Meet Corey Conway

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Conway. 

Hi Corey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We were raised in a very music-centric household with our father being an avid audiophile, record collector, and concertgoer. So, we were exposed to all kinds of music at a very young age which I believe was the foundation of our passion and interest in music. We also had a heavy influence from my mom’s side of the family with multiple uncles and cousins that have been playing and singing for as long as I can remember. My dad bought an American Standard Stratocaster around the time I was born and started taking lessons, and that’s the guitar that I eventually picked up and learned on when I was about 14. Probably around that same time, we traded a foosball table for my cousin’s old drumset, and that’s when Dylan really started getting into playing as well. We had so much fun early on, just cranking up and jamming, that we both continued down the path of playing in bands and constantly making music. We’ve both played in various groups over the years, but recently we’ve mainly been playing out as the Conway Brothers. Sometimes it’s just a trio with Spencer Cutlip on the bass, and other times we have guest musicians play with us. Music is our passion, and we plan on continuing to write/record/perform for as long as we can. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. We have definitely dealt with some of the typical issues that come up when trying to form a band and keep it moving towards a common goal. Artistic differences and personnel changes are some of the toughest things that many bands contend with. I’ve been saying for a while that it’s one thing to find a group of people that is good at playing music together, and it’s another thing entirely to manage that group and try to keep everyone happy and on the same page so you can stay together long enough to make something meaningful happen. Luckily, we found a way to overcome those obstacles and continue moving forward. Some bands don’t make it past the creative differences and personnel changes, and that could spell the end of careers. I think that speaks to the strength of our relationship as brothers because we always come back to just the sheer enjoyment of playing music with each other. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In our music, we draw from a variety of genres and influences that results in our own unique blend of blues, funk, soul, rock, jazz, and hip hop. We have been spending the summer dialing in our live set and playing gigs all over Northeast Ohio. Once the summer gig schedule calms down a bit, we are planning on hitting the studio to record a full-length album, which I believe will be our best release to date. We’ve accumulated a giant backlog of new original music that we are very excited about! 

In addition to writing recording, and performing music, we both have day jobs! Our passion for music and sound has certainly spilled over into other areas of our professional lives. For a number of years, we both worked for a major manufacturer of microphones, headphones, and turntables that helped us understand the industry that provides the “tools of the trade” for musicians (and music lovers) like us. Though we have both since moved on from that company, we are still involved with sales and marketing of products that directly relate to the creation and enjoyment of music and sound. It’s nice to have a full-time career that complements a lot of what we are trying to do with music. So, for now, we treat the music as a serious hobby while the day jobs take priority since they provide stability and help support the hobby. Turns our music gear and studio time are expensive! 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I think Akron is a hidden gem with a lot of upside potential. It’s the only place that truly feels like home for me. It’s not a huge city, so the creative community is very tight-knit, and there is a TON of talent here. I’ve been especially blown away by the jazz scene in town, which has inspired us to never stop trying to push the limits of our own musical ability. 

My main issue with our city as it relates to the topic of music and arts is that tribute bands rule the main stages at the city’s largest events. There’s so much amazing local talent in and around Akron, and I wish there was a way to draw the same crowds for local groups as you can for a journey tribute band. I’m not placing the blame on the city or the public; I’m just saying there’s got to be a better way! 

Contact Info:

• Website: coreyconwaymusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conwaybrothersmusic/
• Facebook: facebook.com/ConwayBrothersMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL6W38wWXkQqryYUm1Qv6OA

Image Credits
Chris Kurka
See-Factor Photography
Mitch Jendrisak
Emmy Strong