By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Artwork for 'The Night We Raise.' Courtesy of Terrorbird Media.
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.
