By: Staff
Cory Legendre releases REUNITED and it’s made from the threads of absolute emotional heartache. This work of art is made from the sadness and emotional toll of the loss of both of this artist's parents, and all the tracks of this album are in their honor. With the insistence of his beloved mother that Cory uses the creative talents possessed rather than have a traditional funeral, this musical journey was created. With heart-wrenching lyrics like, “He had so many Angels, why did he need my dad’s?” Cory Legendre tells us, “I hope the story of family, love, and loss...and the hope to recover and find closure - along with their names and stories - live forever.” If you have ever experienced a loss like this, then this will warm your heart and also drain you dry of tears. Each song has so much emotion, and the method of transcending makes it so interesting, so many genres allowing the feeling that each song is representative of each of their personalities. Please take a moment and a tissue to listen to Cory Legendre's latest album, REUNITED.
We had a chance to get this artist in The Cage with us and learn more about them, and we wanted to share it with you!
Here’s what we learned:
When did you start making music? Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you that you feel is important to understanding why you create music?
I have been in this industry, thanks to Mom, since my childhood. I’ll be 32 in November and I’ve been doing this since I was about 6. I’m in my fourth consecutive decade in the music industry (90s, 2000s, 2010s and now 2020s) and I’m only in my 30s. It’s wild.
What first sparked the passion for you to create music?
When I first started as a singer and entertainer, I wasn’t really a writer. I was a performer. I wanted to put my own twist on songs I liked. Fast forward to the last couple of years and I’ve realized I really have a deep connection to writing and that it is one of the greatest outlets in the world. From my Christmas single last year to now, I’ve been doing a LOT of writing.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
REUNITED takes a different writing process vs anything else I will ever do. This album is special because it’s for my late parents. This album was never about me, or about my name, it was about getting their story of their eternal love out there. Outside of REUNITED, though, I keep my iPad near by as well as a pen and paper anywhere I’d be more than a second - if you don’t write that good idea down, it’s gone. I promise you that. I’m pretty sure almost every serious writer has something to write ideas down in every room in their home.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I have a studio at home ever since medical issues have forced me to be at-home. I work with great people all over the world that I call great friends. A lot of things I do the production myself, and there are some things where I call up a friend in the business and say “hey, I really need your touch on this.”
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
Emotional challenges, mostly. I had to find the strength to overcome grief and put this tribute to my parents out there. The hardest song to record was “Momma’s Comin’ Home” because I wrote it the night before she passed away, thinking we had just a little more time - only to find out that wasn’t the case.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
I write about everything - but REUNITED is a special case. Mom didn’t want a funeral. She told me before her passing that I could do something more creative, and I took the chance to write an album covering family, love and loss and to honor both of my parents, Lois and Walt Legendre, with this release. I am grateful that they will live on - even long after I’m gone - thanks to this record.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
My lady Kloe is the most supportive person in the world and my family was always super supportive since childhood. Being surrounded by good people really keeps you going and it’s definitely kept me going. I don’t think it’s possible for me to keep my mouth shut, which is why I’m a singer-songwriter!
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
While gearing up for release day is always challenging, especially with a big project like REUNITED that had a global launch, not only digitally, but also with CD and Vinyl releases, I have to say one of the hardest parts of the process isn’t about the songs itself, it is more about getting the right title for an album, or getting the artwork to match the vision I have for the music.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
Streaming services. Not to make an enemy with the big corporations, but streaming services don’t treat artists fairly when it comes to payment, royalties and exposure. We didn’t have a flooded market of streaming services when I first got into the music industry. Really dating myself here, but when I was most active younger in my career, people still bought CDs and cassettes….and then it was the magic of the iTunes Store and the iPod. The industry has definitely changed and artists have to adapt for that.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I like to think I could traverse every single genre in the industry over the next couple of years. I have a country album coming out in September and later this year I’ve got a Christmas album coming out. I’m also already writing for my first album of 2025 and it will touch on dance, pop and rock music as well.
Have you ever been on tour and can you tell us a little about the experience?
I haven’t been on the road in almost a decade. Most of my touring was throughout my younger years. I got to live something many only dream of - and it really is a great feeling to be on stage and have a venue full of people singing along with you. It’s a trip. I miss it terribly and I do hope to get back out there again, but after facing congestive heart failure and some other serious medical conditions, I’ve been medically housebound since before the pandemic hit the states. I’m recovering and I do believe I’m getting stronger, but it’ll be awhile before I’m able to go back out on the road again, but that’s the end goal - to at least make my rounds one more time.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
My brother passed away a couple years before Dad did, and at that point I was balancing hosting talk radio, recording and performing. I had to step back then for a little bit, and then again, in 2012 I stepped back for a few weeks after Dad’s passing. I had to take care of my family, especially Mom after Dad’s passing. But, as always, family had my back and let me know “hey, you’re made for this - get back out there” - so I did.
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
Don’t let other people control your art and don’t think you’re not capable of writing something great. I say this because I really didn’t believe I could write when I was younger and spent a lot of time performing songs by other artists. I think I could’ve had a much more monumental career had I not held back with writing.
What is your favorite song to cover?
I’ve performed “Walking in Memphis” more times than I can count. I joke it’s my least favorite song, but it’s actually a song that fits me well vocally and deep down, I do enjoy doing it. Cher and Pink also have some really catchy tunes that I have a blast doing.
How do you feel about social media?
It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I think social media has brought out some of the worst keyboard warriors on the planet who say the most terrible things that they’d (hopefully) never say in person. From an artist standpoint, it’s great for promotion and connections, but outside of that, I think it can be unhealthy if you’re glued to your smartphone and on social media all the time. I have social media notifications off on my phone - I only see it when I open the app. Since making that change, I spend a LOT less time on social media and it’s made a huge mental health improvement. I advise everyone to do the same, honestly.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
Ok, this one’s not “late-night” but I’d either like to be on The Kelly Clarkson Show (and get a chance to sing with her) as she seems like such a sweetheart. Honestly, I’d love to hear her take on one of my songs during the Kellyoke portion of her show. We sent her show a copy of the CD. I hope she gets it and has the chance to listen to it. Outside of that honestly, since James Corden and Trevor Noah both had to retire… I’d probably have to say Stephen Colbert. I ran for higher political office during my break from music and we’re in an interesting place in America and it would be great to possibly help inspire and influence people younger than myself to take an interest in politics. I say this because I don’t believe they’re aware that their vote does truly matter and the outcomes of all elections (at all levels) plus I think he’d be a really interesting person to be interviewed by.
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other already well known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
I’d love the chance to sing at least once with Dolly Parton and at least once with Cher. But as far as going on the road with another artist, P!nk or Ed Sheeran, I believe we’d complement each other well.
When you are earning a successful wage from music, what act of selflessness would you like to commit?
We need to protect the arts and music in schools. We need to make sure children don’t go hungry. There’s so much I would work on to better the lives of future generations if I had the opportunity to do so. I do believe I’ll get there someday and I can’t wait to get teams together and really make a change for the better in this world.
What is the most motivating thing a fan or anyone has ever told you about your music?
I’ve had someone tell me that my music and my life story has inspired them to try and be a better person every single day. That means a lot to me. I hope I’ve helped many others find healing, closure and find a path to being a better person to the people around us. We’re all human and we’re all equal.
Thank you so much for this interview. I really enjoyed breaking down the story behind REUNITED as well as some other pieces of my career. Peace and love to the fans out there, and to you for this interview!
Check out his latest release and listen to more of CORY LEGENDRE on Spotify & YouTube.
Discover the Rising Stars: McKay - An Emerging Alternative Folk/Rock Band
© 2024 powered by Cage Riot
music blog, music discovery, emerging artist, , The Cage, Cage Riot, new music, blog writers, college internships, music magazine, Spotify, music distribution, artist development, billboard, rolling stone magazine, alternative press
Comments