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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Atherstone artist Christine Corau to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from a little town called Atherstone in the Midlands. I first got into music at school when I was around 10 years old and started learning to play classical guitar. A couple of years later I realised that I really enjoyed playing guitar and singing covers and soon after this I started writing my own songs.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Kate Bush was my biggest influence from my teens. Ever since I bought her album, Hounds Of Love (on cassette!) I’ve been mesmerised by her music and her voice. I loved the way that everything she did was so different to what was in the charts. I also loved Tori Amos, Euthythmics, Suzanne Vega, The Cure, and Elvis Costello growing up. Kate Bush is still my main influence now but more recent influences in my music are Kacey Musgraves, Nerina Pallot, Gruff Rhys and Peter Gabriel.

How would you describe your sound?
My current musical style leans towards a blend of electronic, synth-based, adult-orientated rock and art pop while still containing the influences of my earlier folk songwriting.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is my debut album, which is called ‘Three Scarlet Words.’ The album works around a central idea of how those three little words, “I love you,” are able to work themselves through, and entwine themselves into, almost every aspect of life, whether that be through learning to love yourself, falling in love, heartbreak, or loss. Hence the album title “Three Scarlet Words.” It’s a semi-autobiographical concept album which draws on some of my life experiences.

What’s your local music scene like?
I come from a small town but, even so, we have several indoor and outdoor music events throughout the year. Being close to Birmingham I’m quite lucky that I can pretty much find any style of music, artist, or band to see, just with a short car ride. Plus there are some great venues in Birmingham!

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
It’s been full-on over the last 2 years, writing, producing, and releasing my debut album. I’ve had lots to learn along the way but have enjoyed every minute of it! I’m chomping at the bit to get back to songwriting and recording though, so this will be my focus over the next few months. I may get out there and do some small semi-acoustic gigs but my songwriting is the priority at the moment.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Kate Bush! Yes, I know that will never happen but Nerina Pallot would be great to team up with, as would Peter Gabriel!

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Only one performance when I was gigging with a band and it was the very beginning of the set. It was quite a long intro to the song and right from the beginning I suddenly started panicking (inside – I was still smiling on the outside!) because I couldn’t remember the words. It was only at the very point I had to start singing that they came back to me!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m actually a singing teacher and vocal coach as well as being a music artist. The voice has always been my most important instrument to me and that is why I absolutely love playing around with, and layering, vocal harmonies in my songs.

You can find out more about Christine on her website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, X (Twitter) or YouTube.

You can also read my interview with Christine about her album “Three Scarlet Words” here.