Pop-Culturalist.com

Corey Ward is an emerging artist who isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, which is why he’s connected with listeners around the world and become a frontrunner on this season of The Voice. But don’t take our word for it—just ask his coach, Kelly Clarkson, who was brought to tears after hearing his rendition of her song, “Already Gone”. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Corey about his journey thus far in the competition, how he’s preparing for the Live shows, and what he hopes to accomplish.

PC: Your dad is a drummer, and he inspired you to pursue a career in music. Did discovering your artistry come naturally coming from a musical background?
Corey: I would say so. I grew up surrounded by music with my dad being a drummer and listening to his band. I remember loving music from the beginning, even though I got a later start. I loved discovering what styles I liked, and that grew with time and influenced and paved the way for my passion and interest in music.

PC: You’ve been through a lot in your life. How have those experiences made you the artist that you are today?
Corey: I’ve been through a lot of crazy stuff. It reminds me that everyone has their own story and journey. As an artist, it’s important for me to remember that. The same thing that music did for me in escaping and healing, it can do for others. Also, knowing never to assume what people are going through; you never know. Love people where they are.

As an artist, I want to project hope, love, and joy, even though I may sing some sad songs. [laughs] It’s all coming from a good place and coming from my heart. The hardships that I’ve experienced as an artist have sculpted me into making sure that I do everything in my power to give that to someone, to give that hope, to give that relief, and that joy as an artist. That’s my ultimate goal, and I believe that’s how a lot of people feel.

PC: You originally auditioned for Season 19 of The Voice, but unfortunately didn’t make it onto the show. What’s been the biggest thing you’ve focused on since then?
Corey: The biggest thing I’ve focused on since Season 19 was just not giving up, knowing that there’s a reason. Season 19, my mom couldn’t watch because she had some complications with her cancer. Maybe I wasn’t meant to get any chairs because I had to come home and spend time with my family. I felt like I wasn’t done. I had this gut feeling that I wasn’t done. Thankfully, I wasn’t.

The producers called me back and said that they would love to have me back for Season 20. When that happened, I wanted to make sure I stayed true to who I am as an artist and as a person—that means wearing my heart on my sleeve and making sure I practice the dynamics. I didn’t just want to perform well, I wanted to perform from the heart. It’s more than just performing; it’s truly laying it out all on the line on the stage and staying true to who I am, because I’m an emotional guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I wanted to make sure I stayed true to that, and also make sure that I choose songs where there are dynamics to show my gentle side, my falsetto, and my chest voice.

PC: Heading into your Blind Audition, did you have an idea of which coach you wanted to work with? What made Kelly stand out?
Corey: I love Kelly. Kelly reminds me of one of my sisters. She’s always outgoing, energetic, and caring. You can tell that she dives deep with people that she’s involved with. But I didn’t have a real game plan. I say this a lot, but any game plan that you have goes out the window when you step on that stage. You’re like, “All right, here we go.” I was shocked that John [Legend] turned because he’s very particular about his tone that he picks and turns around for. I wasn’t sure that I would be that guy because I’m a little raspier than what I figured he’d like, but it was awesome to see him turn.

With Kelly, what happened was I had a gut feeling that I wanted to go with her, but throughout the whole audition, I kept an open mind. I was talking to all the coaches. I could still feel and see her staring me down with eyes of concern and wondering, “Who is this guy? How can I help him?” She never took her eyes off of me. That’s when I was like, “Okay. I feel like she gets me, or at least wants to, and will help me become a better artist and a better person. That’s when I realized I had to go with my gut.

PC: Throughout the competition, you’ve continued to build on each performance. Does that bring any pressures as you head to the Lives?
Corey: Definitely. I thought about that with my last performance. It’s risky to do your coach’s song, but I’ve gotten so much love and support from that song. I love that song. I felt like it was one of my better performances so far.

The pressure is on. I don’t want to be a letdown, but I’m not going to let that happen! I’m going to continue to do what I do and tell the story that only I can tell. I’m meant to do what’s in front of me and what I’m called to do. That’s what I’m going to stick to. I’m going to trust the process and I’m going to put the work in. There is pressure, but at the same time, I have to make sure that I don’t let that get in my way.

PC: Your performance of “Already Gone” is one of the standout performances of the competition. You brought Kelly to tears in rehearsal. How were you able to bring that same emotion onto the live stage?
Corey: I’m doing this for my family and to prove to myself that even through all this hardship, what people could call darker times in my life, that I’m good enough. I want to make sure that I pour that emotion out. That’s who I am. I’m an emotional guy. I’ll cry on the drop of a dime—it’s true. But it’s always real for me. Through the turmoil in my life, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things. Whenever that happens, the emotion overcomes me. I don’t want to take a single moment for granted. When I think about that, it hits me. That’s when I get emotional.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Corey: I don’t know about surprised, but they probably wouldn’t know some of them. One of the bands would be The Brook & the Bluff.

PC: First album you bought?
Corey: Sliver Chair.

PC: First concert you attended?
Corey: Incubus.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Corey: Incubus. They were so experimental. Their drummer is such a technical drummer. Since I was a drummer first, I learned a lot of rhythmic things from him. But also, Brandon Boyd, the lead singer, was in this experimental rock band. He had such power and soul, and even a bit of R&B melody to his songs. The whole band changed my life and how I see music.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Corey: I can go cliché and say Madison Square Garden. This doesn’t answer your question, but man, I’d be blessed to do anything. Red Rocks would be amazing. Honestly, I don’t know a venue around there, but somewhere near home, being near people that have been with me since Day 1.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Corey: This is a tradition of mine. When I’m on the road, I have to have a bowl of peanuts. I don’t know if it’s a Southern thing, but a bowl of peanuts, and I always get scratch-off tickets for fun. Judge me if you will. There’s something about playing those games. And, of course, music. You always have to have music playing and the windows down.

To keep up with Corey, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC