Mister Motivator
Cory Wong always seems to be having a good time. Whether he’s laying down the rhythm with US funk sensations Vulfpeck, going out as an elite guitarist-for-hire, or fronting his own solo projects, the Minnesota-raised player’s goofy grin and boundless energy seem as ever-present as they are infectious. He’s even made an album called The Optimist, for crying out loud.
Having a conversation with the man only reinforces that impression. Like a well-shaken Coke can of ideas, he doesn’t so much answer a question as he erupts–enthusiastically taking you on a ride through the lessons and wisdom he’s accrued on his journey to becoming a very 2019 kind of guitarist.
And that’s what makes him interesting. In an era when outside commentators queue up to pronounce the death of the instrument on a seemingly annual basis, Wong and those like him are evolving what it means to be a guitar hero.
Instead of the hoary old staples of monster guitar solos and hard-rock posturing, these new-breed guitar players are bringing fierce chops and impressive ingenuity to hip-hop, soul, R&B and funk. In the case of Wong himself, he’s doing it in a way that marks him out as something extremely out of the ordinary–a bona-fide virtuoso rhythm guitarist.
“That’s funny. You’re absolutely right,” Wong chuckles player–I wanna be the lead guy!’ But there is a way you can do both!
