Musician Corey Legge has been hard at work recording his debut solo album in New Zealand, and he’s received a little helping hand from the local music fraternity.
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Spending 12 days in the studio with one day off in the middle was a massive challenge, but rewarding.
- Corey Legge
The project is four years in the making for the Swamp Stompers guitarist and vocalist, and it’s a move which will allow him perform more intimate shows.
“It’s time to put this music out to the world,” Legge said.
After receiving a $10,000 Create NSW grant last year, the not-for-profit Yuin Folk Club has helped the recording process with a $1000 scholarship.
“Corey is writing fantastic new material, so I’m glad he heard we were doing this and applied for his recording project,” club member Dave Crowden said.
“It’s good to support and encourage local musicians.”
The February launch of the album will kick off a 12 date East coast tour, which will start at this year’s Cobargo Folk Festival.
“It’s appropriate to launch the album locally first because the area is so ingrained in the album,” Legge said.
The album features songs about his childhood in the Bega Valley and the period of self-discovery after finishing high school.
Initially he had planned the project to be an EP, however it quickly evolved while working alongside producer Marlon Williams of Yarra Benders fame in the port town of Lyttelton.
Legge said he is a “massive fan” of the producer who initially built a following as frontman for the group The Unfaithful Ways.
“I thought I was there so I may as well do it and record an album,” Legge said.
“Working with a professional producer, he pushed me in the right direction and reinterpreted some songs.
“Spending 12 days in the studio with one day off in the middle was a massive challenge, but rewarding.”
In a shift away from the energy of live rock shows the Swamp Stompers have become synonymous with, Legge is looking forward to getting closer with his audience.
“The intimate shows are more about storytelling, and I like the fact you can go into the history between songs,” Legge said.
“It’s a chance to tell your back story and engage people in a different way.”
He has put together a four piece band for the tour which will include 19-Twenty bass player Matt Crawford.
“I only moved to Wollongong last year so I didn’t know many musicians, but it was really easy to rehears with Matt because we could meet up every week,” Legge said.
“I’ve been writing the album for four years and it’s all come together.”
