INTERVIEW: COREFISH (10/12/23) -
Following the announcement of corefish's new project, KITE, the team at propyl had a chance to sit down with him and discuss everything from the origins of the name 'corefish' to his thoughts on KITE and his previous project SPLIT. A major player in Slumber Party and its events, and even appearing on the spotify Hyperpop playlist earlier this year with the remix of "alligator" by MXJIA, here's 20 questions we had for corefish!
What inspired you to make music?
I think having so much respect for the artists I listened to, I really want to share that respect with myself, and it's been a big journey fulfilling that 'self-love standard'. I'm so much more content than before with having music as an outlet, and every now and then, I curse myself because I didn't start sooner. I think I'm incredibly lucky to have the listener base I've received within the timeframe I've been putting out content. Not really sure if that is an answer to this question, also not really sure if I am capable of giving one concise enough.
Looking back, was there anything that you would do differently when you just started out making music?
I can't really come up with anything other than silly, stupid shit like 'make more, better music.' I often think about if I had waited more time to actually release on platforms and what that would have done for my sound and musicality. However, I am super content with the consistency I've developed and am really happy with constantly learning and improving to make the next project better.
How did you come up with the name "corefish"?
I needed a name for Webkinz when I was a kid. I think my mom came up with the name because I liked Pokémon a lot, and that was the only one she remembered. It really just stuck with me throughout life as the name I would use to log into things. When I started to release music, I really thought no name had stuck with me for longer and identified me more than this one.
Did you have any plans in life before making music?
I was actually in a pretty intensive musical theatre college/program for about a year before dropping out, it was pretty rough. 12 hours a day 6 days a week across my town when I couldn't drive wasn't too good for my mental health. I wanted to be one of those dumb high tenor singing Broadway star dudes, and truthfully I kind of was, only problem being i just really didn't LOVE musical theatre the way others in that program and career path did. I was just doing something that I was good at.
Where would you see yourself now if you never made music?
Not a good place.
Were there any hobbies/interests that you had to give up to pursue music instead?
Truthfully, not really. I just put all the time I would listen and obsess about other artists into being one myself. Obviously, I'm still a big fan at heart, but I feel so much happier.
"[it's about] the idea of letting somthing you love go, but keeping it at a safe distance - like a kite."
Was there a moment where music just clicked for you, or did it take time?
I think different things clicked at different times. Listening to Onlyfriend I processed two things. One being that youtube type beats exist and i could just sing over them and make the music I've always wanted to make. Before that I was just kind of rapping over splice drum loops and mels for a month or two. And secondly that you can absolutely make one of those beats sound like YOU with the right energy.
Production came as a different click when I met Sobi and watched them produce in Discord VC super often. They are truly someone I think has mastered Ableton as a tool. Watching them work was both inspiring and enlightening as to how the DAW worked and what I could do with it.
What was your favorite collab you've done?
Hard to pick favorites. I really try to work with my friends and people I consider closer because I treat my music as an extension of myself. That being said, I love Alkyl so much; he went so crazy on 'VICTIM,' like he went so stupid ridiculous, like, come on. Also, shoutout drama trial.
What would your dream collab look like?
I think I kind of already got it on 'VICTIM,' just having a bunch of my friends (who happen to sound absolutely gorgeous) have fun under this braggadocious and fun vibe. In terms of future stuff, I'm just excited for whatever comes. I have some cool stuff lined up, and I think the Corefish enjoyers will be enthralled.
How do you feel about people comparing your music to artists like brakence?
Like, cool. I'd say my earlier music was much more inspired, but I would be lying if I didn't take inspiration to any degree anymore. I think people treat artist comparison as a negative thing, and while I understand why it can be perceived that way, I think most of those comparisons come from a positive place.
Are there other artists who you'd say you're more adjacent with than brakence?
I think there would be many. I like to think I take more inspiration from older underscores cuts to a degree, but mostly from my friends. I'd say it's really come to the point where I'm most inspired by those I keep in my company.
How do you feel about tiktok as a marketing tool?
Kind of bad. I think in most cases, it's a better idea to just take that time and improve the music itself. I would rather be known for a really good song than a funny TikTok I did to go along with my pretty good one. I really think letting the music speak for itself is always the best option. That being said, it almost feels like a necessary evil at this point.
In your opinion, is tiktok healthy for growth as an artist?
I really can't answer this one fully. I think it really depends on who you are and what you want out of it. The commenters on that app feel like literal energy vampires at times.
"you can absolutely make one of those [youtube type] beats sound like YOU with the right energy."
How would you describe your growth since SPLIT?
Positive
Is there anything on SPLIT that you just can't stand?
Dude, the stupid formant shifting stuff and bad bass mixing. Other than that, I'm kinda chill with it.
In just 3 words, how would you describe KITE?
Bubbly, Home, Sunlight
Is there meaning behind the name "KITE"?
It's kind of a bunch of meanings. The idea of letting something you love go but keeping it at a safe distance, like a kite. The League of Legends term of hitting something and running away so they cannot catch up and hit you back. And also one of my favorite characters from a video game called '.hack' named Kite, navigating an unknown world in an unknown body.
Are there any songs on KITE that you're excited to be out?
Honestly, all of it, but if I were to narrow it down to a degree, I would have to choose 'BLASTOFF' and 'VICTIM.' Just fun fan-favorite songs that I'm excited for everyone to hear.
Do you have any plans for future projects, collabs, or even a live show that you can share?
ionknow
Is there anything or anyone you'd like to shout out before we go?
shoutout austyn with a y, thms and javadonis for always listening
"I'm just excited for whatever comes. I have some cool stuff lined up, and I think the corefish enjoyers will be enthralled."
Huge thank you to corefish for having this interview with us today! Corefish's new project, KITE, is out next week on the 19th - you can presave it here: PRESAVE KITE
We are also super excited to announce that starting today, KITE CDs and Vinyl are now available for order! Ordering today should have the album arrive to you by release day! (US orders only)
You can pick up a copy of KITE on CD and/or Vinyl here:
Thank you once again to corefish!
This interview was written by @1cober, with editing by the Propyl Team.
Please contact us @ propylrecords@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries.
