The music business is ever-evolving, and there's always a new artist who is changing the game. 

Meet Corey Stuart, a one-man electronic band maestro from Raleigh, North Carolina, (and originally Kinston!) who is making waves in the industry with his unique sound and high-energy performances.

Stuart plays keyboards, percussion, and sings with intense power and range, and his music has a way of getting people up and dancing. It's not uncommon for audiences to sing along from their seats (his “choir” as he calls them), and some of his material has become fan favorites, like his versions of Fleetwood Mac’s hit single "Dreams" and Blackstreet's "No Diggity" (book him and see for yourself!).

But despite his undeniable talent, Stuart faces challenges when it comes to booking gigs in Raleigh. "You're either a band or a soloist," he explains. "As a soloist, they already assume you'll show up with an acoustic guitar. That's too simple, and it puts me to sleep." When Stuart pulls up to a place, first impressions are usually mixed. He brings a lot of gear for a soloist - it's actually a full-on production complete with synchronized lights and a sound system fit for a nightclub. He even uses backing tracks, which has had its share of negative press as one could expect. In fact, he will often allude to this revelation during a show that he uses tracks. They are not bought off some second hand karaoke site. He makes them in his home studio, which allows him to put his own stamp and sound to them.

Despite the initial skepticism, it's the places that continue to bring him back in rotation where it works. "If a venue hosted me one date in February, for example, and not have me back for the rest of the year, then it's a huge mistake. People will forget unless you have some solid consistency in your bookings," he explained.

Stuart's talent and energy have taken him far beyond Raleigh. He DJ'd in New York City off and on for 12 years, learning what songs worked in different settings, and he has done two separate club tours in Mexico. He even did the pub circuit in England for six months in 2002 and returned there in Summer 2023 for a show at The Carps Pub in Boston Lincolnshire. 

Many people also find it interesting that Stuart is X-Factor alumni. In 2010, he auditioned for the US version of the hit TV show, and while he didn't make it past the initial televised audition, he did go on to write a number one hit in Germany. LaBouche's Lane McCray re-recorded his song "Dreamer," and it remained number one on the German Dance Charts for three weeks in 2018.

When not doing 120 shows a year, you’ll find him playing keys in coastal rock band HeartStop. 

Once people actually take a chance and see what Stuart is bringing to the table, they are hooked and want more. He is changing minds in the music business, proving that a one-man band can be just as powerful and entertaining as a full group. So keep an eye out for The Corey Stuart Experience - you won't want to miss what he brings to the stage.