Corey Koehler is a Late blooming Minnesota Singer-Songwriter, Dad, Husband, Music Geek, Gen Xer. Last name = Kayler. Go introduce yourself and get free downloads of two of his best songs here http://planetcorey.com
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Corey Koehler: I was born in San Diego when my father was in the Navy. But I I grew up in Winona, MN. I became an artist because I love music. Also, because I wanted to be an example to my kids and to people that it is never too late to follow your muse and change something in your life. This is very important to me since I am sort of a late bloomer. I didn’t start writing, recording and performing until my mid 30’s. People thought I was crazy uprooting my life to do get into music.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Corey Koehler: Actually, my mother and father came up with it. You’ll have to ask them. 🙂
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Corey Koehler: I think that if someone is excited enough to share my stuff, I should let them. Just getting my music heard is big. I give a lot of music away (here:http://planetcorey.com) and offer music downloads on a “name your price” basis. I know that the people who are truly fans will want to support me and help me make more music. To paraphrase Walt Disney, who used movies, “I don’t make music to make money, I make money to make music.”
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Corey Koehler: For gigs, look for and play at as many open jams as possible. Both to proove what you can do and to network with other artist. Also, keep an eye out for clubs in your region that you think you would be great at and start calling. For airplay, read D. Grant Smiths book “The DIY Musicians Radio Handbook” (link: http://dgrantsmith.com/
books/). I know D and he does a much better job explaining than I could.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Corey Koehler: All the time. I just keep playing. Don’t stop.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Corey Koehler: Not at the moment.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Corey Koehler: I get inspiration from almost anything and everything I come into contact with. My process… hmmm… an idea comes, I either write it down or I pick up my guitar and hash it out until I have something.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Corey Koehler: My website is http://planetcorey.com. My music is available pretty much everywhere online… iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, etc. The best place to get it is on my website though. I like to throw in extras for getting it straight from the tap. 🙂
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Corey Koehler: Probably something I have on there for my kids like Kidz Bop or something.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Corey Koehler: I’ve purchased a few apps and a mic to make video on my iPhone. But nothing in the studio yet but I’m sure something will pop up. Always does.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Corey Koehler: Mainly just by being active on social media and inviting people to check out my music. I into much more detail on my music marketing blog –http://musicgoat.com.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Corey Koehler: Hmmmm… never really thought about that. I’ll have to get back to you.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Corey Koehler: I’ve started a Patreon campaign to raise money for my next album. After i have a good start on the album i will look into booking some dates and getting out there to play and meet people face to face.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Corey Koehler: something that pays A LOT better. 🙂
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Corey Koehler: First album was actually two albums (or cassettes to be exact). W.A.S.P. “W.A.S.P.” and Loudness “Thunder in the East.” Their songs and lots and lots of testosterone.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Corey Koehler: Do what I can, when I can.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Corey Koehler: A more open and honest Corey. More online performances. New and better songs.
