March 18, 2024 • 37 mins
Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of CORii, a rising star in the music industry who is making waves as a sensational singer and prolific songwriter. Dr. Mailhiot sits down with CORii to delve into the highs and lows of her remarkable career. Navigating the pressures of the music industry is no easy feat, but CORii's unwavering determination and steadfast belief in herself have propelled her to new heights of success. From honing her songwriting craft to captivating audiences with her soulful voice, CORii shares her unforgettable experience on NBC's The Voice, where she wowed audiences and judges alike, earning a coveted spot in the top 36 contestants. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a fan of heartfelt melodies, or simply seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, CORii's story will surely resonate with you.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (00:00):
Welcome to Rowan College at Burlington
County's Baroness Podcast. I'mDr. Brook Mailhiot, program
chair and assistant professor ofour entertainment technologies
department. I'm the co chair ofthe Women's Advocacy Group, a
subcommittee of the President'sAdvisory Council on diversity,
equity and inclusion. Thismonthly series highlights women
(00:24):
in leadership, while encouraginglisteners to build their skills,
connect with the community andvisualize the opportunities
available to women in variousprofessions. Tune in for a
female perspective on theBurlington County community. We
are here to listen to theseamazing women and if you want to
(00:45):
hear from women who lead andinspire this podcast is for you.
Welcome to march. And do I havea treat for you today we have
CORii joining us today and Ipicked CORii or aka Courtney
McBride or vice versa CourtneyMcBride, aka Cory this month of
March because it is NationalMusic In Our Schools month. If
(01:06):
you didn't know that, and it isinternational teach music week.
And it is also world theatre dayin World piano day all in the
month of March. So this istotally for CORii. And let me
tell you all who CORii is CORiihas established herself as a
prominent figure in theindustry, excelling not only as
(01:26):
a talented singer, but also as asuccessful songwriter. She
captivated audiences on NBCsongbird, where she showcased
her song with which has amassedover 500k streams, holy spokes
on Spotify. Amazing. And if youdon't know the term quarry or
the or her artist, right, that'syour artist name artists name.
(01:47):
Her she was on just this lastseason of NBCs. The voice where
she made it to the top 36 CORiilives with her husband and her
adorable two year old sonBrooks. And throughout the years
CORii has performed in LAPhilly, New York. And when she's
not fulfilling her mommy dutiesare performing. She writes
(02:08):
things music for national cheercompetitions, hustles for TV and
film placements, and teachesvocal lessons in the South
Jersey area. Please everybody,welcome CORii aka or vice versa.
Courtney McBride. Thank you forjoining us, of course. Thanks
Unknown (02:25):
for having me.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:26):
So, I mean, you've had such an amazing
career. You're such a youngwoman at such a young age. Well,
you're younger than me. So kudosto you, girlfriend, you're just
starting out. Give us the shortbut sweet summarization of like
how you've gotten to this point,this dream that you know, and I
(02:48):
know it started in the schools,because I recently saw you
perform, and you're such anadvocate and a passionate
performer. And I think you youstarted at such a young age.
Yeah,
Unknown (03:00):
um, I think school just wasn't for me. And I knew it
wasn't for me. And I wasfortunate enough to have parents
that supported me. You know,they wanted me to do my best but
also took rein and said, Listen,like we want to help you
succeed. Yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (03:18):
follow your passion, follow your dream. And
not everybody's parents supportthat. So kudos to, to my of your
parents for helping support thatthat artistic dream of yours,
Unknown (03:28):
they and it was, it was something new for them for sure.
Because both my sisters werevery bright, and, you know, on a
different route. But people toldmy mom this, this girl needs to
do go to music school, and youneed to try and you know, she
took me to both my parents tookme to two vocal teachers in high
(03:49):
school and, you know, startedtaking it really seriously. And
started writing. And when I wasin high school, I was seeing
someone in Atlantic City, who,Sal Dupree, who still teach us
to this day, and also taughtanother girl on the voice this
past season. So we, we talkedabout that, Mara. But he had
(04:11):
such a great business where healso had a music producer linked
up with him. So I then, youknow, seeing him and then he
sent me that way to go with him.So that's kind of where I
started to fall in love with,with songwriting as well. Like,
I was a very social person inhigh school, and I was always
listening to everyone'sconversations and the drama and
(04:33):
yeah, and I was like, Ooh, like,I would go home. And I'd be
like, I'm going to write aboutthat situation. I heard at the
cafeteria, and, you know,probably should have been
focusing a little bit on myhomework, but like I said, I
just knew it wasn't for me. And,you know, I ended up going to
Berklee College of Music andjust really kind of figuring out
who I was. And it just it madesense. So, you know, I'm really
(04:55):
big on helping, you know,especially my students now just
now All of us are meant to be inschool and want to be a doctor
and a nurse. And that's okay.And then there's also some
people who just want to dosinging because it makes them
feel good. And it's a passion.Or some people, you know, it's
going to be their career and intheir life, but yeah, I just, I
(05:19):
just went to Berkeley made somany connections and kind of
from there is when everythingstarted to flourish. And I
started just meeting more peoplemeeting more producers
songwriters, and lived out inLos Angeles and just kept going,
you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (05:36):
and you're still keeping me going. They're
still going. And people have toknow that I don't think people
realize that every day, you'vegot to keep going. You have to
keep you know, advocating foryourself, especially in the art
field and the music field. Likeit's a struggle. Yeah,
Unknown (05:53):
it's yeah, you then that's the thing is, it's hard,
because there's so many highs,but there's so many lows. But if
you love something so much, youjust have to embrace those lows
and keep fighting for sure. Butit's it is it's I mean, being an
adult is an uphill battle, nomatter what, what you're doing
with your career. But if youlove something, yeah, you just
(06:17):
have to keep working hard.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (06:18):
What I love about you is your passion, your
joy, your love of of what you'redoing in your career, and in
your personal and your artisticcareer. But like you said
earlier, you're being like thismentor to the youth. And I think
that's one of the reasons why Iwas like, I need to interview
you, because I think noteverybody has that and can
(06:40):
provide that and give that. Andyou have such patience and such
love and support that you givethese young, you know, these
young creatives, why why do youdo that? Like, what makes you
want to give back? What? And?And how amazing you are at it.
Like, what is that about it?About you? Well,
Unknown (07:02):
one, I think like I said before, I am a very social
person, I just love people, andI've always been drawn to
people, you know, I went tocollege, not not only to be a
singer and all that stuff, but Iyou know, ended up thinking,
Alright, I need to do somethingas a plan B in case I'm a very
realist person, and my parentswere paying a lot of money for
me to also go to this expensiveschool. So I did music therapy,
(07:24):
and you know, so I've alwaysbeen a people person, I've
always just wanted to helppeople. And I think, especially
being in the South Jersey areacoming back, I knew that it was
really hard for me to kind offind my niche and have people
kind of guide me in specificallywhat I wanted to do. I think
there is a lot of musicaltheater and and classical
(07:49):
mentors out there. I think it isreally hard to find
contemporary. So I am like, inmy brain. All right, well, if
I'm going to be moving back,what is a way that I can do
something that I love, but alsohelp do something that nobody
was really able to help me, youknow, my parents drove me an
(08:09):
hour and a half to Atlantic Cityto get me what I was doing. So I
just, there's something abouthelping kids too. And I do teach
adults and even adults just, Iknow how much I love this, this
amazing thing that I do, whichis music, and I just always have
wanted to help these kids andjust have the opportunities that
(08:32):
I feel like kind of lacked inthis area. And that's why a lot
of people you know, are in LosAngeles and Nashville, New York,
because those are the placesthat where it's all happening
and flourishing. Sure. And Iwould love to be somebody that
helps develop and support thiscommunity of amazingly talented
kids. Because guess what, thereare a lot of people from Jersey
(08:53):
that yeah, you go to LosAngeles, and they're like, I'm
from Jersey, it's like, oh mygod, it's a small state, but
it's big at the same time.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (09:02):
Now, you said a key word in there, you
said Nashville and on the voicethis last season, if anybody
watched the voice, you were thebutton was pushed by Reba. And
you know, she's a country girl.And she was your mentor too. And
(09:22):
I think that's reallyinteresting that you are the
mentor and now you're then beingmentored what what are some
things that you got to learnfrom her and her? I mean, I know
there's a whole staff of slew ofsupporters and people that were
helping mentor you on the voicebut what were some of the things
that takeaways that then nowyou're being able to share with
your young musicians?
Unknown (09:44):
The one thing I think it's she mentored is very
similar to I feel like how Imentor Okay, I think she is
really big on storytelling, andI'm also very big on
storytelling. I And I'm alsovery big on trying to not, you
know, close your eyes and reallyconnect and tell the stories
(10:06):
when you're singing. It's notjust about singing, you know,
people want to feel something.So she was really big on that.
So hearing that made me kind ofvalidate. Okay. This is, you
know, I think I'm doing theright things, you know, yeah,
it's subjective. So you don'tknow all the time. But I think
also, the big thing for her is,besides storytelling is really
(10:26):
just like being a good person.And she just like radiates being
a really good person. And Ithink a lot of people connect
her even if you don't listen tocountry music, which I'm not a
huge country fan. Yeah, she'sjust there's something about
resonates about, like this aura.Yeah. It's like, it's like a
spotlights hitting her. Andyou're just like, You're drawn
(10:46):
by her smile, and herpersonality and her infectious.
Everything's infectious abouther. So I think, but besides
that, I think the, thestorytelling for sure.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (10:55):
And being in the spotlight, and being over
in LA, and the Bright Lights,Big City, all that kind of
stuff. And then like you said,you're coming back to your roots
here in South Jersey. What isthat? Like? Because there's so
many people that are trying tomake it right. I mean, yeah,
hundreds and 1000s. From from,like you said, we have such a
(11:17):
wealth of, of beautiful artistshere in South Jersey. And
everybody's trying to be thatsinger, songwriter, that content
creator or that, you know, thesinger and whatever, and finding
their voice and trying to makeit big? What kind of you know,
what would you tell them? Whatare some, what's some advice
(11:40):
that you would tell those up andcoming singers that want to take
it to the next level? Noteverybody gets that opportunity
that you got? I mean, amazing to
Unknown (11:51):
be on a national show, yes, biggest advice that I give
everyone. And like, I feel likeit didn't, I had heard it
before. And it didn't resonatewith me until you got older
really is just you, you get morenose than yeses. And that's
okay. But if it's something thatyou truly love, you have to keep
(12:14):
working hard, like you can't letthose nose you know, bring you
down. Because all these peoplein this business have gotten so
many nose you hear so manystories, I wish I had 35 cents
in my bank account. And then allof a sudden, they they both get
paid. Yeah. And you know, andit's hard. And I always say,
Listen, dwell on it on a day.But then think, what did I do?
(12:36):
What can I what can I learn fromthis? Was there what are the
positives from it? But what whatare things to help you grow, but
always, always know that thereare more nose than yeses, and
those yeses end up making youforget those knows for sure.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (12:51):
And I'm sure that's even harder with
some of your younger students,because I know you teach like
910 1112 year olds, it'sprobably going to be much
different to explain that tothem that it is your adult
students. So how did they handlethat? And how do you handle
that?
Unknown (13:07):
Yeah, I mean, like I said, I didn't really grasp that
until I was older. Because Ididn't get those Zwarte those
yeses, and, you know, it's like,you feel like the world and but
I always, I always would letmyself dwell for a day and cry
and feel sad. And then I'd belike, All right, well, this is
what I'm doing. So there's nogoing back and I just have to
(13:30):
keep moving forward. But yeah,for the young ones, I mean, I
just keep telling them like,look, look at the future of
where I am. I'm on one person,you know, it's okay. I always
tell them it's okay to feel sad.And you know, as long as you
know, you worked hard and youdid the best you can. That's all
you can do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (13:52):
And then you got the yes from Reba you go
back. And then somebody savesyou. Yep,
Unknown (13:59):
I got two steals and I'm picked when my audition
really was, was not good. Andit's okay. Like I said, it's not
I was not I was out of practice,for sure. And like, you have to
auditioning is a skill and thatwas if you ask anybody who's
audition for the voice, theywill all tell you there's
nothing scarier than that BlindAudition it's you could hear a
(14:22):
pin drop in there the air waslike blasting like you were in
the Arctic tundra. Your yourbreeze you're freezing your
throat is as dry as ever. Andyou walk out it's dead silent.
It's just you know someone'sabout to listen to your every
little without looking at you.And that's the hardest part
(14:44):
because I'm also a storytellerlike I love performing well
right
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (14:47):
and you want to you weren't nervous and
you want to react to their theirreactions. That's what a former
does you feed off for theaudience, right? Yeah. And now
you're like, This is your you'reflying blind. You're like, I got
nothing. I got it. I don't knowwhat they're saying. again.
Yeah,
Unknown (15:01):
and it's hard because when you're nervous when you're
nervous anybody who's listeningto this and sings, you know,
like your voice can have a mindof its own. And it was it was
scary. So by the time I was donethat, not great audition, which
Thank goodness she heardsomething that was the song he
sang. Thanks scared to be lonelydo a LiPo which also wasn't
(15:21):
anywhere near my top choice, butthey picked that that's a
little, little part of the show.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:27):
They pick they pick. So
Unknown (15:29):
it's like you give them song choices that you like, and
you kind of list which ones aretop and Okay, sometimes, when
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:35):
not everybody, not everybody likes a
song choice that is given tothem. But
Unknown (15:40):
you and I liked and I liked the song. I usually
typically did it as a ballad,but sure, because it's a dance
like kind of dance songs copy,but if I made it slower, which I
did arrange it a little bit withthem, but if I slowed it even
more, you only have 90 seconds.So it cuts even more of the song
out. So it's like a whole thing,but that's an another she heard
(16:01):
something in here or somethingin me when I looked luckily
saying the chorus Hi, thankgoodness. But yeah, I was ready
to do my battle. You know, I hadnot heard the song. And I went
in my room and I busted my buttand I learned it in a day. And I
was ready. I was like there'sI'm going for this bad boy.
(16:22):
Right right. Right. Um, andyeah, I luckily got stone and I
picked when
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:30):
I not everybody can say that. They
just picked Mr. Funny like, goodold good old grand like your
house or Mike you know, way backsouth Jersey peeps,
Unknown (16:43):
you know? Yeah, I noticed that she still looks at
all my stories. So she's to meover the weekend. Did you regret
letting me go but
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:54):
I didn't ever know when it's gonna come
back. You never know, networknetworking, and it's all about
there. Okay, so what did youthink for the second? We
Unknown (17:02):
sang new attitude Patti LaBelle was like, I didn't know
that song. And I'm like, I mean,I know. That 1000 times I know
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:11):
that style of of song is where you your
voice you have that that thatshowcases I think your your
voice that that style of yourvoice. I thought it was great.
Well, thank you. Yeah, but youdidn't know that. So I didn't so
Oh, my God, I'm, I'm, I'm well,I'm old. But I know that's on.
But maybe in another time. I
Unknown (17:31):
just didn't. And I didn't watch Beverly. I think it
was supposedly someone saidBeverly Hills, their theme song
or whatever. I know, every HillsCop or one of those ones. Okay,
but that another thing like Iwasn't in that timeframe, but
yeah, it definitely. And I feltlike they were like, alright, so
you're going against Miss Monet.And it's Patti LaBelle new
(17:54):
attitude. And I'm like, youtrying to kick me off arch?
Well, guess what? I'm goingupstairs, and I'm gonna practice
so hard that I'm gonna make younot kick me off. So you were
motivated, I was motivated. Iwas motivated to redeem myself
to show them. And that's kind ofwhat happened. And that's what
everyone kept saying was thatwas like a night and day
difference. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (18:15):
then picking and then you had two
people try and steal you right?Yep. And I picked
Unknown (18:18):
one and then the next round I sang. Ain't it fun?
Paramore, which was is that yourchoice? Or it was? So it was one
of my top choices? I wouldn'thave actually wanted to have
sung it if I knew. So that I hadto write all these down before
you knew who you were. Before Iknew my battle song. Oh, okay.
So I would have loved to havesong shallow or some kind of
(18:41):
ballad to show about sight. Butthis is all reality TV. Yeah,
sure. The things that peopledon't It's Hollywood, its
Hollywood, but it's fine. Youknow, I went out with something
I do love and you know, it waswhat it was. But so
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (18:57):
from the voice which, you know, I know
timely. And we all think it'slike real instant. I know that
ended a while ago now for you.So now, what are you what's,
what's the future holding forCory? Now? Where are you at?
What are you looking to do?That's okay. There's no real
answer. But
Unknown (19:15):
I was just saying to my husband today that you know,
we're talking about thingsbecause I was talking about
maybe doing some musical theaterthings and all that stuff, but
the voice just made me actuallyfeel the opposite. It's not that
I'm giving it up. Or you know, Istill want to release music and
(19:37):
do things on my own terms. But Ido think you know, from learning
this living this experience likethe internet is just a wild wild
wild west. It is the wild wildwest. You know, it's a
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (19:52):
never know where you're next. Yeah,
Unknown (19:54):
I have a skin I can take whatever anyone gives me
that's you know, but He
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:00):
brought in that keyboard warriors I call
them they're all the rage. Yeah,just like
Unknown (20:05):
do you sit at home and want people to feel badly? Like
it's crazy. So it was hard itwas. I think that was the
hardest part for me about thewhole experience is like the
aftermath. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:16):
an emotional mental. Just
Unknown (20:18):
Oh,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:18):
tell me about how you dealt with the, I
mean, as a female, I think, youknow, a lot of us that emotional
mental toll that that people aremean. And people are, it's tough
when you're sitting behind ascreen what to do. And I think
not a lot of people kind of talkabout that. And you being in
limelight and being on thesereality shows and putting your
(20:40):
work out there and puttingyourself out there your
uniqueness, your personal self,and your artistry. How did you
deal with that? Because there Iknow, there's the haters. And so
how do you deal with that day today?
Unknown (20:53):
I mean, it was definitely soul sucking. That's
what I kind of described it as.And like I said, I have really
thick skin and I'm fine with it.But it was more when the people
were like, I'm in, likecommenting on my voice who will
be like, you know, she's reallygood singer, but she doesn't
seem very likable. And you'relike, I'm like, oh my god like
(21:14):
that. For that comment of allthe comments. 1000 Yeah, killed
me. Yeah, just because you'relike, wow, like, then you start
to second guess like, Wow, am Inot like do am am I not
presenting as likable or, youknow, like
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (21:31):
to my eyes stray 30 degrees off to make you
think better. So I don't knowwhat's going on. Oh, like this
thing.
Unknown (21:38):
And then you're like, wait a minute, that person's
probably very unhappy. But longstory short of that is I love
singing like there's nothingmakes me happier and writing and
helping kids and during my cheermusic and all these things that
I'm doing, but I'm just kind ofgoing with the flow. I'm not
really having high expectationsfor you know, I feel like for so
(22:00):
long. My whole goal in life waslike, I want to be famous. I
want to be famous. And I justthink the fame world is so
different anymore. Sure that Ijust want to create things help
people and do things on myterms. And if you love it
amazing, and if you don't thatalso amazing.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:19):
Take it or leave it it's buffet. Like ala
carte. Exactly.
Unknown (22:24):
Whatever asked. Yeah, he
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:25):
was like,
Unknown (22:26):
it's crazy. Yeah, it's just it's, it's a crazy world.
So So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:30):
who are you still connected with? I know, I
know. Like you said, you justput you put a single out.
Amazing. I recently heard itLive it was it was beautiful.
Um, who are you still connectedwith from the voice and kind of
how are you? You know, I thinkit's all about networking, like
(22:53):
staying within the realm oflike, your wheelhouse, which
you're doing, obviously, andit's just you're gonna let it
happen. And what happens? Whatare some what are they all
saying? And what's the chatterabout like next steps? Yeah,
Unknown (23:07):
I mean, I think it's a lot of the same things just the
how crazy the internet was. Andyou know, it's reality TV and I
think a lot of handle a lot ofpeople had a really highs and
then it's like, once you're offit, then you're like, sometimes
people were like, really feellost. You know, I think for me,
it's different because I had ahusband and a kid and a dog and
a house and job and whatever,some some of these people it was
(23:31):
all their their life. Right? Iwas doing this I don't do I had
a lot of friends in the firstround who didn't make it past
the blinds. So and a lot of themhit like lows and felt awful
about it. Right? Which isreally, really sad. And you
know, the another advice islike, you can't take take it so
(23:52):
personal all the time to likethese things. Like it's it's
subjective. It's sorry, wealready had someone that sounded
like Chris Stapleton, or wealready had someone that sound
like Mariah Carey, or whatever,you know, um, but some people it
was low, but I think a lot ofthe people were from Nashville.
So they all have theircommunity, they all like get
(24:13):
together. And right now, youknow, I'm one of the only people
from Jersey in this area thatdid the show. So that's like the
one hard part about this area.And you know, that's why it's
like, wanting to have peoplethat have those connections. So
it's just trying to stayconnected as best as you can. So
it's like, I'm unfortunatelygonna have to fly out to Los
(24:36):
Angeles. That's where I usuallywrite and produce. My producer
now had moved to Nashvillebecause it's cheaper and it's
kind of the the people aredefinitely I think a little bit
chiller. And you know, thatchill. Yeah, like Los Angeles.
Yeah, my producers like oh,yeah, here they have. Our
sessions are 11 to three andthen you have a life and it's
(24:58):
like, wow, because we would bein LA And we'd be in a room from
11am till 2am or 11am to 2am.Yeah. Wow. You just like in a
room dark room, you know, youoccasionally go out for a coffee
but yeah, the lifestyles alittle different but everyone's
just trying to stay, you knowconnected a lot of those people
were from those big areas. Yeah.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (25:20):
What musicians inspired you? Pink
Unknown (25:25):
100% was probably my biggest mug girl from my
hometown and my home my highschool. So her vocal coach was
my vocal coach and money inAtlantic City, which is a small
world, which is the crazy thing.Um, so she was always a big
thing for me. Yeah, pink, andParamore was always a big group
(25:49):
for me. I just like lovedeverything about her energy and
her voice and her songs are justalways, always got me but yeah,
typically girls who are tough,tough girls and strong girls was
always something that stood outto me. It's probably those two
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:10):
a year now are your go to artists? Are they
the same as your like, yoursongs? Like what's your rock
out? Song? Like Like, what? Whatare the songs I like to sing?
Are you to listen to to getpumped? Like what is that for
you as a musician?
Unknown (26:27):
Yeah, I do. I am in love with the singer. She
actually won the voice in theUK. And then Blake blew up. Her
name is Becky Hill. So she'ssomeone that like when I'm in
the car, and I'm just trying towake up and you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:38):
that's your good card.
Unknown (26:40):
Okay, someone that I really, really enjoy. Just love
strong voices. Okay, reallystrong voices is something that
I'm drawn to. Okay.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:48):
When you were in high school, I know you
had said that you were in allthe theater productions, you you
know auditioned for theater,local theater, you were in all
the choir groups, the specialchoir groups, you're just trying
to get out there get your voiceheard you were taking vocal
lessons, all these kinds ofthings. What would knowing now,
you know, what would you tellyour young self? Trying to? You
(27:10):
know, I mean, I don't think youryoung self wouldn't think that
at this point, you would havedone what you've done, which is
amazing career so far, andyou're not done yet. But what
would you be telling your youngself what you have what you
know, now? Well,
Unknown (27:22):
one thing I had already said, so we can't say that
again. Because I'm not gonnagive the same advice. But
definitely the whole Yes, and nothing the more knows for sure.
They make you stronger. But Ithink the other big thing that I
would tell myself was to trustmyself, I think, yeah, I
definitely lacked trustingmyself. Just because I didn't go
(27:44):
to a musical, like high school,like, you know, performing arts,
high school and all that stuff.So I kind of felt like, not
understood really about what'smy passions? And can I do this
with my life? You know, we'rekind of just math and English
and history and all those thingsthat I don't even use in use
(28:05):
anymore. Really? Yeah. And
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (28:06):
how and how to people and how to parents.
talk to kids about that, becauseI think everybody thinks they
can put their kid in a box,right? Oh, my kids, the best
musician and the best orwhatever. But also straight A's
and whatever, that that's,that's, you know, it's great.
And all, but like you said,you're honest, you're like, I'm
not that kid. Yeah. Like, Idon't love all the subjects. I
(28:29):
don't love math. I don't lovewhatever. But I have a passion
and I still want a career and Istill want to do it. But this is
not my strong suit. How do youshare that? Because I think a
lot of kids are scared and alot. A lot of parents are scared
to hear that. Right? Yeah.Because
Unknown (28:45):
we I think it is on that is still trusting yourself.
Like I think, man, you know, Iwas going to music school then
like, Am I doing the rightthing? Like you're like, is this
still right and felt right? Butyou're like, am I gonna make a
career out of this? Am I gonnabe able to make money? And my
vocal teacher who taught pinktold my mom, you, your daughter
(29:06):
will always find a way to makemoney. And he was right. From
wedding, there's so many avenuesto music. It's not just, oh, I
want to be famous. You can be inwedding bands, you can teach you
can be a recording, you know,for chord demos you can teach
(29:27):
you can there's an there's amillion but yeah, there's just
to trust myself that trust yourpassion. Go with it, and you'll
find the end. One day, whereverthat
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:41):
may be. And that's still that's still an
open ended question. Here. Yeah.So if you knew you couldn't fail
this career. If you knew youcouldn't fail, if you knew you
couldn't fail, what career wouldyou pursue? If you couldn't do
your your singing? What would beyour your backup?
Unknown (29:59):
I've Oh, I always had a passion for working out I guess
so. Probably some sort oftraining some some wellness. So
yeah, probably something your
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:10):
escape is that you're that's my escape.
Unknown (30:13):
Escape. Yeah. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:14):
what do you do share it share with your
mental escape because a lot ofus need an escape and we don't
know where to go so. So where doyou go just for you time?
Unknown (30:23):
Yeah, I mean I go to the gym and oh people were like
that sounds like a lot of workand yes it is but it does always
make me feel good because I havea lot going on in my noggin and
just a lot of I do have a lot ofpressures and then normal things
anxiety and all these thingsthat you know people not don't
always think when they probablylook at me but yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:46):
there's the there's the quarry. Yeah. And
then there's the CourtneyMcBride. That's the mom and
everything else that you'redealing with at home and the
husband and the child. And Iunderstand that people don't
understand the behind thescenes. Yeah, or the behind the
scenes at the
Unknown (31:00):
mass. Another thing social media is a little scary
about to like not only thecritics, but it's just
constantly thinking you have tothink everything's rainbows and
butterflies and unicorns and,you
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:13):
know, village,
Unknown (31:14):
there's, there's hard and we all like only post the
good things, you know, but youhave to remember that a lot of
people are struggling withthings. So I always just go to
the gym to put on if it's a showor music and, you know, go on
runs and then lift and just tryto get out all that, that pumped
up. Yeah, energy.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:36):
Yeah, no, I totally understand that. Who do
you look up most to? And why wassomebody that like inspires you
you look up to it will be thatperson for you.
Unknown (31:49):
Let's say I probably just always looked up to my
parents, to be honest, eventhough they're not like in my
career and all that stuff. But Ithink both my parents worked
really, really hard in life,which made me want to work hard
in life. And they also were verysupportive. People like no
(32:11):
matter what, no matter what wewere doing, what kind of people
we wanted to be and all that. SoI think, definitely, definitely
that. And then, you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (32:22):
taking that and you knew, and I know you are
such a support system for someof these young, you know, the
youth, musicians and vocalistsand things like that. How, what
would you say to the parents ofthese kids? What can they do to
support them? What would be sometips and tricks and things that
(32:44):
you would say to them?
Unknown (32:46):
Yeah, that's a really great question.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (32:48):
I'm just coming out with them today you
are.
Unknown (32:53):
I think, just just listen to your kids, I think. I
think as a kid, sometimes wethink because we're parents that
we do know better, and we'resmarter, and we've been through
it. But sometimes these kidsalso really do know, the things
that they want, or the thingsthat they're struggling with.
And I'm really just trying tolisten and do your best to try
(33:17):
to guide them the best that youcan, but I think to listen to
your kids.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (33:22):
I think that's a beautiful thing. So on
every podcast, what I do is I'vebeen kind of taking notes, and
I'm gonna read you these mantrasand sayings that we've been
talking about and I use them ashashtags and then I asked you at
the end of listening to kind ofsummarize this and then I'm
(33:44):
going to ask you what yourpersonal hashtag is. Okay, so
here we go. This is from CoryHere we go. Hashtag helping kids
hashtag supportive hashtagwriting hashtag passion feel
good embrace love people guideme storytelling connect feel
something being a good personget more nose than yes keep
(34:08):
working hard work hard redeemexperience famous create things
I want to be famous Chillarstrong girls strong voices trust
myself many avenues trust yourpassion wellness pressures work
hard. Listen to your kid.Hashtag listen and guide what is
(34:29):
Corys hashtag have all thosewell, and you can make up one
maybe it's just something thatcame to you while you're hearing
all those things you just sharedmy hashtag What's your personal
hashtag
Unknown (34:47):
I loved the I think hashtag to be supportive.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (34:56):
I love that one. And that's that's really
amazing. thing and for all ofyou listeners, I very
interesting how I met Corythrough COVID. I had someone
that told me about her and myson had, you know, a passion for
singing. And I knew I had to gethim involved. And people were
like, Oh, he's too young forsinging lessons. And I'm like,
(35:17):
Paul, let me just see what's outthere. And I found you and I can
just say for that term that yousay, Be supportive, you have
been such a supportive rolemodel in my son's life. You are
just, I can't say enough aboutbeing able to connect and, and
and be on the same level andwhatever you say to him. He just
(35:38):
takes it and he soaks in andit's like, there's this aura and
this this smile every time youwalk in the door, and he's so
excited to see you. And I justwant to thank you for sharing
your gift with with us and withhim. And if you have not been
following Cory, can you telleverybody all the listeners
(36:00):
where they can find out aboutyou where they follow you, your
socials and about your singlelisten to your single where can
they find all that? Yeah, so
Unknown (36:08):
I'm on Spotify. If you look up Cory C, capital C O R to
lowercase eyes. I'm definitelyvery active on Instagram, Korean
music official. Those are thetwo hours that you'd find find
me the most.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (36:25):
Awesome. Well, thank you so much for
agreeing to come and speak withus today. We loved hearing from
you love to having you on.Thanks again. Thanks again for
talking fight and Y'all takecare. Thanks. You've been
Jason Varga (36:37):
listening to the rcbc bareness podcast, which
highlights women in leadershipwhile encouraging listeners to
build their skills, connect withthe community and visualize the
opportunities available to womenin various professions. For more
information about this podcastor other podcasts available on
the rcbc Podcast Network, visitrcbc.edu/podcast And be sure to
subscribe to the rcbc barenesspodcast available on all
(36:59):
streaming platforms.
Welcome to Rowan College at Burlington
County's Baroness Podcast. I'mDr. Brook Mailhiot, program
chair and assistant professor ofour entertainment technologies
department. I'm the co chair ofthe Women's Advocacy Group, a
subcommittee of the President'sAdvisory Council on diversity,
equity and inclusion. Thismonthly series highlights women
(00:24):
in leadership, while encouraginglisteners to build their skills,
connect with the community andvisualize the opportunities
available to women in variousprofessions. Tune in for a
female perspective on theBurlington County community. We
are here to listen to theseamazing women and if you want to
(00:45):
hear from women who lead andinspire this podcast is for you.
Welcome to march. And do I havea treat for you today we have
CORii joining us today and Ipicked CORii or aka Courtney
McBride or vice versa CourtneyMcBride, aka Cory this month of
March because it is NationalMusic In Our Schools month. If
(01:06):
you didn't know that, and it isinternational teach music week.
And it is also world theatre dayin World piano day all in the
month of March. So this istotally for CORii. And let me
tell you all who CORii is CORiihas established herself as a
prominent figure in theindustry, excelling not only as
(01:26):
a talented singer, but also as asuccessful songwriter. She
captivated audiences on NBCsongbird, where she showcased
her song with which has amassedover 500k streams, holy spokes
on Spotify. Amazing. And if youdon't know the term quarry or
the or her artist, right, that'syour artist name artists name.
(01:47):
Her she was on just this lastseason of NBCs. The voice where
she made it to the top 36 CORiilives with her husband and her
adorable two year old sonBrooks. And throughout the years
CORii has performed in LAPhilly, New York. And when she's
not fulfilling her mommy dutiesare performing. She writes
(02:08):
things music for national cheercompetitions, hustles for TV and
film placements, and teachesvocal lessons in the South
Jersey area. Please everybody,welcome CORii aka or vice versa.
Courtney McBride. Thank you forjoining us, of course. Thanks
Unknown (02:25):
for having me.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:26):
So, I mean, you've had such an amazing
career. You're such a youngwoman at such a young age. Well,
you're younger than me. So kudosto you, girlfriend, you're just
starting out. Give us the shortbut sweet summarization of like
how you've gotten to this point,this dream that you know, and I
(02:48):
know it started in the schools,because I recently saw you
perform, and you're such anadvocate and a passionate
performer. And I think you youstarted at such a young age.
Yeah,
Unknown (03:00):
um, I think school just wasn't for me. And I knew it
wasn't for me. And I wasfortunate enough to have parents
that supported me. You know,they wanted me to do my best but
also took rein and said, Listen,like we want to help you
succeed. Yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (03:18):
follow your passion, follow your dream. And
not everybody's parents supportthat. So kudos to, to my of your
parents for helping support thatthat artistic dream of yours,
Unknown (03:28):
they and it was, it was something new for them for sure.
Because both my sisters werevery bright, and, you know, on a
different route. But people toldmy mom this, this girl needs to
do go to music school, and youneed to try and you know, she
took me to both my parents tookme to two vocal teachers in high
(03:49):
school and, you know, startedtaking it really seriously. And
started writing. And when I wasin high school, I was seeing
someone in Atlantic City, who,Sal Dupree, who still teach us
to this day, and also taughtanother girl on the voice this
past season. So we, we talkedabout that, Mara. But he had
(04:11):
such a great business where healso had a music producer linked
up with him. So I then, youknow, seeing him and then he
sent me that way to go with him.So that's kind of where I
started to fall in love with,with songwriting as well. Like,
I was a very social person inhigh school, and I was always
listening to everyone'sconversations and the drama and
(04:33):
yeah, and I was like, Ooh, like,I would go home. And I'd be
like, I'm going to write aboutthat situation. I heard at the
cafeteria, and, you know,probably should have been
focusing a little bit on myhomework, but like I said, I
just knew it wasn't for me. And,you know, I ended up going to
Berklee College of Music andjust really kind of figuring out
who I was. And it just it madesense. So, you know, I'm really
(04:55):
big on helping, you know,especially my students now just
now All of us are meant to be inschool and want to be a doctor
and a nurse. And that's okay.And then there's also some
people who just want to dosinging because it makes them
feel good. And it's a passion.Or some people, you know, it's
going to be their career and intheir life, but yeah, I just, I
(05:19):
just went to Berkeley made somany connections and kind of
from there is when everythingstarted to flourish. And I
started just meeting more peoplemeeting more producers
songwriters, and lived out inLos Angeles and just kept going,
you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (05:36):
and you're still keeping me going. They're
still going. And people have toknow that I don't think people
realize that every day, you'vegot to keep going. You have to
keep you know, advocating foryourself, especially in the art
field and the music field. Likeit's a struggle. Yeah,
Unknown (05:53):
it's yeah, you then that's the thing is, it's hard,
because there's so many highs,but there's so many lows. But if
you love something so much, youjust have to embrace those lows
and keep fighting for sure. Butit's it is it's I mean, being an
adult is an uphill battle, nomatter what, what you're doing
with your career. But if youlove something, yeah, you just
(06:17):
have to keep working hard.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (06:18):
What I love about you is your passion, your
joy, your love of of what you'redoing in your career, and in
your personal and your artisticcareer. But like you said
earlier, you're being like thismentor to the youth. And I think
that's one of the reasons why Iwas like, I need to interview
you, because I think noteverybody has that and can
(06:40):
provide that and give that. Andyou have such patience and such
love and support that you givethese young, you know, these
young creatives, why why do youdo that? Like, what makes you
want to give back? What? And?And how amazing you are at it.
Like, what is that about it?About you? Well,
Unknown (07:02):
one, I think like I said before, I am a very social
person, I just love people, andI've always been drawn to
people, you know, I went tocollege, not not only to be a
singer and all that stuff, but Iyou know, ended up thinking,
Alright, I need to do somethingas a plan B in case I'm a very
realist person, and my parentswere paying a lot of money for
me to also go to this expensiveschool. So I did music therapy,
(07:24):
and you know, so I've alwaysbeen a people person, I've
always just wanted to helppeople. And I think, especially
being in the South Jersey areacoming back, I knew that it was
really hard for me to kind offind my niche and have people
kind of guide me in specificallywhat I wanted to do. I think
there is a lot of musicaltheater and and classical
(07:49):
mentors out there. I think it isreally hard to find
contemporary. So I am like, inmy brain. All right, well, if
I'm going to be moving back,what is a way that I can do
something that I love, but alsohelp do something that nobody
was really able to help me, youknow, my parents drove me an
(08:09):
hour and a half to Atlantic Cityto get me what I was doing. So I
just, there's something abouthelping kids too. And I do teach
adults and even adults just, Iknow how much I love this, this
amazing thing that I do, whichis music, and I just always have
wanted to help these kids andjust have the opportunities that
(08:32):
I feel like kind of lacked inthis area. And that's why a lot
of people you know, are in LosAngeles and Nashville, New York,
because those are the placesthat where it's all happening
and flourishing. Sure. And Iwould love to be somebody that
helps develop and support thiscommunity of amazingly talented
kids. Because guess what, thereare a lot of people from Jersey
(08:53):
that yeah, you go to LosAngeles, and they're like, I'm
from Jersey, it's like, oh mygod, it's a small state, but
it's big at the same time.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (09:02):
Now, you said a key word in there, you
said Nashville and on the voicethis last season, if anybody
watched the voice, you were thebutton was pushed by Reba. And
you know, she's a country girl.And she was your mentor too. And
(09:22):
I think that's reallyinteresting that you are the
mentor and now you're then beingmentored what what are some
things that you got to learnfrom her and her? I mean, I know
there's a whole staff of slew ofsupporters and people that were
helping mentor you on the voicebut what were some of the things
that takeaways that then nowyou're being able to share with
your young musicians?
Unknown (09:44):
The one thing I think it's she mentored is very
similar to I feel like how Imentor Okay, I think she is
really big on storytelling, andI'm also very big on
storytelling. I And I'm alsovery big on trying to not, you
know, close your eyes and reallyconnect and tell the stories
(10:06):
when you're singing. It's notjust about singing, you know,
people want to feel something.So she was really big on that.
So hearing that made me kind ofvalidate. Okay. This is, you
know, I think I'm doing theright things, you know, yeah,
it's subjective. So you don'tknow all the time. But I think
also, the big thing for her is,besides storytelling is really
(10:26):
just like being a good person.And she just like radiates being
a really good person. And Ithink a lot of people connect
her even if you don't listen tocountry music, which I'm not a
huge country fan. Yeah, she'sjust there's something about
resonates about, like this aura.Yeah. It's like, it's like a
spotlights hitting her. Andyou're just like, You're drawn
(10:46):
by her smile, and herpersonality and her infectious.
Everything's infectious abouther. So I think, but besides
that, I think the, thestorytelling for sure.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (10:55):
And being in the spotlight, and being over
in LA, and the Bright Lights,Big City, all that kind of
stuff. And then like you said,you're coming back to your roots
here in South Jersey. What isthat? Like? Because there's so
many people that are trying tomake it right. I mean, yeah,
hundreds and 1000s. From from,like you said, we have such a
(11:17):
wealth of, of beautiful artistshere in South Jersey. And
everybody's trying to be thatsinger, songwriter, that content
creator or that, you know, thesinger and whatever, and finding
their voice and trying to makeit big? What kind of you know,
what would you tell them? Whatare some, what's some advice
(11:40):
that you would tell those up andcoming singers that want to take
it to the next level? Noteverybody gets that opportunity
that you got? I mean, amazing to
Unknown (11:51):
be on a national show, yes, biggest advice that I give
everyone. And like, I feel likeit didn't, I had heard it
before. And it didn't resonatewith me until you got older
really is just you, you get morenose than yeses. And that's
okay. But if it's something thatyou truly love, you have to keep
(12:14):
working hard, like you can't letthose nose you know, bring you
down. Because all these peoplein this business have gotten so
many nose you hear so manystories, I wish I had 35 cents
in my bank account. And then allof a sudden, they they both get
paid. Yeah. And you know, andit's hard. And I always say,
Listen, dwell on it on a day.But then think, what did I do?
(12:36):
What can I what can I learn fromthis? Was there what are the
positives from it? But what whatare things to help you grow, but
always, always know that thereare more nose than yeses, and
those yeses end up making youforget those knows for sure.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (12:51):
And I'm sure that's even harder with
some of your younger students,because I know you teach like
910 1112 year olds, it'sprobably going to be much
different to explain that tothem that it is your adult
students. So how did they handlethat? And how do you handle
that?
Unknown (13:07):
Yeah, I mean, like I said, I didn't really grasp that
until I was older. Because Ididn't get those Zwarte those
yeses, and, you know, it's like,you feel like the world and but
I always, I always would letmyself dwell for a day and cry
and feel sad. And then I'd belike, All right, well, this is
what I'm doing. So there's nogoing back and I just have to
(13:30):
keep moving forward. But yeah,for the young ones, I mean, I
just keep telling them like,look, look at the future of
where I am. I'm on one person,you know, it's okay. I always
tell them it's okay to feel sad.And you know, as long as you
know, you worked hard and youdid the best you can. That's all
you can do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (13:52):
And then you got the yes from Reba you go
back. And then somebody savesyou. Yep,
Unknown (13:59):
I got two steals and I'm picked when my audition
really was, was not good. Andit's okay. Like I said, it's not
I was not I was out of practice,for sure. And like, you have to
auditioning is a skill and thatwas if you ask anybody who's
audition for the voice, theywill all tell you there's
nothing scarier than that BlindAudition it's you could hear a
(14:22):
pin drop in there the air waslike blasting like you were in
the Arctic tundra. Your yourbreeze you're freezing your
throat is as dry as ever. Andyou walk out it's dead silent.
It's just you know someone'sabout to listen to your every
little without looking at you.And that's the hardest part
(14:44):
because I'm also a storytellerlike I love performing well
right
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (14:47):
and you want to you weren't nervous and
you want to react to their theirreactions. That's what a former
does you feed off for theaudience, right? Yeah. And now
you're like, This is your you'reflying blind. You're like, I got
nothing. I got it. I don't knowwhat they're saying. again.
Yeah,
Unknown (15:01):
and it's hard because when you're nervous when you're
nervous anybody who's listeningto this and sings, you know,
like your voice can have a mindof its own. And it was it was
scary. So by the time I was donethat, not great audition, which
Thank goodness she heardsomething that was the song he
sang. Thanks scared to be lonelydo a LiPo which also wasn't
(15:21):
anywhere near my top choice, butthey picked that that's a
little, little part of the show.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:27):
They pick they pick. So
Unknown (15:29):
it's like you give them song choices that you like, and
you kind of list which ones aretop and Okay, sometimes, when
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:35):
not everybody, not everybody likes a
song choice that is given tothem. But
Unknown (15:40):
you and I liked and I liked the song. I usually
typically did it as a ballad,but sure, because it's a dance
like kind of dance songs copy,but if I made it slower, which I
did arrange it a little bit withthem, but if I slowed it even
more, you only have 90 seconds.So it cuts even more of the song
out. So it's like a whole thing,but that's an another she heard
(16:01):
something in here or somethingin me when I looked luckily
saying the chorus Hi, thankgoodness. But yeah, I was ready
to do my battle. You know, I hadnot heard the song. And I went
in my room and I busted my buttand I learned it in a day. And I
was ready. I was like there'sI'm going for this bad boy.
(16:22):
Right right. Right. Um, andyeah, I luckily got stone and I
picked when
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:30):
I not everybody can say that. They
just picked Mr. Funny like, goodold good old grand like your
house or Mike you know, way backsouth Jersey peeps,
Unknown (16:43):
you know? Yeah, I noticed that she still looks at
all my stories. So she's to meover the weekend. Did you regret
letting me go but
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:54):
I didn't ever know when it's gonna come
back. You never know, networknetworking, and it's all about
there. Okay, so what did youthink for the second? We
Unknown (17:02):
sang new attitude Patti LaBelle was like, I didn't know
that song. And I'm like, I mean,I know. That 1000 times I know
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:11):
that style of of song is where you your
voice you have that that thatshowcases I think your your
voice that that style of yourvoice. I thought it was great.
Well, thank you. Yeah, but youdidn't know that. So I didn't so
Oh, my God, I'm, I'm, I'm well,I'm old. But I know that's on.
But maybe in another time. I
Unknown (17:31):
just didn't. And I didn't watch Beverly. I think it
was supposedly someone saidBeverly Hills, their theme song
or whatever. I know, every HillsCop or one of those ones. Okay,
but that another thing like Iwasn't in that timeframe, but
yeah, it definitely. And I feltlike they were like, alright, so
you're going against Miss Monet.And it's Patti LaBelle new
(17:54):
attitude. And I'm like, youtrying to kick me off arch?
Well, guess what? I'm goingupstairs, and I'm gonna practice
so hard that I'm gonna make younot kick me off. So you were
motivated, I was motivated. Iwas motivated to redeem myself
to show them. And that's kind ofwhat happened. And that's what
everyone kept saying was thatwas like a night and day
difference. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (18:15):
then picking and then you had two
people try and steal you right?Yep. And I picked
Unknown (18:18):
one and then the next round I sang. Ain't it fun?
Paramore, which was is that yourchoice? Or it was? So it was one
of my top choices? I wouldn'thave actually wanted to have
sung it if I knew. So that I hadto write all these down before
you knew who you were. Before Iknew my battle song. Oh, okay.
So I would have loved to havesong shallow or some kind of
(18:41):
ballad to show about sight. Butthis is all reality TV. Yeah,
sure. The things that peopledon't It's Hollywood, its
Hollywood, but it's fine. Youknow, I went out with something
I do love and you know, it waswhat it was. But so
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (18:57):
from the voice which, you know, I know
timely. And we all think it'slike real instant. I know that
ended a while ago now for you.So now, what are you what's,
what's the future holding forCory? Now? Where are you at?
What are you looking to do?That's okay. There's no real
answer. But
Unknown (19:15):
I was just saying to my husband today that you know,
we're talking about thingsbecause I was talking about
maybe doing some musical theaterthings and all that stuff, but
the voice just made me actuallyfeel the opposite. It's not that
I'm giving it up. Or you know, Istill want to release music and
(19:37):
do things on my own terms. But Ido think you know, from learning
this living this experience likethe internet is just a wild wild
wild west. It is the wild wildwest. You know, it's a
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (19:52):
never know where you're next. Yeah,
Unknown (19:54):
I have a skin I can take whatever anyone gives me
that's you know, but He
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:00):
brought in that keyboard warriors I call
them they're all the rage. Yeah,just like
Unknown (20:05):
do you sit at home and want people to feel badly? Like
it's crazy. So it was hard itwas. I think that was the
hardest part for me about thewhole experience is like the
aftermath. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:16):
an emotional mental. Just
Unknown (20:18):
Oh,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:18):
tell me about how you dealt with the, I
mean, as a female, I think, youknow, a lot of us that emotional
mental toll that that people aremean. And people are, it's tough
when you're sitting behind ascreen what to do. And I think
not a lot of people kind of talkabout that. And you being in
limelight and being on thesereality shows and putting your
(20:40):
work out there and puttingyourself out there your
uniqueness, your personal self,and your artistry. How did you
deal with that? Because there Iknow, there's the haters. And so
how do you deal with that day today?
Unknown (20:53):
I mean, it was definitely soul sucking. That's
what I kind of described it as.And like I said, I have really
thick skin and I'm fine with it.But it was more when the people
were like, I'm in, likecommenting on my voice who will
be like, you know, she's reallygood singer, but she doesn't
seem very likable. And you'relike, I'm like, oh my god like
(21:14):
that. For that comment of allthe comments. 1000 Yeah, killed
me. Yeah, just because you'relike, wow, like, then you start
to second guess like, Wow, am Inot like do am am I not
presenting as likable or, youknow, like
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (21:31):
to my eyes stray 30 degrees off to make you
think better. So I don't knowwhat's going on. Oh, like this
thing.
Unknown (21:38):
And then you're like, wait a minute, that person's
probably very unhappy. But longstory short of that is I love
singing like there's nothingmakes me happier and writing and
helping kids and during my cheermusic and all these things that
I'm doing, but I'm just kind ofgoing with the flow. I'm not
really having high expectationsfor you know, I feel like for so
(22:00):
long. My whole goal in life waslike, I want to be famous. I
want to be famous. And I justthink the fame world is so
different anymore. Sure that Ijust want to create things help
people and do things on myterms. And if you love it
amazing, and if you don't thatalso amazing.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:19):
Take it or leave it it's buffet. Like ala
carte. Exactly.
Unknown (22:24):
Whatever asked. Yeah, he
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:25):
was like,
Unknown (22:26):
it's crazy. Yeah, it's just it's, it's a crazy world.
So So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (22:30):
who are you still connected with? I know, I
know. Like you said, you justput you put a single out.
Amazing. I recently heard itLive it was it was beautiful.
Um, who are you still connectedwith from the voice and kind of
how are you? You know, I thinkit's all about networking, like
(22:53):
staying within the realm oflike, your wheelhouse, which
you're doing, obviously, andit's just you're gonna let it
happen. And what happens? Whatare some what are they all
saying? And what's the chatterabout like next steps? Yeah,
Unknown (23:07):
I mean, I think it's a lot of the same things just the
how crazy the internet was. Andyou know, it's reality TV and I
think a lot of handle a lot ofpeople had a really highs and
then it's like, once you're offit, then you're like, sometimes
people were like, really feellost. You know, I think for me,
it's different because I had ahusband and a kid and a dog and
a house and job and whatever,some some of these people it was
(23:31):
all their their life. Right? Iwas doing this I don't do I had
a lot of friends in the firstround who didn't make it past
the blinds. So and a lot of themhit like lows and felt awful
about it. Right? Which isreally, really sad. And you
know, the another advice islike, you can't take take it so
(23:52):
personal all the time to likethese things. Like it's it's
subjective. It's sorry, wealready had someone that sounded
like Chris Stapleton, or wealready had someone that sound
like Mariah Carey, or whatever,you know, um, but some people it
was low, but I think a lot ofthe people were from Nashville.
So they all have theircommunity, they all like get
(24:13):
together. And right now, youknow, I'm one of the only people
from Jersey in this area thatdid the show. So that's like the
one hard part about this area.And you know, that's why it's
like, wanting to have peoplethat have those connections. So
it's just trying to stayconnected as best as you can. So
it's like, I'm unfortunatelygonna have to fly out to Los
(24:36):
Angeles. That's where I usuallywrite and produce. My producer
now had moved to Nashvillebecause it's cheaper and it's
kind of the the people aredefinitely I think a little bit
chiller. And you know, thatchill. Yeah, like Los Angeles.
Yeah, my producers like oh,yeah, here they have. Our
sessions are 11 to three andthen you have a life and it's
(24:58):
like, wow, because we would bein LA And we'd be in a room from
11am till 2am or 11am to 2am.Yeah. Wow. You just like in a
room dark room, you know, youoccasionally go out for a coffee
but yeah, the lifestyles alittle different but everyone's
just trying to stay, you knowconnected a lot of those people
were from those big areas. Yeah.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (25:20):
What musicians inspired you? Pink
Unknown (25:25):
100% was probably my biggest mug girl from my
hometown and my home my highschool. So her vocal coach was
my vocal coach and money inAtlantic City, which is a small
world, which is the crazy thing.Um, so she was always a big
thing for me. Yeah, pink, andParamore was always a big group
(25:49):
for me. I just like lovedeverything about her energy and
her voice and her songs are justalways, always got me but yeah,
typically girls who are tough,tough girls and strong girls was
always something that stood outto me. It's probably those two
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:10):
a year now are your go to artists? Are they
the same as your like, yoursongs? Like what's your rock
out? Song? Like Like, what? Whatare the songs I like to sing?
Are you to listen to to getpumped? Like what is that for
you as a musician?
Unknown (26:27):
Yeah, I do. I am in love with the singer. She
actually won the voice in theUK. And then Blake blew up. Her
name is Becky Hill. So she'ssomeone that like when I'm in
the car, and I'm just trying towake up and you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:38):
that's your good card.
Unknown (26:40):
Okay, someone that I really, really enjoy. Just love
strong voices. Okay, reallystrong voices is something that
I'm drawn to. Okay.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:48):
When you were in high school, I know you
had said that you were in allthe theater productions, you you
know auditioned for theater,local theater, you were in all
the choir groups, the specialchoir groups, you're just trying
to get out there get your voiceheard you were taking vocal
lessons, all these kinds ofthings. What would knowing now,
you know, what would you tellyour young self? Trying to? You
(27:10):
know, I mean, I don't think youryoung self wouldn't think that
at this point, you would havedone what you've done, which is
amazing career so far, andyou're not done yet. But what
would you be telling your youngself what you have what you
know, now? Well,
Unknown (27:22):
one thing I had already said, so we can't say that
again. Because I'm not gonnagive the same advice. But
definitely the whole Yes, and nothing the more knows for sure.
They make you stronger. But Ithink the other big thing that I
would tell myself was to trustmyself, I think, yeah, I
definitely lacked trustingmyself. Just because I didn't go
(27:44):
to a musical, like high school,like, you know, performing arts,
high school and all that stuff.So I kind of felt like, not
understood really about what'smy passions? And can I do this
with my life? You know, we'rekind of just math and English
and history and all those thingsthat I don't even use in use
(28:05):
anymore. Really? Yeah. And
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (28:06):
how and how to people and how to parents.
talk to kids about that, becauseI think everybody thinks they
can put their kid in a box,right? Oh, my kids, the best
musician and the best orwhatever. But also straight A's
and whatever, that that's,that's, you know, it's great.
And all, but like you said,you're honest, you're like, I'm
not that kid. Yeah. Like, Idon't love all the subjects. I
(28:29):
don't love math. I don't lovewhatever. But I have a passion
and I still want a career and Istill want to do it. But this is
not my strong suit. How do youshare that? Because I think a
lot of kids are scared and alot. A lot of parents are scared
to hear that. Right? Yeah.Because
Unknown (28:45):
we I think it is on that is still trusting yourself.
Like I think, man, you know, Iwas going to music school then
like, Am I doing the rightthing? Like you're like, is this
still right and felt right? Butyou're like, am I gonna make a
career out of this? Am I gonnabe able to make money? And my
vocal teacher who taught pinktold my mom, you, your daughter
(29:06):
will always find a way to makemoney. And he was right. From
wedding, there's so many avenuesto music. It's not just, oh, I
want to be famous. You can be inwedding bands, you can teach you
can be a recording, you know,for chord demos you can teach
(29:27):
you can there's an there's amillion but yeah, there's just
to trust myself that trust yourpassion. Go with it, and you'll
find the end. One day, whereverthat
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:41):
may be. And that's still that's still an
open ended question. Here. Yeah.So if you knew you couldn't fail
this career. If you knew youcouldn't fail, if you knew you
couldn't fail, what career wouldyou pursue? If you couldn't do
your your singing? What would beyour your backup?
Unknown (29:59):
I've Oh, I always had a passion for working out I guess
so. Probably some sort oftraining some some wellness. So
yeah, probably something your
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:10):
escape is that you're that's my escape.
Unknown (30:13):
Escape. Yeah. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:14):
what do you do share it share with your
mental escape because a lot ofus need an escape and we don't
know where to go so. So where doyou go just for you time?
Unknown (30:23):
Yeah, I mean I go to the gym and oh people were like
that sounds like a lot of workand yes it is but it does always
make me feel good because I havea lot going on in my noggin and
just a lot of I do have a lot ofpressures and then normal things
anxiety and all these thingsthat you know people not don't
always think when they probablylook at me but yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (30:46):
there's the there's the quarry. Yeah. And
then there's the CourtneyMcBride. That's the mom and
everything else that you'redealing with at home and the
husband and the child. And Iunderstand that people don't
understand the behind thescenes. Yeah, or the behind the
scenes at the
Unknown (31:00):
mass. Another thing social media is a little scary
about to like not only thecritics, but it's just
constantly thinking you have tothink everything's rainbows and
butterflies and unicorns and,you
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:13):
know, village,
Unknown (31:14):
there's, there's hard and we all like only post the
good things, you know, but youhave to remember that a lot of
people are struggling withthings. So I always just go to
the gym to put on if it's a showor music and, you know, go on
runs and then lift and just tryto get out all that, that pumped
up. Yeah, energy.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:36):
Yeah, no, I totally understand that. Who do
you look up most to? And why wassomebody that like inspires you
you look up to it will be thatperson for you.
Unknown (31:49):
Let's say I probably just always looked up to my
parents, to be honest, eventhough they're not like in my
career and all that stuff. But Ithink both my parents worked
really, really hard in life,which made me want to work hard
in life. And they also were verysupportive. People like no
(32:11):
matter what, no matter what wewere doing, what kind of people
we wanted to be and all that. SoI think, definitely, definitely
that. And then, you know,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (32:22):
taking that and you knew, and I know you are
such a support system for someof these young, you know, the
youth, musicians and vocalistsand things like that. How, what
would you say to the parents ofthese kids? What can they do to
support them? What would be sometips and tricks and things that
(32:44):
you would say to them?
Unknown (32:46):
Yeah, that's a really great question.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (32:48):
I'm just coming out with them today you
are.
Unknown (32:53):
I think, just just listen to your kids, I think. I
think as a kid, sometimes wethink because we're parents that
we do know better, and we'resmarter, and we've been through
it. But sometimes these kidsalso really do know, the things
that they want, or the thingsthat they're struggling with.
And I'm really just trying tolisten and do your best to try
(33:17):
to guide them the best that youcan, but I think to listen to
your kids.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (33:22):
I think that's a beautiful thing. So on
every podcast, what I do is I'vebeen kind of taking notes, and
I'm gonna read you these mantrasand sayings that we've been
talking about and I use them ashashtags and then I asked you at
the end of listening to kind ofsummarize this and then I'm
(33:44):
going to ask you what yourpersonal hashtag is. Okay, so
here we go. This is from CoryHere we go. Hashtag helping kids
hashtag supportive hashtagwriting hashtag passion feel
good embrace love people guideme storytelling connect feel
something being a good personget more nose than yes keep
(34:08):
working hard work hard redeemexperience famous create things
I want to be famous Chillarstrong girls strong voices trust
myself many avenues trust yourpassion wellness pressures work
hard. Listen to your kid.Hashtag listen and guide what is
(34:29):
Corys hashtag have all thosewell, and you can make up one
maybe it's just something thatcame to you while you're hearing
all those things you just sharedmy hashtag What's your personal
hashtag
Unknown (34:47):
I loved the I think hashtag to be supportive.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (34:56):
I love that one. And that's that's really
amazing. thing and for all ofyou listeners, I very
interesting how I met Corythrough COVID. I had someone
that told me about her and myson had, you know, a passion for
singing. And I knew I had to gethim involved. And people were
like, Oh, he's too young forsinging lessons. And I'm like,
(35:17):
Paul, let me just see what's outthere. And I found you and I can
just say for that term that yousay, Be supportive, you have
been such a supportive rolemodel in my son's life. You are
just, I can't say enough aboutbeing able to connect and, and
and be on the same level andwhatever you say to him. He just
(35:38):
takes it and he soaks in andit's like, there's this aura and
this this smile every time youwalk in the door, and he's so
excited to see you. And I justwant to thank you for sharing
your gift with with us and withhim. And if you have not been
following Cory, can you telleverybody all the listeners
(36:00):
where they can find out aboutyou where they follow you, your
socials and about your singlelisten to your single where can
they find all that? Yeah, so
Unknown (36:08):
I'm on Spotify. If you look up Cory C, capital C O R to
lowercase eyes. I'm definitelyvery active on Instagram, Korean
music official. Those are thetwo hours that you'd find find
me the most.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (36:25):
Awesome. Well, thank you so much for
agreeing to come and speak withus today. We loved hearing from
you love to having you on.Thanks again. Thanks again for
talking fight and Y'all takecare. Thanks. You've been
Jason Varga (36:37):
listening to the rcbc bareness podcast, which
highlights women in leadershipwhile encouraging listeners to
build their skills, connect withthe community and visualize the
opportunities available to womenin various professions. For more
information about this podcastor other podcasts available on
the rcbc Podcast Network, visitrcbc.edu/podcast And be sure to
subscribe to the rcbc barenesspodcast available on all
(36:59):
streaming platforms.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.