We had the good fortune of connecting with Kori Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kori, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is no reward without risk. However, many people don’t understand that we take risks of manageable magnitude daily. The word itself has an intimidating connotation, but it is truly something that we navigate enough to keep from being halted by that intimidation. When our circumstances change around us, we take a risk by electing to stay. The same is true for when we change, but our circumstances don’t. Staying still is just as big of a risk as making a move. Finding a landing pad or safety net is also the same caliber of risk as shooting for the moon. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. It’s just up to your values and ambitions. In my career, I have valued sowing seeds that reap enough of a harvest to maintain the soil required to reap a greater harvest down the line. Training myself on how to make the most out of small resources means that my output won’t suffer in a slow/drought season, and I have cross-trained myself to efficiently use high-level resources so that my output is sustainable in seasons of growth. That double sided ideal is reflected in my decision to develop as a pianist almost three years into my career as a saxophonist. Taking entry-level gigs, bumping my head, and having to be exposed as a novice in some areas were all parts of the risk. The reward, though, was being able to develop as an arranger while landing opportunities as a musical director in avenues that didn’t have a need or budget for horns. That sustainability now affords me the opportunity to choose when I’d like to play the saxophone more so than waiting on an opportunity to open up for it. Again, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. We all have our own factors, but we get nowhere without risk.

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of my dedication to the camper’s rule of leaving a place better than you found it. For me, building a brand/business that works with artists, students, organizations, and believers of many backgrounds and practices allows for me to leave a small impact anywhere that I go. The process of getting here was far from easy, though. The journey has required many heart checks. It’s easy to get lost in the notoriety that can come with high profile work, or the sense of fulfillment that comes from sparking radical change in an environment longing for growth. On many occasions, I’ve had to make sure my heart and mind were centered on the mission of service through the art. When my purpose is clouded by self-fulfillment, the opportunities dwindle. I’m not saying that altruism creates instant opportunity and sustainability. That’s far from the truth. However, community creates community. Villages expand when we understand that it takes a village to raise anything. From the stage, I’ve been able to create villages for collaboration, support, fellowship, and even worship.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monell’s is a must-have for a good meal and great conversation. For some amazing avant-garde jazz, you can never go wrong with Rudy’s. A taste for a nightcap in a unique atmosphere would probably lead us to Attaboy, a low-key speakeasy in the heart of the city. Steer clear of Opryland. It’s always too busy over there. Nashville is full of great brunch spots, and for some history to digest with the brunch classics, you can take a visit to the National Museum of African American Music. A good time and good day drinks can be found at Pins Mechanical Co., as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a man of faith, I believe nothing is possible without God. I’ve been blessed with a loving family, passion, purpose, and vision. Those things have all contributed to my ability to keep pressing forward and building community amongst other creatives. God’s always looking out for me, and I’m eternally grateful to have the wealth of intangible resources that have been bestowed upon me.

Website: www.kwallacesounds.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/korilwallace

Image Credits
Logan Schaal

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