Cory Joseph, a Los Angeles and Orange County based singer/songwriter, is one artist benefiting from the demise of the economy by focusing on his art when his day job isn’t paying the bills. Emerging as a solo artist on the local music scene, Joseph is bringing his sound to Long Beach with monthly gigs at the Auld Dubliner on Pine Avenue.
“I’ve lived in and around Long Beach for the past few years, and absolutely love the atmosphere of the places I frequent,” said Joseph. “I’ve met so many amazing, unique, and artistic people that call Long Beach home. Most of which are now my closest friends, and one of the main reasons I ended up there.”
Cory, who was previously working in electrical contracting, has used the change in the economy as a boost for his music career. According to Joseph, the need to remodel homes has become a less important priority to people and the work for him just stopped.
“It has been a really good thing for me, as an artist,” Joseph said. “The decline in the economy has forced me to get out and play more. I’m actively looking for new paying gigs to ensure that I’m playing out at least 3 times a week- solo acoustic at bars as well as clubs. I’ve also picked up some new guitar playing gigs for different artists. It’s been great, and the more you play out, the more you develop your chops and grow as a musician, and in your art.”
Joseph is now 100 percent committed to his art, bringing a new passion and energy to his live performances. He also recognizes many of his fellow artists and musicians following in the same path and thriving on their craft.
“I’ve noticed other creative people at the same crossroads,” Joseph said. “A lot of artistic people are losing their “day jobs”, and are consequently spending more energy on their art and what they really want to do. It’s the positive side to the very negative affect of our collapsing economy.”
With the state of the economy and less people going out to spend money, local bars have to incorporate more than just a good beer to draw in a crowd. The Auld Dubliner has always taken this to heart and continues to bring live music in to keep the “pub” spirit alive.
“Live music adds to the atmosphere of the pub. It’s different from a dedicated music venue,” Bar Manager, Chris Caldwell said. “Music was and still is an integral part of Irish life and society. Pubs would erupt into spontaneous sing songs where everyone in the pub would have to sing a song. We are trying to replicate this as much as we
can here.”
Cory, as well as Long Beach based musician Chris Paul Overall will be taking over Monday nights at the bar.
“I’ve been frequenting the Dubliner on Pine the last few weeks, and opening up for Chris Paul Overall and his amazing band on Monday nights,” said Joseph. “CPO and those guys turn that bar into a party every Monday. It’s so fun. I’m currently working on playing there every Tuesday night. Stay tuned!”
You can see Cory play at the Auld Dubliner February 24th at 10 P.M. Click here for more information on Cory Joseph or to hear his music.
Jenny DuBois is a contributing news reporter and current journalism student at Long Beach City College.