Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Morgy Ramone Of Korine

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

On Sep. 4, 2020, Philadelphia-based duo Korine will release their new LP ‘The Night We Raise’ via Philly-based label Born Losers.

Korine is Morgy Ramone (they/them) and Trey Frye (him/his), who channel early Depeche Mode, New Order and Nicolas Winding Refn with their ability to sprinkle upbeat, new wave elements through a modern lens with heavy, emotional lyricism.

The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with Ramone about ‘The Night We Raise’ and more.

Music Bugle – How would you describe Philadelphia to someone who has never been there before?

Morgy Ramone – Philly is a “huge small town,” if that makes sense. It’s weird and friendly with a lot of unique qualities. I’ve lived in a few cities in my life, but Philly is the only one that has felt like home.

 

Music Bugle – What made you two want to collaborate on a musical level?

Morgy Ramone – We have a similar understanding and appreciation of music and art and kind of even each other out in some way.

 

Music Bugle – How did you get your duo name?

Morgy Ramone – It was the name I had for a project before I met Trey. We started working together and decided to carry it over.

 

Music Bugle – What was it like making your new LP ‘The Night We Raise’?

Morgy Ramone – It was pretty natural, actually. A lot goes in to the mixing process, but the actual creation of the songs seemed to flow into one another.

 

Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your type of music?

Morgy Ramone – I think what was most exciting to me is the live aspect. Unfortunately, this isn’t happening for a while, but I look forward to a future where that’s possible. Besides that, I think it’s exciting that our music resonates with people. It’s hard to believe that a project, started in someone’s bedroom, could elicit such a positive response.

 

Music Bugle – If you had the chance to chat one-on-one with one of your musical influences, who would you choose?

Morgy Ramone – My first instinct is to go with Prince. I love how his recordings are a mix of rawness and studio magic. His music sounds grounded and proficient while being simultaneously otherworldly and freaky.

 

Music Bugle – Is it harder for you to write or compose?

Morgy Ramone – Composition seems to be the easier part to us. The more difficult part comes from mixing – a balancing act where every component is made of glass.

 

Music Bugle – Which of your music videos was your favorite to shoot?

Morgy Ramone – “The Cold Heart” video was fun to shoot. I feel like we pulled off a decent representation of our vision with few resources. Being creative in that way is a nice challenge.

 

Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Morgy Ramone – Ask any touring musician and they’ll probably tell you that it’s real tough right now. I feel as if everything has changed in the landscape overnight. It’s a different world – it’s gonna take time to become accustomed to it.

 

Music Bugle – What has been the most productive thing you’ve done while in quarantine?

Morgy Ramone – We’ve written a bunch of songs and changed around our live setup for a more dynamic approach. It’s not always about being productive though – sometimes, existing and being kind to yourself is enough.