should in this business... The last 4-5 years has opened up my eyes to seeing what some people who I may have looked up to in the past, really are not as genuine as they appear, and possibly may not have quite the same moral values as what I thought they might have. I won't give any examples, that's for sure, but I'm just trying to be honest. :)

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I enjoy performing many of my own songs. But I also have a soft spot for a couple of more tender, emotional songs like “Remember Me” from 2014, and my current single out right now, “The Morning Drive” which is related to my time with my daughter on our drives to her former private school along the St. Lawrence Seaway here in Eastern Ontario over the past couple of years! These tend to tug at the heartstrings for me, and other people as well.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My next single, which is dropping in early 2025' “Crumbs” (or “Crumbs '24”, as it's titled for this 20th anniversary all-acoustic version release), is often a crowd favourite at shows, and usually is a set, or show ending tune to perform. It's always fun, and very uplifting with a lot of energy for the audience to participate in.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

There's definitely no cookie-cutter way to my songwriting! It can often stem from emotional times in my life, or sometimes I may just have a great hook in my head, or a cool chord progression, or vocal idea and then I let the song take me in the direction where it wants to go musically and lyrically. Sometimes if you try to force an idea, it may not end up being the result that I like.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them.

I always try to come across with a positive message in my songs if I can... We often need a light in a sometimes dark world... I like to try to convey good stories that resonate and hit home with the listeners. I also like be honest in my songwriting. If you come off as dishonest, it usually shows, and people can see right through it. :)

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

My current single out right now, “The Morning Drive” which I spoke about earlier. And the video.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

As I also mentioned, I have the new all-acoustic version of “Crumbs” originally from 2004', being released as “Crumbs '24” coming out in early 2025'. Check it out, along with the video as well if you can! :) It will likely also be a part of a new Ep sometime next year that is a group of songs recorded acoustically at the legendary Sun Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee this past October.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

I am on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cmcmusic and IG: https://www.instagram.com/corymcoonsmusic/ And you can go to www.corymcoons.com which is my official website, or my LinkTree here: https://linktr.ee/corymcoons Thank you so much! CMC...