Catching Up With Cory Stewart
by Lori Foran
With a brand new single, “Poison” to be released on March 28th, and more innovative and electrifying music to come as a prelude to his upcoming album, Cory Stewart is one to watch on the LGBTQ+ music scene. For those that already follow Cory, you’ll know that his mix of pop and dance has featured prominently on radio and his downloads have been impressive. A songwriter from the tender age of 7, Cory grew up in Woodstock, ON and has been telling stories through song, in his own unique way, since then. Despite cranking out a Diana Ross inspired song “Lovechild” in the back of the family car on the way to Florida, his first professional EP “7 Different Sides”, was released in April 2018.
We couldn’t wait to find out more about this incredible talent, so took a minute to ask him about his work, his musical inspirations and where he thinks his career will take him in the next few years.
How did you get started in music?
I think my love for music was ignited seeing Broadway shows. My parents used to take me to see shows early in life. Even if I didn’t grasp the concepts right away, I fell in love with the songs and would learn the soundtracks by heart. Upon seeing the obvious passion, my mom enrolled me in singing lessons with my teacher Beth Faulkner through the Royal Conservatory of Music, and away I went. Throughout childhood, I competed in festivals, toured Europe and continued writing my heart out!
Which musical artists inspire you?
This could be a long list! Let’s start with LGBTQ artists I LOVE: MNEK (just saw his concert in Toronto - he is so freaking talented - SEE HIM LIVE), Troye Sivan, Zolita and Leland. Other artists that have had a huge impact: Madonna (there may or may not be a song about her on my album!), Sarah Brightman (grew up listening to the Dive album), Bonnie McKee and Lady Gaga. Also, The Phantom of the Opera is forever imprinted on my heart.
Who are you currently listening to on repeat?
Some artists right now are RALPH (amazing up and coming Toronto artist, check out ‘Tables Have Turned’), MNEK (Check out ‘Colour’), Bonnie McKee (‘Lonely for You’), Mark Ronson, Rita Ora (‘Let You Love Me’) and Velvet Code (‘Break the Silence’). I’m also revisiting the Evita soundtrack - it’s absolutely genius.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Impulsive, Ambitious and Honest.
What has been your most memorable gig?
There have been a few amazing experiences along the ride so far, but I’d have to say opening for Boy George in the summer of 2018. What a legendary guy! He also has the best fans. The audience was so engaged and willing to go on a ride with me while they were waiting for BG to hit the stage.
What does the next 2 years look like?
This year will be full of single releases, leading up to the new album. I’m going to be touring across Canada and the States for the next couple years - my website coryjstewart.com will have all the dates! More importantly, I’ll continue writing with my long-time producing partner, JUNO winner Gavin Bradley, and hopefully collaborate with some other artists.
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Well, aside from working with Madonna, I would kill to do a stadium tour - whether that’s opening for someone or being able to fill one myself - then I could drop dead a happy man.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who’s on your dream list?
HA! See above - but also, there are a few writers I idolize that I’d love to work with: Bebe Rexha, Charlie XCX, Lindy Robbins, Justin Tranter and Bonnie McKee.
What are your thoughts on how LGBTQ+ artists are viewed in the industry and their ability to break into the musical mainstream?
I think we’re living in a time where we’re about to see a surge of LGBTQ+ artists taking over the industry. In the past, we’ve had revolutionary artists like George Michael, Melissa Etheridge, KD Lang, Boy George and Freddie Mercury to look up to - now, it feels like there are so many LGBTQ+ artists hitting the scene! Mainstream, however, is a difficult nut to crack - but I think that’s typical for any artist. I hope that it’s not harder for us to break through, but I think there are still a few barriers we need to smash down.
As an LGBTQ+ artist, what do you find challenging with your music?
One thing I always try to do with my music is send messages to those listening that may identify as LGBTQ+, or as an outsider. One song, from my EP ‘My Gay Heart’, was written as a love letter to the community and serves as an empowering anthem for LGBTQ+ youth. That said, I think one of the biggest challenges for LGBTQ+ artists’ is to not always be lumped into Pride programming. It’s always great to be able to perform in places that don’t necessarily have an LGBTQ+ slant - to further our goal of acceptance and love for all.
Your upcoming single 'Poison' is reflective of the negativity in the world today and how it bombards us. How do you keep the toxicity of society, social media etc. from overpowering you?
Yes! POISON was written based on the famous Nelson Mandela quote: "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” I don’t think anyone can completely avoid all the negativity in the world right now, and if they say they can, they’re lying. I think it’s important to approach everything with humour. The song itself is pointing a cheeky mirror at myself and the world - reflecting how we can sometimes behave. Also, petting my little dog Curtis makes pretty much everything positive again.
With Broadway and stage music in your background, any ambitions to turn to that world as a performer in future?
I would absolutely love to get back into Broadway - I grew up doing productions as a kid, so it would be amazing to go back into it as an adult. I read a rumour somewhere that “The Greatest Showman” was being made into a stage musical. I’d make a killer P.T. Barnum, and I already know all the music :-) Just putting that out there!
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I spend a lot of time listening to and hunting down new music to get inspired. I also love checking out other artists’ shows and of course, lurking Instagram.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
LA or Nashville, because I’d love to take part in the amazing song writing sessions happening daily!
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
That even if you don’t connect with my music, please make the effort to check out and support local artists and musicians. We work hard to create our music, and nothing brings us more joy than seeing someone else take enjoyment from it. Plus, we all could really use the money - to keep creating more!
With his upcoming album, Cory promises fans something new and exciting in format and sound. We can’t wait to hear what he’s been up to! But until then, you can definitely connect with Cory through Instagram (www.instagram.com/coryjstewart) and follow him on Spotify to catch new releases throughout this year (https://open.spotify.com/artist/6chEgA34uO3ZPksMEbnaZf)
by Lori Foran
With a brand new single, “Poison” to be released on March 28th, and more innovative and electrifying music to come as a prelude to his upcoming album, Cory Stewart is one to watch on the LGBTQ+ music scene. For those that already follow Cory, you’ll know that his mix of pop and dance has featured prominently on radio and his downloads have been impressive. A songwriter from the tender age of 7, Cory grew up in Woodstock, ON and has been telling stories through song, in his own unique way, since then. Despite cranking out a Diana Ross inspired song “Lovechild” in the back of the family car on the way to Florida, his first professional EP “7 Different Sides”, was released in April 2018.
We couldn’t wait to find out more about this incredible talent, so took a minute to ask him about his work, his musical inspirations and where he thinks his career will take him in the next few years.
How did you get started in music?
I think my love for music was ignited seeing Broadway shows. My parents used to take me to see shows early in life. Even if I didn’t grasp the concepts right away, I fell in love with the songs and would learn the soundtracks by heart. Upon seeing the obvious passion, my mom enrolled me in singing lessons with my teacher Beth Faulkner through the Royal Conservatory of Music, and away I went. Throughout childhood, I competed in festivals, toured Europe and continued writing my heart out!
Which musical artists inspire you?
This could be a long list! Let’s start with LGBTQ artists I LOVE: MNEK (just saw his concert in Toronto - he is so freaking talented - SEE HIM LIVE), Troye Sivan, Zolita and Leland. Other artists that have had a huge impact: Madonna (there may or may not be a song about her on my album!), Sarah Brightman (grew up listening to the Dive album), Bonnie McKee and Lady Gaga. Also, The Phantom of the Opera is forever imprinted on my heart.
Who are you currently listening to on repeat?
Some artists right now are RALPH (amazing up and coming Toronto artist, check out ‘Tables Have Turned’), MNEK (Check out ‘Colour’), Bonnie McKee (‘Lonely for You’), Mark Ronson, Rita Ora (‘Let You Love Me’) and Velvet Code (‘Break the Silence’). I’m also revisiting the Evita soundtrack - it’s absolutely genius.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Impulsive, Ambitious and Honest.
What has been your most memorable gig?
There have been a few amazing experiences along the ride so far, but I’d have to say opening for Boy George in the summer of 2018. What a legendary guy! He also has the best fans. The audience was so engaged and willing to go on a ride with me while they were waiting for BG to hit the stage.
What does the next 2 years look like?
This year will be full of single releases, leading up to the new album. I’m going to be touring across Canada and the States for the next couple years - my website coryjstewart.com will have all the dates! More importantly, I’ll continue writing with my long-time producing partner, JUNO winner Gavin Bradley, and hopefully collaborate with some other artists.
What’s something on your music career “bucket” list?
Well, aside from working with Madonna, I would kill to do a stadium tour - whether that’s opening for someone or being able to fill one myself - then I could drop dead a happy man.
If you were going to collaborate with another artist, who’s on your dream list?
HA! See above - but also, there are a few writers I idolize that I’d love to work with: Bebe Rexha, Charlie XCX, Lindy Robbins, Justin Tranter and Bonnie McKee.
What are your thoughts on how LGBTQ+ artists are viewed in the industry and their ability to break into the musical mainstream?
I think we’re living in a time where we’re about to see a surge of LGBTQ+ artists taking over the industry. In the past, we’ve had revolutionary artists like George Michael, Melissa Etheridge, KD Lang, Boy George and Freddie Mercury to look up to - now, it feels like there are so many LGBTQ+ artists hitting the scene! Mainstream, however, is a difficult nut to crack - but I think that’s typical for any artist. I hope that it’s not harder for us to break through, but I think there are still a few barriers we need to smash down.
As an LGBTQ+ artist, what do you find challenging with your music?
One thing I always try to do with my music is send messages to those listening that may identify as LGBTQ+, or as an outsider. One song, from my EP ‘My Gay Heart’, was written as a love letter to the community and serves as an empowering anthem for LGBTQ+ youth. That said, I think one of the biggest challenges for LGBTQ+ artists’ is to not always be lumped into Pride programming. It’s always great to be able to perform in places that don’t necessarily have an LGBTQ+ slant - to further our goal of acceptance and love for all.
Your upcoming single 'Poison' is reflective of the negativity in the world today and how it bombards us. How do you keep the toxicity of society, social media etc. from overpowering you?
Yes! POISON was written based on the famous Nelson Mandela quote: "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” I don’t think anyone can completely avoid all the negativity in the world right now, and if they say they can, they’re lying. I think it’s important to approach everything with humour. The song itself is pointing a cheeky mirror at myself and the world - reflecting how we can sometimes behave. Also, petting my little dog Curtis makes pretty much everything positive again.
With Broadway and stage music in your background, any ambitions to turn to that world as a performer in future?
I would absolutely love to get back into Broadway - I grew up doing productions as a kid, so it would be amazing to go back into it as an adult. I read a rumour somewhere that “The Greatest Showman” was being made into a stage musical. I’d make a killer P.T. Barnum, and I already know all the music :-) Just putting that out there!
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I spend a lot of time listening to and hunting down new music to get inspired. I also love checking out other artists’ shows and of course, lurking Instagram.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
LA or Nashville, because I’d love to take part in the amazing song writing sessions happening daily!
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
That even if you don’t connect with my music, please make the effort to check out and support local artists and musicians. We work hard to create our music, and nothing brings us more joy than seeing someone else take enjoyment from it. Plus, we all could really use the money - to keep creating more!
With his upcoming album, Cory promises fans something new and exciting in format and sound. We can’t wait to hear what he’s been up to! But until then, you can definitely connect with Cory through Instagram (www.instagram.com/coryjstewart) and follow him on Spotify to catch new releases throughout this year (https://open.spotify.com/artist/6chEgA34uO3ZPksMEbnaZf)
