Corrella on their new album ‘Skeletons’
Award-winning and record-breaking Tāmaki Makaurau band Corrella return with their 11-track collection, combining the sounds of South Pacific-inspired roots/reggae, with touches of soul, funk, gospel, pop, and even a bit of country. Having just played Rhythm & Vines, they’re hitting the ground running in 2025 with performances at One Love and Homegrown as well as touring with L.A.B from now until March!
HM: Hey Pipiwharauroa! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us about your new music! First of all, we'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started singing and making your own music together?
Pipi: So we started a covers band back in 2017, just doing navy gigs as we were all in the navy at the time, but in 2019 we made the jump to doing originals and released our first single in Dec 2020 and haven't looked back since.
HM: Incredible! Who were your main musical and creative influences growing up?
Pipi: I love most genres of music but growing up Motown was my go-to, and for Kiwi artists have always loved Kora, SIX60 and L.A.B more recently.
HM: Congrats on your amazing new album 'Skeletons'! What themes were important for you to write about lyrically for this project?
Pipi: This album was a bit of a mix bag haha and I like to think there is something in there for everyone. But some of the main themes are around the experiences we have had since moving up in the music industry with ‘Devils’, a touch of the political side with ‘War’ and ‘Right Side’ and then some classic love songs with ‘All There Is’ and ‘Crazy Good'.
HM: Awesome! And one of our favourite songs on this album is 'How Will I Know'! Are you able to tell us about the inspiration behind this track?
Pipi: So this was a song that my sister wrote about her being with someone but it not working out and taking a break but wondering if eventually they would get back together.
HM: We also love "All There Is" - such a stunning song! Can you tell us about the concept of this one and what it means to you?
Pipi: So this was a collaborative song with Kings and it’s just your classic love song but the great driver of this song is the guitar melody with the vocal complementing it.
HM: What were some of your main highlights making this album?
Pipi: For me it was ‘Cookie’ and ‘Too Chur’ haha, we just had so much fun mucking around and trying new things. So really the whole experimental phase of this album was super cool and working with other people in the industry.
HM: You've got performances coming up at One Love, Homegrown as well as touring with and supporting L.A.B on their nine shows across New Zealand and Australia which is super exciting! What are you looking forward to most about those performances?
Pipi: One Love always has a special place in my heart being from Tauranga and the festival being a catalyst for us becoming an original band, but I’m also looking forward to doing Homegrown for the first time as it’s such an iconic festival for Kiwi musos.
HM: Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
Pipi: L.A.B for sure, their musicality and songs are always so good and live it’s even better. I’m also a fan of all the kaupapa Māori stuff my cousin Stan Walker has done and pushing that all the way to Hollywood.
HM: Absolutely! And what's one of the biggest lessons you've learned in your career so far, or one of the best pieces of advice someone has given you along the way?
Pipi: Don't be afraid to give original music a go - if you have a passion for it, you never know where it can go. What I will say is that be prepared to grind haha, the music is only half the job but like I said if you have a passion for it, that makes it easier.
HM: Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
Pipi: Just thank you to everyone who has supported us and who continue to support us. I am forever grateful and like I said, never expected to be where we are now. Watch this space.
Thanks Pipi! Make sure to keep up with Corrella on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Spotify or Apple Music and catch them on the road!
