Cory Wong’s new studio album “Lost In The Wonder” drops next month – “an electrifying new collection” which spotlights the Grammy- nominated songwriter, producer, podcast host and guitarist’s gifts as a producer, writer, arranger, band leader, and master of modern pop craftsmanship.
“Lost In The Wonder”, out on 3rd February via Roundwound Media, further affirms Cory’s enduring love of musical collaboration, boasting an eclectic range of guest artists that includes Taylor Hanson, Devon Gilfillian, Stephen Day, Cody Fry, Yam Haus, Louis Cato, Ellis, Elysia Biro, Benny Sings, Theo Katzman and Magic City Hippies.
The new record marks a shift towards a more expansive funk-pop sound, highlighting Cory Wong’s evolution as a writer and arranger.
Aside from Cory’s solo career, he is part of the bands Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers, and will be in the Vulfpeck line-up when they headline London’s 20,000-capacity O2 Arena this summer [8th July], as the opening date of a European tour. His solo concerts in 2026 include headline shows and top-billed festival sets around the world.
“There are lots of sides to me as an artist,” says Cory. “A lot of people know me as a guitar guy, or even more specifically, ‘rhythm guitar guy’. That’s an accurate description, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. I see the guitar as just one of the avenues for my music and creativity. It’s been an absolute joy to develop and form a signature sound as a guitarist, but a huge part of my artistry is in my production/writing/arranging/band-leading.
“I’ve worked on and honed those skills just as much as my guitar playing, so I wanted to make an album that really showcased that side of my creative expression. Does that mean there’s less guitar on this album than on others? No! It’s actually quite the opposite. I feel like some of my best guitar work is done on this album. There’s everything from my classic rhythm guitar sound to multiple layers of orchestrally arranged guitar to blistering solos when the music calls for it.”
Cory Wong is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer, and producer celebrated for his explosive live energy, razor-sharp funk grooves, and boundary-pushing collaborations across genres. Known for blending the technical precision of jazz with the infectious spirit of funk, pop, and soul, he has carved out a singular space as one of modern music’s most dynamic and joyful performers.
A Minneapolis native, Cory rose to international prominence through his work with Vulfpeck, where his rhythmic guitar playing and magnetic stage presence helped define the band’s sound and live aesthetic.
He has since built a prolific solo career, releasing a steady stream of albums that showcase his unmatched versatility, ranging from horn-driven funk and instrumental fusion to expansive collaborations with artists such as Jon Batiste, The Jonas Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, Chromeo, Billy Strings, Tom Misch, Victor Wooten, and more.
On stage, Cory Wong’s shows are a celebration of musicianship and connection, equal parts precision, humour, and unbridled joy. His live performances with the Cory Wong Band and the Fearless Flyers have become must-see events for music lovers, guitar enthusiasts, and groove seekers alike.
Beyond his work as a performer, Cory has established himself as a visionary collaborator and creative force in the modern music landscape. His projects often extend into visual and digital storytelling, including his self-produced variety series The Wongnotes, and his work as host of the Wong Notes Podcast, where he explores creativity and craft with fellow artists.
Cory Wong’s “Track Record”…
1. First song you recall hearing as a child?
There are two songs that always trigger a memory of me looking out from a stroller into a food court. I couldn’t have been more than three; “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby
and the pre-chorus to “Jump” by Van Halen. No other part of “Jump” gives me that visual in my head, but when I hear that pre-chorus it sends me straight back there. Weird!
2. First single you owned?
“Soul to Squeeze” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It wasn’t on any of their albums – I heard it in the movie “Coneheads”.
3. First LP/album you owned?
When I was growing up, we bought CD’s. My dad had a huge record collection, so I didn’t buy many LP’s until I was in my 20’s. I had moved away from home and my dad wouldn’t let me take his copy of “The Koln Concert” by Keith Jarrett. So I had to get my own copy.
4. First CD you owned?
Alanis Morissette: “Jagged Little Pill”.
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
It sounds absurd to buy albums of a band you’re in, but I just bought a few copies of the Vulfpeck “MSG II” vinyl pre-order. It’s from our show at Madison Square Garden this past fall. We don’t keep inventory of any of our albums, and we rarely do a re-print. So I usually buy four to five copies in case my dad or a close friend missed out on one. I guess I also wanted a copy for myself.
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
I have three copies of Steely Dan’s “Aja”, so I’m just about set on that one. I think a vinyl copy of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 soundtrack would be incredible.
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
Steely Dan: “Aja”.
8. Best record ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
“Best” is impossible to answer. So I’ll just go with “Aja”.
9. Guilty secret (or anything unusual or perhaps unexpected) in your music collection?
I have a lot of 90’s punk and ska CD’s. I mean at least 100 weird obscure albums of pop/punk and third wave ska bands. It’s pure nostalgia, but also a lot of it is really really good.
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
Music has always been a way to express my emotions, and find out more about who I am. Music is a safe haven, but it’s also occasionally a nuisance. What I mean by that last comment is that sometimes music really doesn’t feel like it matches the rest of the environment that it’s living in, and it can really distract me from being present.
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
Jamiroquai: “A Funk Odyssey”.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
Ooohh, I think it would be a combination. Forrest Gump style; but instead of music that defined the time and events, it’s music that defined me.
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
“Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix”.
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” or any Al Green.
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married) or which song would you choose if you did get married?
“At Last” by Etta James, performed by a live band.
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke?
“Sabotage” by Beastie Boys – or “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes.
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
“Basket Case” by Green Day. It reminds me of first discovering that music could help me express the way that I’m feeling, but also drive me to discover playing music myself.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
Jamiroquai, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, George Benson, John Mayer, Pat Metheny.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
I like them all for different reasons: Paul Simon, Al Green, Jamie Cullum, Alanis Morissette, Antwaun Stanley.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
“Blackbird” [The Beatles’ song] – Brad Mehldau solo piano version.
3 x colour photos by Taichi Nishimaki
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