Chris Thile, The Punch Brother and MacArthur Genius, talks about his choice of the mandolin and its relation to Roger Federer. They discuss returning to normal activities after restrictions, reflections on time and worldview, the influence of craftsmanship on music, obsession with tiki bars, the current state of the music industry, and how to handle pressure as an artist.
Collaboration with passionate and detail-oriented individuals helps Wong transcend himself and become a better musician and person.
Paying attention to details in all aspects of life, from coffee beans to music, adds meaning and joy to the overall experience.
Wong thrives on the transformative power of collaboration, where shared passion and mutual energy elevate the music to new heights.
Deep dives
The joy of collaboration and seeking mutual care
The key aspect in collaboration for Corey Wong is finding mutual care and delighting in that care with fellow musicians. He seeks out people who are deeply passionate about their craft and appreciate the details that go into their work. Wong believes that being around such individuals helps him transcend himself and become a better musician and person. It's the double bounce effect, where both collaborators inspire and elevate each other through their shared dedication and care.
The significance of attention to detail
Wong's appreciation for excellence and craftsmanship extends beyond music. He mentions that his upbringing in a family that valued attention to detail has influenced his perception of different mediums, whether it's the beans in his coffee, the ingredients in a cocktail, or the grapes in a bottle of wine. Wong believes that paying attention to the details and seeking the best in each area of life adds meaning and joy to the overall experience.
The importance of focus and single-mindedness
Wong emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one thing at a time. He finds it difficult to multitask and prefers giving his entire being to the task at hand. For example, when listening to music, he wants to fully immerse himself without any distractions. Wong also expresses his dislike for the combination of music and food in certain settings, as he believes they should be enjoyed separately to fully appreciate their individual experiences.
The transformative power of collaboration
Wong thrives on the transformative power of collaboration with other musicians. He seeks out those who inspire him and make him feel changed after playing together. Wong mentions how playing with talented musicians like Brad Mehldau and Joe Dart feels like a double bounce on a trampoline, where their shared passion and mutual energy elevate the music to new heights. He believes that collaboration not only improves his craft but also makes him a better person and an active participant in the creative process.
Importance of Recognizing Rhythmic Input
In the podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of drummers and musicians recognizing and incorporating the rhythmic input of other band members. They discuss how some drummers dominate the rhythm and diminish the contribution of other musicians, but the greatest drummers are those who listen to everyone's rhythmic input and integrate it into their own playing. They highlight the significance of rhythm as a two-way conversation and emphasize that all musicians, not just drummers, should recognize and appreciate the rhythmic agency of their fellow bandmates.
The Value of Music and the Pressure to Deliver
The podcast addresses the perceived decrease in the value of music in today's society, mainly due to its easy accessibility. The speaker expresses concern that music often becomes background noise and is taken for granted. They encourage listeners to actively engage with music, make it a focal point, and create meaningful experiences around it. The discussion also touches on the pressure artists face to deliver, especially after achieving success. The speaker advises artists to trust themselves, focus on their own artistic instincts, and strive for personal satisfaction rather than external validation. They suggest that the true measure of success lies in making music that is authentic, emotionally resonant, and demands attention from both the artist and the audience.
