Coridian have become something of a household name in the Kiwi alternative-rock scene. Often regarded as local legends in Auckland, they’ve crafted two EP's and released half a dozen singles, the band have also opened for international acts like Fuel, P.O.D. and Skillet, not to mention countless local gigs including a superb set at Muzic.net.nz’s 20th birthday party at Auckland’s Neck of the Woods in May 2019.

During some down-time, a very excited Steve S. caught up with the band and bantered about Aotearoa’s live venues, their future plans and what Kiwi bands have been rockin’ their socks.

First round’s on me; what are y’all havin’?

Dity (Vocals): G&T with a slice of Cucumber, thanks.
Kris (Drums): Mac’s APA, please.
Nick (Bass): Sugar-Free Woodstock and Coke.
Mike (Guitar): Magners!

If you were to describe Coridian’s music as a pizza, what would it be?

Dity: The El Diablo: Tomato-based pizza, 4 core ingredients but full of fire & punch!

If you had the power to change one thing with NZ’s music industry as it is today, what would it be?

Dity: Bring back a radio station platform for up-and-coming bands, similar to Kiwi FM or Channel Z.
Kris: And following that, less corporate control over bigger festivals so everyone has the opportunity to play them.

Coridian's latest song Rite of Passage has created quite the buzz online already; care to run us through the sonic and lyrical inspirations behind the song?

Dity: The idea of the song introduces an old ideal of being proud of who you are and not live your life to fulfill anyone else but yourself. I see too many people focus their time on documenting their lives for their social media profile, that they forget the reasons behind their choices. Their decisions are based on how many likes or views they'll receive, instead of going ahead with what is truly important to themselves. So, Rite of Passage is my take on making the choices that impact me and my growth as a person.

What do you personally reckon makes a great song "great"?

Dity: For me it's about enjoying playing the song. If I have an amazing time performing the song, it'll reflect back to who's listening to it. The rest should follow if it's truly a song you're passionate about.
Kris: A song that makes you feel, send shivers up the spine, takes you into another moment.

Of Coridian’s existence up to now, what’s the single most memorable set you’ve played so far?

Dity: One for the books was a gig we played in Christchurch - It was actually our first in that city.

Half way through the set, the venues fire alarm went off so we all had to evacuate. We had a good time standing outside, chatting to the groups of hopefully new fans. Then we all shuffled back in and finished our set!
Kris: I got two! Powerstation with Devilskin and then Skillet. It’s just a place you dream of playing, and the atmosphere is just magic. Plus, both phenomenal bands!

What are some of Coridian’s lesser-known inspirations that people wouldn’t expect of an alt-rock band?

Dity: I listen to almost every genre of music, which ranges from rock, metal, pop, hip-hop, drum & bass, house, and even cinematic scores. When I listen, I'm soaking in all the different compositions and melodies each song has to offer. I then store an idea away in the recess of my mind and hope it'll pop up one day while writing with the boys.
Kris: I love pop-punk. Blink 182 and Bad Religion all day! Plus, various sub-genres of metal and hardcore; always good to have lots of different influences and ideas. Nick recently got me into Ocean Alley, they’re so good!
Nick: Ocean Alley and John Butler Trio!
Mike: I take a lot of influence from Blues guitarists - Peter Green, Joe Bonamassa, Los Lobos and post-rock and metal-type stuff as well.

Out of Coridian’s back catalogue to date, which song is your favourite to perform live?

Dity: It's between Reflections and Blind Faith for me. They’re such bouncy songs so I have a great time jumping around and getting right into it.
Kris: Reflections is always super fun to play live. Also love playing Pride, and it was cool when we revisited some stuff from our Oceanic EP recently.

Considering all three Raven brothers are in the same band, what influence does that have on the band’s performance and songwriting?

Kris: For the most part, we get the work done without full-blown arguments, haha. Although there have been some memorable fights over song direction. I remember storming out of the room a few times when we were writing one our new EP songs... Totally worth it though!

Which Kiwi bands have you guys been listening to lots of lately?

Dity: Written By Wolves, City of Souls and Silence the City. And a splash of Skinny Hobos.
Kris: Drxnes, Come to Dolly, Written By Wolves, Seas of Conflict, Curlys Jewels. So many good bands in New Zealand.
Mike: City of Souls, Outside In.
Nick: Drxnes, Animalhead, Fallstate.

The band has previously named Aussie bands Karnivool and Northlane as influences; any plans in taking your live sets across the ditch and show your chops?

Dity: We're constantly talking about an Aussie tour. We've got a couple bands over there we'd love to set something up with, so it's just a matter of making something work in all our calendars.
Kris: Dream gigs would be to support Northlane or Karnivool on tour.

Of the entirety of NZ, which is your favourite live music venue to play at? Are there any Coridian haven't performed at before and are dying to jump on and play?

Dity: Powerstation has been a true delight. Great venue, awesome staff and the sound has always been amazing. I'd love to play at The Civic or Auckland Town Hall.
Kris: The majority of New Zealand venues are pretty rad, very accommodating and full of hard-working people just trying to help the scene. The King’s Arms was always a favourite to play. I still enjoy playing at Ding Dong Lounge, and Valhalla in Wellington!
Mike: Would love to play Spark Arena!
Nick: Homegrown 2021 would be amazing, haha.

If you could play a live show with any band/artist throughout music history, which/whom would it be?

Dity: Would love to tour with Arcane Roots or Incubus.
Kris: Metallica, Vola, or Linkin Park.

What big plans have you and the rest of the band got for the next six months?

Dity: We've got a bunch of new songs we'd love to share with the world, so we're setting things up for that, plus playing more shows around the country.
Kris: We have just announced a four-show tour in November and we have a few other gigs lined up. 2020 is looking to be a big year with our new EP coming out, plus another single and videos. We also have a little documentary that might see a release too. Bring on more tours and shows!

Photos courtesy of Morgan Creative; Anthology Lounge, Auckland 20/09/2019

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