Corduroy Brown went down during the pandemic with a bout of covid that nearly took his life. But he fought back and when he was given that extra life he ran with it and is making the most out of the second chance he’s been given. We asked him about what makes him tick and what people can expect when they see a Corduroy Brown show. You can catch him September 9th at The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, WV as part of the Born & Bred Concert Series. Get your tickets here: Born & Bred.
BB: Where in West Virginia do you come from and where does the band hail from?
CB: Huntington, West Virginia is where I call home. I grew up in a town called Chesapeake, Ohio which you can see from across the river. Our bass player Chris is from Ashland, Kentucky and our drummer is from Lavalette, WV. Everything around here is a literal stones throw from each other.
BB: Who are some influences on your music and writing style?
CB: I think with each year that goes by, my ears crave something different. I grew up watching Michael Jackson videos under my parents’ living room table. When I got my first electric guitar, I cut my teeth on heavy metal. I really enjoy mostly that Indie Rock sound nowadays, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to learn pedal steel guitar or to know how to chicken pick every hit 90’s country song. There really is so much that peaks my interest musically. I do love collaborations though. Songs evolve so much when someone else’s energy touches them. That’s my favorite thing to see happen when writing.
BB: How has being from West Virginia influenced your music?
CB: It’s really taught me to continue being my own true self. A lot of incredible, traditional Appalachian music has come from these hills. While that’s definitely a part of my sound, I find it best to continue to make the music that speaks to me because inherently, it’ll speak to whomever needs to hear it in its own time. ‘
BB: What can people expect from your set?
CB: Our goal every time is to leave people feeling at least a little more grateful for all the good things around us. It’s the ultimate feel good time. With everything that’s happened in my life, I do my best to remind people that this life is short and fragile. I do my best to remind people to appreciate everyone and everything.
BB: Who are some West Virginia artists you’re listening to?
CB: Shelem is a good friend and incredible “non traditional” Appalachian artist. Sarah Rudy of Hello June has broken the mold and is blazing a lot of trails for everyone to follow. Scott T. Smith is a breathe of fresh air from Hurricane, WV. He blends folk and soul into a pure dreamy sound.
BB: What else are you listening to currently?
CB: Paramore, Katie Toupon, The Montvales, Jack Harlow as of lately.
BB: What inspired you or took you down the path of music?
CB: I’ve never really been sure. No one in my family was musical. It was one of those things that when it bites, it doesn’t let go. It’s become something I can’t imagine (not) doing now. I’m grateful for everything it’s provided and given, so I always use my platform and time to try to be a light to others.
BB: One song you want people to listen to from your catalog if they were to say, “Hey what do you sound like?”
CB: “Medicine” If I could describe our sound, I’d say we sound like “everything is gonna be alright.”
You’re right, Corduroy, it is gonna be alright.
