His recent work on 'Unwind' with Butcher Brown and Melanie Charles showcases his ability to blend jazz, R&B, and hip-hop seamlessly. Fonville's impressive career includes collaborations with notable artists like Mac Miller and contributions to standout tracks such as 'Happy Birthday' and 'Complex City Cypher,' highlighting his dynamic influence in the music world.
Unwind with Butcher Brown and Melanie Charles
"Unwind" featuring Melanie Charles is a vibrant collaboration between the jazz-fusion ensemble Butcher Brown and the multifaceted vocalist and flautist Melanie Charles. This track is a standout from Butcher Brown's much-anticipated album "Letters From The Atlantic." The song was born from a spontaneous studio session, embracing elements of drum and bass, house, and acid jazz, which highlights the band's adventurous spirit. Melanie Charles' contribution is both immediate and transformative, with her vocals and flute work adding a fresh layer of depth. Corey Fonville, a key songwriter and drummer for Butcher Brown, brings his eclectic style to the track, blending jazz, R&B, and hip-hop influences. "Unwind" has been met with enthusiastic acclaim, chosen as the album's single, and praised for its nostalgic yet innovative sound. This collaboration is a testament to the power of creative synergy, resulting in a track that resonates with listeners and showcases the unique talents of both Butcher Brown and Melanie Charles.
Corey Fonville: A Rhythmic Innovator in Contemporary Jazz
Corey Fonville is a dynamic force in the world of contemporary jazz, celebrated for his exceptional talents as a drummer, producer, and songwriter. Hailing from Virginia Beach, VA, Fonville began his musical journey at the tender age of two, inspired by his father's diverse music collection. His formal education at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and the Dave Brubeck Institute set the stage for a flourishing career, leading to collaborations with jazz luminaries like Nicholas Payton and Christian Scott. As a founding member of the innovative band Butcher Brown, Fonville showcases his eclectic style, which seamlessly blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop, funk, and soul. His drumming is renowned for its emotive power and finesse, reflecting his deep-rooted influences from jazz legends like Elvin Jones. Fonville's recent work with Butcher Brown on the track "Unwind [Feat. Melanie Charles]" continues to highlight his versatile artistry and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Corey Fonville's Top 5 Collaborations
Discover five standout tracks showcasing Corey Fonville's exceptional drumming and songwriting, blending jazz, hip-hop, and soul to create unforgettable musical experiences.
Happy Birthday by Mac Miller
"Happy Birthday" is a standout track from Mac Miller's posthumously released album Faces (2021), showcasing his unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul. The song's production features a rich tapestry of live instrumentation, with Corey Fonville contributing his exceptional drumming skills, adding depth and rhythm to the track. Known for his work in contemporary jazz, Fonville's involvement elevates the song's musicality, complementing Mac Miller's introspective lyrics and smooth delivery. This collaboration highlights the seamless fusion of genres that defines Miller's later work, leaving a lasting impact on listeners and solidifying the song's place in his enduring legacy.
Complex City Cypher by Complex Magazine (Ft. A$AP Ferg, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Wiki & Your Old Droog)
"Complex City Cypher" is a vibrant collaboration that brings together the talents of A$AP Ferg, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Wiki, and Your Old Droog, under the creative vision of Complex Magazine. This track stands out for its innovative fusion of hip-hop freestyling and jazz improvisation, creating a dynamic and spontaneous musical experience. Corey Fonville, an acclaimed drummer and songwriter, played a pivotal role in crafting the song's rhythmic foundation, infusing it with his signature blend of jazz and hip-hop influences. His contributions, alongside a live band, elevated the cypher's energy and authenticity, making it a unique entry in the genre-blending landscape of contemporary music.
CARPINTERIA by Rae Khalil & Freddie Gibbs
"CARPINTERIA," a standout track from Rae Khalil's sophomore album CRYBABY, features the lyrical prowess of Freddie Gibbs and the rhythmic innovation of Corey Fonville. Released on August 9, 2024, the song blends retro soul textures with modern R&B and hip-hop influences, showcasing Khalil's genre-fluid artistry. The track's smooth vocals and atmospheric production have been praised for their introspective themes and soulful undertones. Corey Fonville, known for his dynamic drumming and eclectic style, contributed significantly as a songwriter, infusing the track with organic warmth and rhythmic finesse. His involvement, alongside the production talents of Carrtoons and the mixing expertise of Nick Breton, elevated "CARPINTERIA" to a new level of musical sophistication, reinforcing its place as a highlight in Khalil's evolving discography.
MOVE (RIDE) by Butcher Brown (Ft. Jay Prince)
"MOVE (RIDE)" by Butcher Brown featuring Jay Prince is a vibrant track that captures the essence of house music's energetic spirit, drawing inspiration from the club scenes of Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, and London. The song is part of the album Solar Music, which was highlighted in The New York Times Fall Music Preview, showcasing its genre-blending appeal. Corey Fonville, a key songwriter, played a pivotal role in crafting the song's dynamic rhythm with his expert drumming, seamlessly merging organic and electronic elements. His contribution, alongside the collective efforts of Butcher Brown and producers Chris Dunn, resulted in a track that blends funk, house, and hip-hop into a cohesive, danceable groove. Jay Prince's charismatic vocals further elevate the song, infusing it with a London jazz and party vibe, making "MOVE (RIDE)" a standout piece in contemporary music.
"Almost Home" by Mac Ayres
"Almost Home," the final track on Mac Ayres' 2021 album Magic 8ball, is a poignant exploration of self-realization and transformation. The song has been praised for its emotional depth and narrative cohesion, marking a shift from the album's earlier themes of pessimism to a more hopeful and introspective conclusion. With its soulful R&B influences, the track features Ayres' warm, emotive vocals and minimalist piano arrangements, creating an intimate atmosphere. Corey Fonville, celebrated for his work in contemporary jazz, contributed as a songwriter, adding a layer of rhythmic sophistication that elevates the song's introspective journey. His involvement underscores the track's balance of vulnerability and authenticity, resonating deeply with listeners and solidifying its place as a standout moment in Ayres' discography.
Maximize Your Music's Potential
Corey Fonville's impressive catalog, featuring collaborations with some of the industry's biggest names, is a testament to the power of creative synergy. If you're a songwriter, producer, or artist, consider how your music catalog could be working for you right now. Royalty Exchange offers a unique opportunity to explore the financial potential of your music without any commitment. With a free catalog valuation, you can discover what your music is worth based on real market data. The process is straightforward:
✅ No strings attached—explore deal options at your own pace
✅ Full control—decide how much of your royalties to sell, on your terms
✅ Competitive offers—over 20,000 verified investors bid to maximize your payout
✅ Quick and easy—complete the deal in less than a month with expert support
Unlike traditional deals, Royalty Exchange empowers you to monetize your work while retaining creative freedom. Even if you're just curious, there's nothing to lose by getting a free valuation. Start today and see the possibilities for your career.
