Cory McAtee’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Cory McAtee and have shared our conversation below.

Cory, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I spend time in nature and the outdoors, it’s easy for me to lose track of time. I find myself observing, engaging, and taking in all of the beauty that surrounds me. There’s so much to see, hear, and experience. Every living thing around me is growing, communicating, and going about its life. I love going for walks to take it all in. It reminds me that my life is such a small part of what is out there, and that everything in nature works together to thrive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Cory McAtee — a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist passionate about the arts and inspiring others through music. I’ve been writing and recording songs for kids of all ages (including kids at heart!). Ever since childhood, I’ve loved creating and performing music.

My music is unique because of my experience performing in many different ways and on a wide variety of instruments. I hope to spark creativity and fun for others. There are always new things to learn and create through music – it’s something that people can appreciate their entire lives!

In 2024, I released my first album, Steppin’ with Cory. It’s been so wonderful to see and hear people singing along and enjoying the songs I’ve created. Music has such an amazing way of speaking to people and bringing them joy.

I’m excited to be releasing my new single, At Christmastime, on November 7th — a heartwarming holiday song full of seasonal magic and the joy of celebrating together!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a child who loved to play. I’d spend hours outside, observing and taking in the sounds of birds chirping and the wind whistling through the trees. I loved to listen, play, and create. I’d make up my own songs and drawings, inspired by the colors, textures, and life around me — and whatever I could conjure up with my imagination! I loved putting on performances for the neighbors and watching them delight in the show. I had no qualms about being silly, having fun, or putting myself out there to make people smile or entertained.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to ignore naysayers and to trust my inner goals and instincts. It’s easy to feel discouraged if you listen to negativity or skepticism. If everyone gave up because of thinking like that, nothing would ever get accomplished. All of the amazing things that people have created wouldn’t exist.

You have to believe in yourself, put in the effort, and keep going. Some things will work out, and others won’t — but failures can lead to growth. It’s like traveling down a path: one path leads to another. Sometimes you might come to a dead end, and that’s okay. You’re still enjoying the scenery along the way, and now you have the chance to try a different path. It’s all part of the process.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Everything in the world relies on one another to survive and thrive. Whether it’s animals or plants, nature or people, society or the environment — we cannot exist alone. Everyone and everything has a purpose and contributes to the balance that makes life work.

It’s a circle, a cycle, an act of unity. We need to recognize and appreciate this — to appreciate one another. To value the people, plants, animals, and the world around us. We need to see how every part contributes and functions as a whole.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I will regret the times where I didn’t put myself out there. Where I hesitated about things that I wished to create or put out into the world. Anything that I didn’t do because of skepticism or uncertainty.

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Image Credits
Studio photos by Heatherbee Photography

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