An Interview with KORINE
We had a chance to sit down with Morgy, of the Philadelphia-based electronic-pop duo, KORINE. Read our conversation about the band, their music, and what’s next for KORINE below. Make sure to check them out on tour this spring and follow on Instagram!
1. Let's start with an introduction. Can you tell me more about Korine and how you got started as a band?
We started Korine after meeting at a day job we both had. We (Trey and I) had similar outlooks on music and philosophy so it came together pretty naturally. We were both into electronic music and had been doing solo projects for a while. We started recording some things I had been working on when, inevitably, we started making songs together. With our skills combined-- what we were making turned out pretty unique. Our styles played well with each other.
2. You released your first EP, Corsage, in October of 2017. It includes heady, new wave inspired compositions like "End to End" and "Elegance & You." You followed that up with your debut LP New Arrangement the following year, which includes 3 songs from Corsage("Elegance & You," "No Wait," and "Sweet Misery.") Can you tell me about recording both of those and why you chose to include those 3 songs from the EP, specifically?
We included those songs because we felt like they paired well with the other songs we had on the album. They just seem to make the most sense for the vibe we were trying to curiate at the time. I think we recorded those songs on a laptop with hardly any gear. Our process had been pretty diy from the start but recording this was bare bones. It ultimately was about messing up enough times until something sounded good.
3. In October of 2019, you released the single, "Uncrossed," another synth-driven pop-infused masterpiece. The lyrics are moodier than the music that's accompanying as they question a relationship and love. Can you tell me about writing that song?
I think that instrumental wasn’t one we were going to use initially— but we ended up getting inspired to make something with it. I always draw from personal experiences in some way when writing lyrics therefore they can be pretty inward facing. I have at times-- sat with intense sadness and I think this was a way to turn it into something more positive.
4. You're based in Philadelphia but have been touring quite extensively since 2018. Can you tell me about what people could expect from your live show and how audiences have reacted?
The reaction has been great! Seeing people sing the songs we wrote is a surreal experience. We definitely try to make our shows exciting and put a lot into our performances. Playing live is always something we've thought about even when writing the songs. Audiences should expect a moody but danceable environment -full of excitement!
5. Your music is unapologetically 80's inspired (which I think is great) can you tell me about your influences and how you found your signature sound?
We have all kinds of influences, not just 80s stuff. We definitely like the sound palate from that time period but draw influence from places beyond. We both were into punk growing up---I listened to a ton of pop and emo music, which I think we both have an affinity for.
6. You released The Night We Rise, the follow-up LP to New Arrangement in September of 2020. Did you already have some of those songs written before the pandemic? Or is it a completely pandemic written/recorded album? How did working on it through the time affect the album?
We had the album written before the pandemic dropped but decided to release it anyway. It was a tough decision but ultimately we decided to put it out because of how uncertain the future was at that moment. We also just wanted people to hear it because it was an evolution from the previous release. It was hard being so excited about something while simultaneously feeling drained and down from how everything was. It felt like when we recorded this the world was different and we were different.
7. Your latest album, Tear, released this month (February 2023) has stuck to your signature sound, but continued to expand it. When I started listening I probably played the first track "Mt. Airy" at least 5 times before I could even get to the next song. The drums and synth combine to create true earworm of a song. Other more slow songs like "Chimera," and its refrain "I think I love you but I don't know" add more texture to the track list. Can you tell me about recording and writing process of the album?
It was kind of a blur honestly. We definitely worked really hard on every aspect of this album—from the tracklist to the artwork. We're always looking to expand artistically and this record really leans into our pop core.----We wanted to create a tone and feel to the record that is familiar--while also being unique.
8. You just announced a North American tour this Spring. What can audiences expect from this tour?
We’re so excited to get out there and extremely thankful to be able to do this at all—hopefully this translates to the live experience. We try to play the best show possible every night and will be playing a lot of our catalogue. Be prepared to dance and get a brief respite from this hellish existence!
9.Can you tell me what else Korine has coming up? What else would you like readers to know?
We’re gonna be touring extensively for a while— not just in North America either, so come to a show! and follow us on the internet for some good luck and where to catch our next performance ----and listen to our new album, 'Tear.'