Appalachian Voices: Doin’ Our Best with Corduroy Brown
Don’t look now, but there’s a musical movement coming from the Appalachian Region (especially West Virginia). As a native of the Appalachian region in Ohio and an alumni of Ohio University and West Virginia University, it’s on me to share some of these voices! Today we have singer/songwriter Corduroy Brown! Check out what he had to say!
You are part of an emerging group of singer/songwriters and bands on the scene coming out of the Appalachian region (I’m from there too!), particularly West Virginia. Can you share how the region has impacted your sound and upbringing in music?
“Being from here in WV, you're always surrounded and near so many incredible, kind, humble, and talented people. There are people who are writing authentic music from their own perspectives and it really has no other choice to rub off on you when you're from here. There is just such a diverse sound too. West Virginia or Appalachia in general has way more than folks might assume. The scene is full of hardcore music, rap, blues, rock and country and literally everything in between.”
You have an inspirational story that includes being revived from life support during COVID. Can you share for those that don’t know what happened? Also, how has that experience shaped you both in life and in music?
“COVID was hard on everyone...I know so many folks who lost family members and friends. My story started in 2021 and I can link to some lengthy, in depth explanations here: I ended up on a ventilator, and was life-flighted to Ruby Memorial Hospital, then was placed on a type of life support called ECMO. I saw the other side when I died, and came back. It's so so much to really put into text, but an experience like that can only shift how every second in your life is lived.”
“I saw the other side and the overwhelming and consuming joy that was there was nothing like the world here feels like. The weight of the world came back to me when I got back to being earth-side. There's just so much we focus on here that is truly a net loss of our time. I don't write songs about that experience, but I do think my overall message is to make sure. we're living on this earth and making the most of this once chance we get at it. Chase your joy and 10000mph.”
You have some upcoming tour dates later this month in Kentucky and elsewhere. What are you most looking forward to about these upcoming shows? Also, what do you most enjoy about a venue, and maybe what are some things you might see and not be such a fan of?
“This year has been such a reset on all fronts. We've been doing some cool shows and festivals, but the world/universe/god or whomever has been reminding me to slow down this year, reset, write, fix things.”
“While we haven't locked in the new songs fully with the band, i've been taking time to road test new songs and it's just so fun again. I don't think I lost my spark this year, but I have kind of had to find a way to fall back in love with touring. I just know that 2027 is going to be really juicy.”
I rarely use the term “hook” because I feel like that’s a specific thing that most don’t achieve on a chorus. However, you make banger after banger with feel good sounds and catchy hooks! What goes into building a chorus that resonates with both you and the audience?
“That's very kind of you. In 2026, with so much to care about, and so many things that are fighting for your attention...It blows me away that anyone knows that I do music at all. The biggest thing to create - is to ask if you (the artist) likes what you're saying/singing? Like do you believe what you're saying? Not that every song has to be some revelation/lesson, but if it's something you love, enjoy or believe, that's what makes anything worth listening to. Bonus points if you can make it catchy 😎”
A little bird told me you’re going to be releasing a new record next year! Anything you can share on your new music?
“Absolutely, we're been chipping away at the new album name "Sorry for Oversharing." I've been inspired so much by. Michigander, Houndmouth, and Wilderado in the last few years so it really leans into the indie sounds of that. Looking at 10-12 songs. Don't know the exact release date at the moment, but it's on the way. It's long overdue.”
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