Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Mercer.
Hi Cory, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a musician, and taken music seriously since I was in grade 7. I’ve played in several bands and written, and helped write hundreds of songs.
In 2007, I graduated from Cambrian College with an advanced diploma in music performance, majoring in classical guitar.
In 2021, in the wake of covid restrictions, I moved to Trenton, Nova Scotia.
During my time here, I’ve met many great people and musicians, none so great as my business and creative partner Katie MacIntosh.
Together, we created Saltwater Sound, a small, independent recording studio in Trenton, Nova Scotia, Canada operated by Cory Mercer and Katie MacIntosh.
Operating since 2023, we have helped many local artists bring their songs and visions to life.
Recently, we released “Saltwater Sound Presents: Homemade Holiday Originals”, a collection of 16 original holiday songs by 17 independent local Artists.
It’s currently available on all major
streaming platforms.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hard work, great bandmates and a supportive and excited music scene, really help. A lot.
Aside from venues leaning more towards trivia, karaoke and non live music, one of the biggest struggles has been the inability to monetize music.
I really feel like we’re forced to do it for the love of the game.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I, Cory work as a full time musician, mostly doing a solo acoustic live looping act of originals and covers.
Lucrative bands seem impossible these days.
I spend my off nights at home, usually working away in the studio.
Katie has a much more demanding schedule, she’s a mother to an amazing and creative 2 year old, works full time, she’s a musician as well, and we run the studio together!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think putting oneself headfirst into the arts is a risk in itself.
The uncertainty, inconsistentcy and wavering definitions of music have all added up to a very risky situation for all artists.
I feel that putting so much into music has been rewarding, but also in the face of AI “creation” and in general, a public that consumes music in a carefree way, that it feels foolish at times.
Aside from my family, it’s the only thing I’ve really cared about, and seeing and feeling it be cared about less and less everyday is hurtful.
Pricing:
- $300 – solo acoustic performance (Cory)
- $200 – solo recording at Saltwater Sound
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/saltwatersoundns
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/ridethewav
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwatersoundns
