Cory Hanson

Southern California native Cory Hanson has long maintained an active presence across multiple projects rather than remaining idle. His work as a singer and guitarist began with supporting parts in various groups before he anchored himself in Wand, where he crafts rugged psychedelia. Alongside that commitment and intermittent acoustic duo performances alongside Ty Segall, Hanson issues solo recordings that range from the pastoral introspection of Pale Horse Rider in 2021 to the high-voltage eccentricity of Western Cum in 2023.

Prior to Wand’s formation in 2013, he contributed to an array of acts, including lesser-known ensembles such as Magic Mountain, Hellomynameischad, and Blackagar Boltagon as well as more prominent ones like together PANGEA, the Meatbodies, and Mikal Cronin. Under the name WHITE he also issued three albums of abstract electronic pop. Once Wand formed, the group absorbed the bulk of his attention, issuing three albums and several singles between 2014 and 2015 while maintaining a steady touring schedule that included dates with Ty Segall. Impressed by the collaboration, Segall later joined Hanson for a series of acoustic duo performances and enlisted both Hanson and Wand drummer Evan Burrows for his backing band the Muggers throughout 2016. Consequently Wand remained largely inactive that year, freeing Hanson to complete his first solo album. Released by Drag City in late 2016, the acid folk-inspired and lushly orchestrated The Unborn Capitalist from Limbo occupied much of his focus during Wand’s hiatus.

The band resumed activity in the years that followed and remained Hanson’s primary outlet until 2020, when he issued a 7" single containing two fresh collaborations with Segall. That same year he began previewing material from his second solo album, Pale Horse Rider, which appeared in March 2021. Ahead of its release he also guested on “Night Rider’s Lament,” one of several joint tracks issued by Bill Callahan and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Hanson’s third solo album, Western Cum, arrived in 2023 and departed sharply from his earlier solo work by emphasizing guitar-driven rockers that incorporated harmony leads reminiscent of ’90s alt rock alongside blown-out, frazzled punk delirium. Recorded with a quartet featuring Hanson, his brother Casey on bass, Tyler Nuffer on steel guitar, and drummer Evan Backer, the sessions favored a raw, immediate approach over the more restrained textures of his prior releases.