doing it differently every night, cory branan to play woodlawn stage…with no set list?
Some artists play a setlist. Cory Branan plays the moment.
Known for his raw songwriting and ever-changing live shows, no two Cory Branan sets are ever the same. Ahead of his upcoming stop at Woodlawn Theatre, we caught up with him to talk touring, going solo, and what fans can expect this time around.
a few facts
For folks who might be new to your music—how would you describe it?
“Alas, I don’t. Ear of the beholder n’ whatnot.”
Who shaped your sound growing up?
“John Prine, Thin Lizzy.”
You’ve been doing this a while—how did it all start?
“Solo act.”
Do you have a favorite city to play?
“Little Rock, Arkansas—solely because of the Whitewater Tavern. It’s my favorite venue.”
What’s been one of the toughest moments of touring?
“True answer is, alas, bleak. The lovely soundman, Benji at the New Brooklyn Tavern died mid-set. RIP Benji.”
What’s one of the wildest things that’s happened to you on the road?
“Once drove 24 hours from Texas to San Francisco for a pickup gig at the Fillmore opening for my buddies The North Mississippi Allstars. Made it in time to park and walk on stage. Was a much younger, dumber man.”
who are you listening to right now?
What have you been listening to lately—music or otherwise?
“Not a podcast guy. Psychotic level of audiobooks though—currently relistening to David Sedaris’ Calypso*.”*
If you could hit the road with anyone, who would it be?
“Thin Lizzy.”
Any newer artists you’ve been keeping an eye on?
“I’m pretty out of touch. Usually discover new stuff if someone opens for me or a buddy drops a new record. As for the latter, Brian Fallon’s upcoming solo release he did with Butch Walker.”
what should Woodlawn expect?
It’s been a minute since you’ve played Birmingham—what stands out to you about the city?
“I honestly can’t remember which was the last gig. It’s been a piece tho. Have had some great times there—seems like there’s 8 new great restaurants every time I cut through.”
What can fans expect from your show at Woodlawn Theatre?
“For better or worse, a show that’ll happen once and never again. Playing solo gives me the freedom to always be deconstructing, improvising on tunes. In literal terms I’ll just be switching back and forth from acoustic, electric (maybe keys) and playing my tunes.”
Any songs you’re tired of playing live?
“None really. I never make set lists and am always changing the structures, keys, style of the tunes so I stay interested. (I’ve conveniently forgotten a few I guess).”
What does get you excited to play right now?
“I imagine like most folks, the most recent things I’ve written.”
Anything you want to say to your fans?
“Hopefully see ya soon. I’ll be doing this til I day so, if not this time, may we both get another chance.”
Catch Cory Branan at Woodlawn Theatre for a show that truly won’t happen the same way twice. Whether you’ve been listening for years or you’re just discovering his music, this is one you don’t want to miss.