With recent reviews including, “a stunning single accompanied by an astonishing video”, “one of the most well-crafted debuts of the year”, “Endearingly sincere and wondrously imaginative.” (Happy Mag) and “pristine retro-pop, like something out of the late 60s. We are digging this.” (Power of Pop), Perth band Corniglia are causing a minor buzz with their debut single “Oh My Love”.
Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what you’ve been up to over the past few years?
My name is Matthew Irwin and I formed the Perth band, Corniglia. I am a Physiotherapist by day. The music has been up until now a bedroom recording project with my brother (Mitchell) intermittently involved. Chloe (my girlfriend), has recently gotten involved taking lead vocals off me (thankfully).
She has also done all the artwork for the band including a Stop Motion animation for our debut single. Three friends of mine complete the live band. We recently signed with a Sydney record label (The A&R Department) to release our debut single “Oh My Love”.
How would you describe your music?
Hazy or dark indie alt rock I guess.
Can you tell us a little bit about your influences?
Music wise: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Radiohead, Tame Impala, Pink Floyd, My Bloody Valentine.
Otherwise: Im particularly fond of Brian Cox documentaries. When i was younger i wanted to play cricket for Australia and my bedroom was covered with Mark Waugh posters – so i would say Mark Waugh is also an influence.
What are you currently promoting?
Our debut single “Oh My Love”.
Have you got a particular song you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, one that might define you?
I’m pretty happy with our debut single so i suppose for now this song defines us. There’s a couple of others that I’m quite happy with but they haven’t seen the light of day yet. So maybe get back to me on that one in a few months.
What are you currently listening to?
Elton John, D.D Dumbo, David Bowie, David Attenborough.
And your favourite album of all time, the one you couldn’t do without?
The Beatles (White Album)
What are your hopes for your future career?
To be able to be a musician full time. To be able to get up in the morning, sipping on a coffee – knowing that my job for the day was to write music. That would be pretty cool. Releasing our debut album would be another more immediate aim.
If money were no object what would be your dream project?
I’d be pretty happy to be able to travel the world making music with my girlfriend, brother and friends. That sounds pretty good to me. Failing that maybe working on a plan to bring John Lennon or Albert Einstein back to life could be pretty cool.
What’s the best thing about being a musician?
Making music.
And the worst?
You can’t study being a recording artist at University, then apply to be a recording artist afterwards and then all of a sudden you are a recording artist making a good living. Apart from that it’s great.
Finally, have you anything you’d like to say to the readers of Americana UK?
I really appreciate the time you spent reading the interview. I have a soft spot for stripped back folk music. The songwriting and melody’s needs to be good, you can’t hide behind cool sounds or ‘popular’ production. I like that.
