Most artists have some sort of origin story behind how they became the musicians they are today. Lafayette musician Cory Landry doesn’t have one of these babbling tales. He is a man who focuses less on the theatrics of music and more on the music itself.
Landry began teaching himself how to play the piano in the sixth grade. He played trumpet thoughout grade school and received an offer to play in the Tiger Band upon graduation, but Landry made the decision to forgo a college education immediately after high school because he wasn’t interested. Instead, he worked in a restaurant as a waiter and manager.
After three years, Landry decided to return to school but dropped out after realizing college wasn’t what he needed. He learned how to play the guitar during these years and made the decision to dedicate his time to his music.
Despite describing himself as “bland,” Landry has developed a fan base that finds him relatable and entertaining. He believes his music and delivery allow listeners to connect with him. Landry said there are many times that bar owners will apologize for having a “slow night,” but he is satisfied performing in front of any amount of people because of the passion he puts into his sets.
Landry performs in Louisiana multiple times a year, as it’s more cost-efficient to play in state. He has traveled to venues in Mississippi and Texas during his career.
“I treat my music as a passion and a business,” Landry said. “Staying in state helps to cut some of my losses.”
Landry draws inspiration from interesting stories he has heard or finding a new chord progression on his guitar. Returning to his mantra of keeping things simple, Landry said his songs are “not rocket science.”
“Songs don’t have to be intricate or complex for people to like them,” Landry said. “It all depends on the emotion.”
Landry began as a cover artist performing songs of other musical acts, but in 2010 something changed. He said there were many ups and downs in that year, from the birth of his godchild to his own relationship issues. Landry bottled the storm of emotions he had and put together his first album “Evangeline” in 2012.
Financial struggles caused the album’s creation to be slowed. Recording studios that Landry looked into charged $700 to $1,000 each day. Without anyone backing him, Landry decided to gather his own equipment and record “Evangeline” in his bedroom. He played every instrument on the album except for the drums.
After its release, Landry began receiving emails from people in places such as Oregon and Minnesota who empathized with his music. People from all over the nation purchased the record, encouraging Landry to put more effort and passion into the second album.
Landry created a Kickstarter page to help fund his second album, “A Proposition for the End of the World.” The artist said he is investing more money into this project’s production quality and overall sound.
In November 2013, Landry’s life changed as he “inherited a family.” He began dating a woman with four kids and entered into a different lifestyle. Landry said the purpose of the campaign is to ease the pressures of being a family man and a musician. He attributes his ability to juggle his responsibilities to a lack of sleep, but the support of his family allows him to find a balance.
“I average about 60 to 80 hours of performances a month with about 25 shows,” Landry said. “So when I can nap, I do.”
Landry typically performs acoustic sets with his guitar and a friend who plays a box drum known as the cajón. During a few of his upcoming shows, Landry will deliver his sets with a full live band.
As an independent artist, Landry books his own performances and handles his own networking through his website and social media.
“The business of the music industry is just as important as the entertainment,” Landry said. “Independent artists are treating it as such, and a change in the treatment of artists is coming.”
All of Landry’s show dates can be found at corylandrymusic.com.
“Songs don’t have to be intricate or complex for people to like them. It all depends on the emotion.”