Curry, Reto, it’s a pleasure for us to have this interview with you!
From the first moment we made contact, quite a long time ago, you have shown great kindness and cordiality.
Why don't you tell those who don't know you, about COREIGN's beginnings?
Thank you very much, Javier, for this great opportunity. It's a great pleasure and honor for us to talk with you.
All begun with a track for a video when Curry and I met online and started a small project. Out of this, we built our first band, CORE, in 2013 and started to release our first Albums starting in April 2014. In June 2016, we renamed the band to COREIGN and since then released 11 Albums.
You’re a couple, musicians, composers. Is there anyone else involved in the band?
We are 100% DIY in that sense. However, we have our two small Labels helping us with the Album distribution worldwide. And we have often guest musicians contributing in our songs, as well as a graphics artist who makes our album covers. But apart from this, we do just everything on our own.
There are many elements that come together in the COREIGN sound, so much so that it becomes very difficult to put a label to the band. What do you think about it?
As an independent band, we have the great opportunity to just do whatever we want. We love to experiment with all sort of styles, grooves and beats, and sounds. We both are fond of all kinds of music and thus can integrate just any influence in what we do. Of course we have meanwhile developed our own setting when it comes to instrumentation, arrangement and mixing, which still leads to a unique sound that is recognizable for a listener. But the basis is limitless and allows us this great freedom to try just anything we like.
How is the compositional process and what sensations do you seek to convey with your songs?
Often, one of us comes up with an idea and creates a first draft for a new song. We then sit together in the studio and discuss and try out things that could be added or changed. There is no plan or goal, it is an organic process that takes place and that is rich of influences of both of us. Once the draft is agreed upon, everything is worked out. When the song is ready, we start to add the lyrics and then the song is finalized.
COREIGN is a very prolific band in terms of recordings; much more than other bands. In fact, you have come to edit more than one album per year. Why?
We have no other hobbies and we do not travel. And, we do not perform on stage as a band. So, we can spend all of our spare time into our music and sound experiments in the home studio. There, we really find our freedom, and for us two, this is the greatest thing to do. Music is very important in our life.
Do you like to play live? Or do you feel more comfortable in the studio?
We have both experience with live performances and we used to like it. However, our song are quite demanding in the instrumentation. We would never perform in half-playback, so we would have to change the songs to be playable on stage. Or to look for up to maybe 10 more musicians to realize it all in the way it is (smile). So, no, we are happy the way it is for now, but never say never; we discuss this point from time to time and if one day there was an opportunity, who knows...
Krokus was the first Heavy Rock band that I liked, back in 1982... Their version of "American Woman" sparked our love for Metal. Today we find Dead Venus fascinating. What other wonders of the Swiss scene are we missing?
Well, for sure bands like Eluveitie, 69 Chambers, Coroner, Crystal Ball, Miracle Flair, November-7, Elferya or Khaos, but then of course also a lot of maybe lesser known acts. There is a pool of very talented people in the Metal and Hard Rock genre living and working here, and we often are surprised ourselves how awesome and big this scene in fact is. However, as with music people, there are always a lot of changes, disbanding, etc. so this list was different yesterday and will be different tomorrow.
The titles of your albums are very particular: they are all limited to one word. Is there a common thread between all the songs, represented by the title?
Well, yes, one word only, as a short title can be printed in larger letters and thus is better readable. so, it has a very practical aspect as a first idea. And then, yes, the titles have a meaning, but more of a personal meaning to us, like an internal meaning that has not really to do with the songs. It reflects more some of the aspects were we are and how we feel about it. Like, say, Lucidity, where we were working a lot on improvements of the transparency and the stereo picture in the production, so this title seemed a good choice to us. Or with the newest album Intrepidity, as we packed this album with a Funk and a Blues and a Ballad, just because we like to do whatever we want. we do not have to conform to the advisory of a producer or the wishes of a label, we are totally independent in what we do, and we like this freedom very much.
"He's Alive" is the latest video you have released. Please, tell us about it.
It is our first professionally produced band video and we might do more in this direction. we found the right producer in our friend Stefan Fässler, and with Mount Rigi, the Queen of the Alps, we had the awesome place for a great scenery. The theme and lyrics of the song are about our living God, Jesus Christ, and we tried to visualize this by showing his creation. It's all about him wanting everybody to have a vivid relationship with him again. He does not live in an old, dusty book, no, he IS this Word, and "He's Alive".
We’ll take you out of the music scene to ask your opinion and a reflection about this complicated situation that we have been experiencing in 2020…
We are very apolitical in that sense. We don't care if WHO changed their definition of that a "flu" now has to be declared as a "pandemic", if it is a good thing to use "untested vaccination" or to "wear masks" etc. We see this mankind running into an even bigger financial crisis now than in 2008 and maybe the outcome will be even worse than in 1929, and the "lockdown" will be a good excuse for it all. But, you see, it all was foretold, and these politicians, bankers and influential people are just acting according to prophecies told 2000 years ago. They are fulfilling and they seem not to know what they are doing. Listen to the lyrics of our song "Black Sea" or do yourself the favor to read the Revelation in the Bible, and you will understand what we think about it. But do also know that the most often occurring term in scripture is "Fear Not".
Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to a band from Argentina?
Yes, we are fond of bands like V8, Almafuerte, Rata Blanca, A.N.I.M.A.L., Imperio, of course! And, our relation to Argentina is very special. Our very first song (then still as CORE) ever on the air was broadcasted in Rosario, in the radio show Hecho de Metal by Néstor Diaz and Mauri Scarpelli, who became friends since, and we are aired by several stations in Argentina meanwhile. COREIGN seems to be liked by the listeners in Argentina (thanks!). We follow and also post sometimes to Veronica Cavallaro's Maga-Zine (Difusion Underground Internacional) to see and read and learn more about what is up in South America in general and in Argentina in particular, and we have some beautiful music-oriented relations on a quite personal level, like with Melani of Hess Heavymetal. And: Argentina for sure would be one of our preferred destinations if we ever were to travel or to perform abroad! We love you!
Well, this of the Covid 19 will undoubtedly be left behind, and we’ll soon remember it as a nightmare... What are the future plans for COREIGN? And what would be the greatest desire that appears on the horizon?
We are fine with the situation as it is for now. We will do our thing and always work on our next album. We maybe will do some more band videos and we are discussing to release maybe a hardcopy CD, just for fun. Our main goal is not to have success or to earn money, but to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. One very cool thing would be to come over to Argentina and meet all you lovely people we like and love. And maybe to perform on stage some sunny day. But just let us see and wait what the future will bring.
Curry, Reto, we reiterate our appreciation for your time and excellent predisposition... Is there anything you want to add that we haven’t asked you?
Thank you very much, Javier. It is a great pleasure for us to be in this close contact, in the Indie music scene, with the radio owners / DJs, the fellow bands and the radio listeners. We love what we do and it has given us back so much in all these superb relations, around the world, on a very personal level. We have found new friends, like you Javier, and we are most thankful for our "big new family". Thank you! A big shout out to all the listeners and blog readers of Oxido Metal (jajajajaja), you all take care and stay healthy, and: muchas grazias y un monton de amor! Thank you!
COREIGN's Social Media:
http://coreign.ch
https://www.facebook.com/coreign.ch
https://www.twitter.com/COREIGN_CH
https://www.youtube.com/c/COREIGN
https://www.instagram.com/COREIGN_CH
Answered: Curry & Reto by COREIGN.-
Interview by Javier S. Parente, for OXIDO.-
From the first moment we made contact, quite a long time ago, you have shown great kindness and cordiality.
Why don't you tell those who don't know you, about COREIGN's beginnings?
Thank you very much, Javier, for this great opportunity. It's a great pleasure and honor for us to talk with you.
All begun with a track for a video when Curry and I met online and started a small project. Out of this, we built our first band, CORE, in 2013 and started to release our first Albums starting in April 2014. In June 2016, we renamed the band to COREIGN and since then released 11 Albums.
You’re a couple, musicians, composers. Is there anyone else involved in the band?
We are 100% DIY in that sense. However, we have our two small Labels helping us with the Album distribution worldwide. And we have often guest musicians contributing in our songs, as well as a graphics artist who makes our album covers. But apart from this, we do just everything on our own.
There are many elements that come together in the COREIGN sound, so much so that it becomes very difficult to put a label to the band. What do you think about it?
As an independent band, we have the great opportunity to just do whatever we want. We love to experiment with all sort of styles, grooves and beats, and sounds. We both are fond of all kinds of music and thus can integrate just any influence in what we do. Of course we have meanwhile developed our own setting when it comes to instrumentation, arrangement and mixing, which still leads to a unique sound that is recognizable for a listener. But the basis is limitless and allows us this great freedom to try just anything we like.
How is the compositional process and what sensations do you seek to convey with your songs?
Often, one of us comes up with an idea and creates a first draft for a new song. We then sit together in the studio and discuss and try out things that could be added or changed. There is no plan or goal, it is an organic process that takes place and that is rich of influences of both of us. Once the draft is agreed upon, everything is worked out. When the song is ready, we start to add the lyrics and then the song is finalized.
COREIGN is a very prolific band in terms of recordings; much more than other bands. In fact, you have come to edit more than one album per year. Why?
We have no other hobbies and we do not travel. And, we do not perform on stage as a band. So, we can spend all of our spare time into our music and sound experiments in the home studio. There, we really find our freedom, and for us two, this is the greatest thing to do. Music is very important in our life.
Do you like to play live? Or do you feel more comfortable in the studio?
We have both experience with live performances and we used to like it. However, our song are quite demanding in the instrumentation. We would never perform in half-playback, so we would have to change the songs to be playable on stage. Or to look for up to maybe 10 more musicians to realize it all in the way it is (smile). So, no, we are happy the way it is for now, but never say never; we discuss this point from time to time and if one day there was an opportunity, who knows...
Krokus was the first Heavy Rock band that I liked, back in 1982... Their version of "American Woman" sparked our love for Metal. Today we find Dead Venus fascinating. What other wonders of the Swiss scene are we missing?
Well, for sure bands like Eluveitie, 69 Chambers, Coroner, Crystal Ball, Miracle Flair, November-7, Elferya or Khaos, but then of course also a lot of maybe lesser known acts. There is a pool of very talented people in the Metal and Hard Rock genre living and working here, and we often are surprised ourselves how awesome and big this scene in fact is. However, as with music people, there are always a lot of changes, disbanding, etc. so this list was different yesterday and will be different tomorrow.
The titles of your albums are very particular: they are all limited to one word. Is there a common thread between all the songs, represented by the title?
Well, yes, one word only, as a short title can be printed in larger letters and thus is better readable. so, it has a very practical aspect as a first idea. And then, yes, the titles have a meaning, but more of a personal meaning to us, like an internal meaning that has not really to do with the songs. It reflects more some of the aspects were we are and how we feel about it. Like, say, Lucidity, where we were working a lot on improvements of the transparency and the stereo picture in the production, so this title seemed a good choice to us. Or with the newest album Intrepidity, as we packed this album with a Funk and a Blues and a Ballad, just because we like to do whatever we want. we do not have to conform to the advisory of a producer or the wishes of a label, we are totally independent in what we do, and we like this freedom very much.
"He's Alive" is the latest video you have released. Please, tell us about it.
It is our first professionally produced band video and we might do more in this direction. we found the right producer in our friend Stefan Fässler, and with Mount Rigi, the Queen of the Alps, we had the awesome place for a great scenery. The theme and lyrics of the song are about our living God, Jesus Christ, and we tried to visualize this by showing his creation. It's all about him wanting everybody to have a vivid relationship with him again. He does not live in an old, dusty book, no, he IS this Word, and "He's Alive".
We’ll take you out of the music scene to ask your opinion and a reflection about this complicated situation that we have been experiencing in 2020…
We are very apolitical in that sense. We don't care if WHO changed their definition of that a "flu" now has to be declared as a "pandemic", if it is a good thing to use "untested vaccination" or to "wear masks" etc. We see this mankind running into an even bigger financial crisis now than in 2008 and maybe the outcome will be even worse than in 1929, and the "lockdown" will be a good excuse for it all. But, you see, it all was foretold, and these politicians, bankers and influential people are just acting according to prophecies told 2000 years ago. They are fulfilling and they seem not to know what they are doing. Listen to the lyrics of our song "Black Sea" or do yourself the favor to read the Revelation in the Bible, and you will understand what we think about it. But do also know that the most often occurring term in scripture is "Fear Not".
Have you ever had the opportunity to listen to a band from Argentina?
Yes, we are fond of bands like V8, Almafuerte, Rata Blanca, A.N.I.M.A.L., Imperio, of course! And, our relation to Argentina is very special. Our very first song (then still as CORE) ever on the air was broadcasted in Rosario, in the radio show Hecho de Metal by Néstor Diaz and Mauri Scarpelli, who became friends since, and we are aired by several stations in Argentina meanwhile. COREIGN seems to be liked by the listeners in Argentina (thanks!). We follow and also post sometimes to Veronica Cavallaro's Maga-Zine (Difusion Underground Internacional) to see and read and learn more about what is up in South America in general and in Argentina in particular, and we have some beautiful music-oriented relations on a quite personal level, like with Melani of Hess Heavymetal. And: Argentina for sure would be one of our preferred destinations if we ever were to travel or to perform abroad! We love you!
Well, this of the Covid 19 will undoubtedly be left behind, and we’ll soon remember it as a nightmare... What are the future plans for COREIGN? And what would be the greatest desire that appears on the horizon?
We are fine with the situation as it is for now. We will do our thing and always work on our next album. We maybe will do some more band videos and we are discussing to release maybe a hardcopy CD, just for fun. Our main goal is not to have success or to earn money, but to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. One very cool thing would be to come over to Argentina and meet all you lovely people we like and love. And maybe to perform on stage some sunny day. But just let us see and wait what the future will bring.
Curry, Reto, we reiterate our appreciation for your time and excellent predisposition... Is there anything you want to add that we haven’t asked you?
Thank you very much, Javier. It is a great pleasure for us to be in this close contact, in the Indie music scene, with the radio owners / DJs, the fellow bands and the radio listeners. We love what we do and it has given us back so much in all these superb relations, around the world, on a very personal level. We have found new friends, like you Javier, and we are most thankful for our "big new family". Thank you! A big shout out to all the listeners and blog readers of Oxido Metal (jajajajaja), you all take care and stay healthy, and: muchas grazias y un monton de amor! Thank you!
COREIGN's Social Media:
http://coreign.ch
https://www.facebook.com/coreign.ch
https://www.twitter.com/COREIGN_CH
https://www.youtube.com/c/COREIGN
https://www.instagram.com/COREIGN_CH
Answered: Curry & Reto by COREIGN.-
Interview by Javier S. Parente, for OXIDO.-
