Meet Cora Duke | Singer/Songwriter

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

Hi Cora, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is so important, in art more than most industries. I spent a long time writing for other people and working behind the scenes, which requires you to follow lots of rules that others set out for you. While that can be helpful for business, it really killed my opportunity to take risks as it was on someone else’s behalf. Making my own name allows me to take every risk I want- Making my own name at all is a risk. But no art improves being stuck in a mold (pun intended).

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I write, sing, record, produce, and release my own music. I pride myself on being a jack of all trades (because I’m independent to a near fault.) I love to know all that goes into the industry and business, and I love having complete creative control. That’s not to say I don’t love to collaborate, but it’s really important to me to be able to understand every step in the process of songwriting and the making of it. Whenever I needed a live instrument, I taught myself how to play it. I’m pretty mediocre at quite a few instruments, but my specialty by far is vocals. My dedication to technique and emotionality I think is what makes me stand out, along with my blend of R&B & rock vocal styling.

The past few years have been the hardest and most chaotic of my life, and I barely even identify with the person I was pre-pandemic, and I feel like that shows so much in the music I’m making now. My latest single, Princess, has a completely new sound for me that I’m so excited about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This has actually happened to me, spot #1 to see was the view from the top of Reunion Tower. We have to hit the classic Texas staples of Torchy’s and Bucee’s, but my favorite local places are usually much smaller. I would take them to Dillas for some quesadillas, and Olive Burger for some of my favorite fries around. I would absolutely spend some time at Grandscape in the Colony, hitting those attractions, but I also like to fit a hike in and spend some time in nature. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is my go-to, followed by ice cream at Sweet Firefly to cool down. There’s so many cultural events happening around, and tons of open mics with local talent.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my best friend Nathan, who has always pushed me to pursue music full-time and start releasing my music again. He gave and taught me so much with the music he has made, and it inspires me every day.

Website: https://coraduke.bandzoogle.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coradukemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coradukemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoraDukeMusic

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coradukemusic