Corey Congilio on Surviving the Algorithm and Still Loving Guitar

On this episode of The Tone Mob Podcast, Corey Congilio returns to hang out and pull back the curtain on what it actually looks like to build a modern guitar career in 2025.

We talk about trying to survive the algorithm game without losing your mind, why memes sometimes move the needle more than music, and how Corey is building his own tiny desk style live show right out of his studio – complete with a band, multiple cameras, a switcher, and a Zoom-powered hang so fans can ask questions in real time.

From there we get into the realities of being a working musician in Nashville: juggling sideman gigs, teaching, clinics, content, and trying to make the numbers add up when the live scene feels very different than it did pre-COVID. Corey shares stories from his years as a sideman, why he finally decided to step forward as an artist under his own name, and how he is approaching writing songs that are song-first with room for guitar, not just guitar-for-guitar’s-sake.

We also chat about music stores, good hangs, finding “your person” behind the counter, the coming wave of AI in music and lessons, and why real human connection is only getting more valuable. If you’re a player trying to navigate this weird era of online everything while still chasing good tones and good songs, this one is going to hit close to home.

Check out all things Corey on his website HERE https://coreycongilio.com/

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