"Isn't this place great?" Kory Wheeler greets us warmly as we step through the wooden door into a mid-century meets art deco cocktail bar. We find ourselves a little two-top in the center of the room and settle in.
We order drinks and start catching up on everything this Nashville based singer songwriter has been up to. These days he’s mostly playing acoustic guitar: his journey began years ago with indie rock bands. Reflecting on the people he's met, Kory shares that the friendships he formed back then have lasted over a decade.
Our espresso martinis arrive, the conversation turns to coffee. Kory, modest as ever, tells us about his role as the Director of Training for Honest Coffee Roasters. He oversees operations and teaches baristas about the intricacies of coffee-making. Kory tells us that his favorite coffee at the moment is the Honey Bear from Elegy—a cold brew latte sweetened with maple syrup and burnt honey.
As we sip our drinks, we circle back to music. Kory’s taste is both broad and surprising. He’s into everything from Turnstile and Comeback Kid to Militarie Gun and Mk.gee. He tells about his early love of R&B and hip-hop sparked at age 12 by Notorious B.I.G. These days, his playlists include the newly released Chromokopia and GNX.
When Kory talks about his own music, he is refreshingly humble. “Sometimes people like what I do, so I’m going to keep sharing that,” he says. For Kory, music and coffee are intertwined. It was through coffee that he met a producer. This moment eventually led to his two appearances on American Idol, even making it into the Top 24.
When it comes to creating music, Kory’s approach is simple. “I set up a camera, I play, and hopefully it resonates with people,” he says with a modest shrug. Judging by the tens of millions of views he’s garnered on Instagram, it’s clear that his music does just that.
Growing up in Jamestown, Tennessee—a small town of 2,000—Kory says he’s always been drawn to the styles of big cities like LA and New York. It’s a stark contrast to what he saw growing up. He credits the podcast Throwing Fits for keeping him in the loop with the latest clothing trends and brands. Yet, he’s not unaware of what's going on in menswear, casually name-dropping some of the biggest brands as he explains how they influence his personal style.
Kory chuckles as he admits he feels uncomfortable in just a t-shirt and jeans. “I could wear a cardigan in the middle of summer,” he jokes. Another staple in his wardrobe is vintage hats. What started as a practical solution for 5AM hair has grown into a collection of unique pieces. “It’s fun to find hats that stand out and they always make good conversation pieces,” he says.
As the evening unfolds, Kory opens up about mental health and the challenges of breaking out of his comfort zone. Known for his calm and even-keeled nature, he acknowledges that this trait can sometimes keep him stuck in routines. “Comfortability to me, leads to happiness but doesn't lead to growth” he reflects thoughtfully.
You can find Kory on Instagram, where he shares music, coffee, and life in Nashville. Buy him a Honey Bear and tell him Willie sent ya.
