Some of the biggest perks of contributing to Rootfire are broadening my musical horizons and learning about new music. But there’s something even more thrilling about flipping my musical horizon upside down and discovering a band from the other side of the globe. So, when Rootfire’s editor, Dave Shiffman, introduced me to Skeletons, the latest album from New Zealand’s Corrella, it didn’t take long for me to crank up the volume in my headphones and lose myself in the funky bass lines, bombastic horns, fierce guitar and the tones of an oozing organ. 

This concoction of musical ingredients sent me on a sonic journey, with each instrument adding its own bit of zest throughout the album. In the opening seconds of Skeletons, the swell of a wave carried me into a soundscape that showcased Corrella’s ability to capture a groove by touching on a wealth of musical elements and sounds.

Moved by the energy and captivated by the soul that Corrella brings, I had to learn more about the creative process and the stories behind Skeletons. So, I jumped on a Zoom with frontman Pipiwhahaura (Pipi) Campbell to discuss what it took to shape their stellar sophomore album. From his role as a lead singer and songwriter to his connection with his Māori roots and love for fellow bandmates, Campbell’s artistry and compassion are just a piece of what makes the music so great.

Reflecting on the experience of recording Skeletons, Campbell shared that crafting the sounds was a lot of hard work but it ultimately turned out to be an incredible time for Corrella. 

“We spent two weeks together, trapped in a studio. I’m happy that we came out of there still friends. There were a few robust discussions, but it was heaps of fun.” He further explains the song creation process by telling me, “There are songs on the album which we were just mucking around and just having fun, like ‘Cookie’ and ‘Too Chur.’”

Campbell told me that “chur” is a bit of Māori slang, meaning rugged and unkempt. His bandmate, Te Naawe Tupe, wrote the song after being told he was “too chur” to be a Naval Officer in New Zealand’s Royal Navy. In fact, their name, Corrella, comes from the street at the naval base where the band first began.

On the other hand, “Cookie,” one of my favorite tracks from Skeletons, teems with lyrical subtext. At first, I thought it was about a friend of Campbell’s who kept getting in trouble for only who knows what.  Instead, Campbell blew my mind when he told me the true meaning of “Cookie.” Through a bout of laughter, Campbell explained, “It’s actually a dedication to our Hawaiian brothers and sisters. And it’s a song about Captain Cook. I don’t know if anyone knows about the history of Captain Cook, but it didn’t end too well for him in Hawaii.” 

The infamous life of Captain Cook is bizarre but involves the eighteenth-century explorer trekking the Pacific Ocean several times. Eventually, on his third Pacific voyage, Cook came across Hawaii. However, the cartographer never left. On the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay, Cook had one of his ship’s boats taken, and because of this, he decided to kidnap and hold hostage the Hawaiian king, Kalani’opu’u. As a result, Native Hawaiians revolted and stabbed him, ending his reign of conquest. 

Not only does this tale tickle the innards of my history nerd brain, but it also conjures up vivid images in my mind. Through the funk-laced jam, I picture a sun-crisped captain standing at the helm of his ship; his face crystalized by the salty air and drunk on his thirst for conquest. As the ship rocks, his stomach churns with a mix of courage and hubris, utterly unaware of his impending doom. The juxtaposition of an upbeat and infectious groove mixed with the undertones of Captain Cook’s death creates a poignant and thought-provoking contrast, adding a deeper layer to the song’s entire narrative.

Cookie

You should’ve lived your life at home 

But now your days are dead and gone

You should’ve stayed home, stayed your ass at home

Cookie got cooked, Cookie got crispy 

Cookie got burned making trouble, 

Won’t be home for no whiskey

Campbell’s lyrical depth is merely one facet of Corrella’s dynamic sound. Throughout each track, Skeletons provide an array of tones that implant deep into the ear canal. The interplay of genres provides a deeply textured album where each track offers something for all different tastes. Campbell explains this was likely part of their vision when recording: “There’s something in this album for everyone. It can take you on a journey from start to finish. It’s pretty different, and not all songs are the same.”

Another banger, “War,” shows off the more roots reggae side of Corrella’s sound, balancing a booming bass with a piercing snare hit that feels almost primal. All while the harmonious backing vocals of Campbell’s sister, Ngawaiwera, send chills as they heed the warnings of war.

Knock knock on heaven’s door

I shouldn’t want to fight no more

But in the end, it’s always been this way 

Are you the one who serves a thousand keyboard warriors?

Oh no, we got to find a way 

Before we go to war

The genre-blending not only highlights Corrella’s musical versatility but also reflects Campbell’s deep connection to his Māori roots. His heritage plays a huge role in shaping Corrella’s sound, adding a unique cultural layer to their music, but as he shared during our conversation (also depicted in this short documentary clip), he didn’t always feel comfortable embracing it. 

“I grew up, Te Reo Māori, and the Māori language was my first language. And the only language I knew until I was maybe five. And then I went to Māori boarding schools, and then I joined the engineering branch of the Navy and some comments around Māoris and Māori culture just swayed me not to want to be Māori. And for a little while there, I stopped speaking my home language. I think it lasted about eight years, and then I had a massive life change. And now I’m happy to say I’m proud to be Māori. It’s put all through our music. And I’m a huge advocate of trying to normalize Māori culture.”

Music is a massive part of Māori way of life, deeply rooted in tradition. This rich musical heritage has influenced Campbell, inspiring him to carry these customs into Corrella. “I grew up thinking everyone could sing—except for my dad,” Campbell said with a laugh. “We’d have garage parties with my aunties and uncles. They’d grab a guitar, and everyone would sing until morning.” 

From the opening seconds of Skeletons, it’s clear that Corrella’s sound cannot be confined. It offers a full spectrum that not only grooves the heart and soul but also etches itself into the mind with its stories, wisdom, and reflections on culture and history. These elements, tied together with infectious riddims, funky bass lines, and blazing horns, create a soundscape that’s impossible to resist, pulling you into its dynamic world from the very first drop.