Ahead of the release of his new studio album ‘Lost in the Wonder’ (out 3rd Feb) we chatted to the legend that is CORY WONG, read on to find out how he balances being a rhythm‑guitar torchbearer, a producer with a big‑picture brain, and a collaborator who pulls magic out of everyone from Benny Sings to Taylor Hanson? And what happens when you push guitar work into new territory while juggling pop finesse, vintage grit, and key‑change mischief? He has a lot to say about all of it—and his answers are far more revealing, funny, and thoughtful than you might expect. Dive in and get Lost In The Wonder yourself.
Your forthcoming album Lost In The Wonder features a dazzling lineup of guests—from Benny Sings to Taylor Hanson. How did you go about curating such an eclectic mix of collaborators?
Ah, thank you. I’m so excited about the collaborations. To be honest, the collaborations all come from being friends with people, or being fans of each other’s work. All of the collaborators are people that I’ve met on the road or on the internet just through the music community. That’s the way I like it. I’m not the sort of person who just wants to do collaborations because of a career move. I like doing collaborations that will excite me as an artist.
You’ve said this album showcases your skills as a producer, arranger, and bandleader as much as your guitar playing. What was the biggest challenge in balancing those roles?
Honestly it’s not too hard if I keep my producer hat on as the main role. It’s the producers job to make sure that the performances and arrangements all serve the song in the best manner while keeping the artists voice present and potent. I do play a lot of roles in my album making, so I have to just look at ‘Cory the guitar player’ and ‘Cory the bass player’ as other session musicians, hahaha. When I put on the producer hat and really look at the big picture, I might mute or switch up something in the guitar part that I spent a lot of time doing on a previous day. If it makes an improvement on the music, so be it!
The new singles “Lost In The Wonder” and “Tongue Tied” already show different sides of your sound. How do these tracks set the tone for the rest of the album?
I think it showcases the two opposite sides. “Lost In The Wonder” shows a little more of the vintage and gritty side, and “Tongue Tied” is much more of a pop feel. If I can go into music nerd territory for a minute here, both of the first singles also have a key change that goes a minor third away for the guitar solo, and then back to the original key for the rest of the song. I think on this album I was also experimenting with interesting musical changes because of the way they made me feel. There’s so many songs out there with interesting key changes that seem a bit odd on paper, but are so satisfying. Two examples I can think of right now are “Jessie’s Girl” and “Livin on a Prayer”.
You’ve often been described as the “rhythm guitar guy.” How does Lost In The Wonder expand or redefine that perception of you?
There’s no doubt, I’m a rhythm guitar junkie. I embrace and hold the torch high.
I think the thing people neglect to think about when playing rhythm guitar is that you get to create musical hooks that sit within the rhythm section and outline the harmony. It’s really challenging to come up with parts that have multiple functions, but it’s really rewarding. That being said, this album has a lot of guitar solos. I love playing lead guitar too, but only when I feel like the music really needs it.
Collaboration seems central to your creative identity. What do you think working with such a wide range of artists brings out in your own playing?
The thing that makes collaboration great is that it allows the ability for me to draw something out of the collaborator that they would have never done on their own, and they draw something out of me that I would have never done on my own. Each collaboration feels like an opportunity to learn and grow from another artist. I get to explored their process and intention, which sparks curiosity and growth in my own artistry.
You mentioned orchestrally arranged guitar layers and blistering solos on this record. Can you share a moment on the album where you felt you pushed your guitar work into new territory?
I think in general it was fun to explore the use of guitar in the context of modern pop music with jazz harmony. Steely Dan did it in a compelling way, and now I’m exploring my own version of that.
Your upcoming tour includes headline shows and a huge date at London’s O2 Arena with Vulfpeck. How does preparing for a solo tour differ from stepping on stage with the band?
They require different things from me because of the pressure involved. With Vulfpeck, Jack is the band leader but he’s asked me to step up as the musical director and to be the liaison with our agents and production team. Since I’m used to doing that and more in my ‘Cory Wong’ shows, it’s not that big of a lift for me. It’s in my skillset and I’m happy to do it.
Music has taken you around the world countless times, is there one country or city that you always look forward to performing in? What makes it that much more special than others?
It’s so hard to pick…off the top of my head right now: Tokyo, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Dublin, Los Angeles, Lima, Chamonix, NYC, Seattle, Utrecht. I don’t know….I already feel bad about cities I’ve left off. Most of it has to do with the community of musicians and friends I have in the cities.
If you could host your own dinner party with 3 guests (alive or deceased) who would be at the table with you and why?
Jaco Pastorius. Music and entertainment.
Jesus. Parables and free wine.
Adam Sandler. This feels like it would balance the whole thing out.
Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners take away from this album about who Cory Wong is as an artist right now?
I’d like to think that this album showcases a depth of my musicality/writing/arranging/producing in a way that other’s haven’t. I hope that the people who know me from my live shows will get curious enough to explore more of my albums. I hope the people who like this album will want to come out and see me play live.
You’ve played with an incredible range of artists and bands—from Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers to Dave Koz, Chris Thile, Dave Matthews Band, and Dirty Loops. Looking back, which of these have brought you the most joy, and what made that particular experience stand out for you?
I can’t even begin to answer this one because my head will explode. I think Vulfpeck and the community around us has been at the center of most of my career, so that’s gotta be my answer. It’s a group of friends who also happen to love playing music together.
Christmas has been and gone for another year, assuming you have been a good boy in 2025, please tell us what Santa brought you and which of these gifts you love the most?
I finally got a Kindle. I’m excited to have it so I can have multiple books on tour hahaha.
Lastly, there are millions of bands and artists out there, please share names of upcoming or emerging acts that you are enjoying at the moment….
Stephen Day, Trousdale, ber, Nuffer
Lost in the Wonder is released on February 3rd, catch Cory Wong playing live with the legendary VULFPECK in July on their European tour (London O2 - 8 July 2026) - Tickets available HERE
Interview by Steve Muscutt
