Unsigned Spotlight: Corina Corina

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Corina Corina- just me myself and I.

For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to being Corina Corina? How long have you been around?

I founded a soul/funk band called I that I was in for about 4 years prior to going solo in 2011. I cut a jazz EP and did various projects before that. Currently, in addition to my solo “Corina Corina” career, I’m in an acoustic blues/folk duo called Max Caddy with my partner, Jesse O'Neill. We’ve been very actively playing in New York for years and are in the process of recording our second EP.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed your name before?

My government name is Corina. I was named after the blues/folk classic, "Corina Corina" so picking my stage name was pretty easy! It’s also a nod to a few artists i grew up listening to: Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb and Tony Tony Tone...I’m kinda showing my age here haha

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write all my songs. I love writing as much as I love singing and for me the two go hand in hand. I mostly write from a very personal standpoint, I’m pretty straightforward, not a lot of abstract metaphors or anything. It’s similar to my communication style in my everyday life: I’m intense, straight to the point and have a lot of attitude! 

I sure hope it changes over time as I believe it will continue to be a reflection of my evolution as a human being. I’d never want to art or my spirit to be stagnant. We shall see...

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Well there’s my all time influences who continue to be a well of inspiration every time I listen to them: Stevie Wonder, Nas, Outkast, both members of Run the Jewels (Killer Mike and El-P) Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Prince just to name just a few off the top of my head. Lately I’ve been really focusing on an old soul artist named Solomon Burke, he’s been a huge influence on my style as I’m starting to think about my fourth album.

As far as contemporary artists, right now I’m really into Hooray for the Riff Raff, Joey Bada$$, Lorde, Alabama Shakes, Oddisee, Miguel (although his lyrics can be a little corny at times), Kendrick Lamar and Rapsody. So many great artists out there right now!

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start singing?

Aretha Franklin is the reason I fell in love with singing. Madonna is the reason I feel in love with performing. Stevie is the reason I keep doing it.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Yes I have a very thorough routine involving tequila and Killer Mike!

I do yoga almost every day but in addition to that, when I have a big show or recording I try to do a little heart rate-increasing workout as well. It gets my lungs and body ready. Before I sing I always do my vocal warmup, sing a Stevie Wonder song (usually “Golden Lady”), play some Killer Mike or NWA to get me hype, take a shot of tequila, say a quick prayer and I’m ready to go!

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

There have been many! I’ll never forget how amazing both of my album release shows were- the love I felt from my friends and community was the best feeling ever. Hands down though I’d have to say touring. It’s really hard and all consuming but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. I’ve been all over the country and have made friends in towns I’ve never ever heard of. It’s also made me a better performer and has continued to show me how resourceful and resilient I can be.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

That question is damn hard to answer! I’m going to limit myself to contemporary artists just so I don’t drive myself crazy trying to answer! Lorde is touring with my favorite rap group, Run the Jewels this spring and an up and coming artist, Mitski who I really like is opening up for them. I’d love to be on a tour like that! Multi-genre, multi-generational, and all incredible artists who stand for something and would also probably be a lot of fun to hang out with.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me. Please check out my whole catalog, there’s a lot of digging to do!

Oakland bred, Brooklyn-based, alt soul/pop artist, Corina Corina, drops her new single, “BAR$,” the opening track of her third full-length album, Hangover Music. Due out later this year, the album is a conceptual project written about all the aspects of her lifelong relationship with alcohol, in conjunction with themes of empowerment, loneliness, regret and love. A seasoned vet in the nightlife industry, Corina Corina has had a love/hate relationship with her “day job” for years. Bartending has been a large part of her daily life for so long that it inevitably found its way into her creative life and has become a theme in her songwriting as well. “BAR$” adopts a more empowered viewpoint from previous releases, as the protagonist is exhausted and jaded but not at all a victim; she knows exactly what she’s doing, she’s a hustler and knows how to play the game. All the blood, sweat and tears she has endured from decades behind the bar have enabled her to invest in her music career, in fact, every single dollar she put into the creation of Hangover Music came from bar money. First gaining recognition as a solo artist within the New York City independent hip-hop music scene, she’s had the honor of sharing stages with heavyweights Talib Kweli and Action Bronson. She brings a fresh and seamless synergy between 90s-style r&b, dark pop, lyrically driven hip hop and her roots in blues and soul music. Touring extensively through the USA, including multiple showcases at South by Southwest in Austin and North by Northwest in Toronto, “Corina is unequivocally the lady to follow. She’s firm, beautiful, passionate, and voices her opinions without reservations. In one word: she’s real.” (ItsMarg) Both of her self-released solo albums, “The Eargasm” (2012), The Free; (2014) were co- produced with internationally acclaimed producer Willie Green (backwoodz), and incorporate social issues from gender inequality to self-love and resisting social norms. In early 2017, Corina Corina released a mixtape tribute to Run the Jewels entitled Run the Blues to critical acclaim, and now, she is gearing up for the unveiling of Hangover Music. As one of the hardest working women in the industry, Corina Corina has expanded her message of empowerment and authenticity through writing for popular lifestyle blogs such as like Elephant Journal, G.O.A.T. Hip-Hop, Stop the Breaks and had a monthly column about her battle with depression and recovery from anorexia for the popular website, Recovery Warriors. Her new releases will continue Corina Corina’s open discussion of personal obstacles, the trials and tribulations of a working artist and mental health. “Corina is well on her way to garnering attention from the mainstream with her angelic, soulful voice and genuine songwriting.” (DX Entertainment) Written and arranged by Corina Corina (ASCAP) & Willie Green (BMI) Executive Produced by Corina Corina for Know Better Music (ASCAP) and Willie Green for Paul Womack Media (BMI) Recorded & mixed Willie Green for Paul Womack Media (BMI) and recorded the The GreenHouse Mastered by Carl Saff for Saff Mastering