Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Reinisch.
Hi Cory, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Harvest Thieves formed back in 2013, originally as a side project for Cory Reinisch and Dustin Meyer. The two were playing in a band that dissolved in mid-2013 and they made Harvest Thieves their full-time project. Annah Fisette joined shortly after, along with drummer, Wes Cargal. The group added Michael Gibson and Mike Mangalindin the following year and they’ve been playing as a band ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Harvest Thieves have been playing regularly in Austin for over ten years now, with the current lineup. Dustin Meyer switched from bass to guitar – while Mike Mangalindan took up duties on bass guitar. The band underwent a few lineup changes early on, but the departures were because of changes in life situations, and some of the former bandmates have played shows with Harvest Thieves since their departure. Harvest Thieves is very much a family band! Annah Fisette and Mike Mangalindan are husband and wife. The band also toured much of the country before the pandemic, but has mostly played in and around Texas since the pandemic.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Marketing Director for Austin’s iconic record store, Waterloo Records. He currently books live music and events for the store and has been in that role since 2020. I’ve been able to make many long-standing relationships with local Austin artists, regional and national touring acts, and have developed many relationships within the music industry from large record labels to independent artists and local record labels. One of my favorite bookings ever was Lucinda Williams a couple of years ago when she began touring. She played Waterloo Records for our 40th Anniversary, and that was a memorable time. I’ve also booked all of our SXSW Day Party shows each year during the festival since taking the position. The whole week is filled with music at the store and bands have travelled from all over the United States and internationally to play at Waterloo during SXSW.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have been fortunate enough to have, what I consider, many mentors over the years. Whether that happens to be older musicians and songwriters that I’ve come to know just from playing for so many years, or my time developing those relationships working at Waterloo Records, I’ve crossed paths with so many people who’s art and life passions I admire and respect. I was fortunate enough to develop a strong friendship with Peter Blackstock – music editor at The Austin American Statesman for many years, and founder of the music magazine, No Depression. Being that Harvest Thieves considers itself an alt-country band, meeting Peter and developing that friendship over the years was something I never imagined growing up and finding my footing as a songwriter. I value Peter’s opinions on damn near everything and he’s been incredibly kind to the band over the years, not to mention a world class human being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harvestthieves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestthieves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestThieves
- Twitter: https://x.com/HarvestThieves
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LjH7Xa3-P1uRFgiO42UmQ
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/harvestthieves
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SLorOKOXQbuXcl2eCitfy
Image Credits
Kate Blaising
Kate Hellenbeck
