DJ Ron Slomowicz: Where does the name Korr-a come from?
Korr-A: It kind of stems from my last name Korban. When I was little, everyone would call my dad Korra for short, and people started calling me little Korra. It is just symbolic in remembrance to my family and to my roots; it’s also a good way to distinguish my personal life from my stage life.
RS: With the last name Korban, I wonder are you from?
Korr-A: I was born in Ukraine but I was brought to the States when I was three, so I don’t really consider myself that much Ukrainian any longer.
RS: I have noticed that there is a whole gamut of Eastern European women coming into dance music, for example, Kerli, Bleona, Mika Newton, and Grace Valerie. Do you feel like you are leading the charge?
Korr-A: I don’t know that they are just coming into it because I feel dance music was born in Europe and the countries that we are from. I think that we were finally given the chance to make the music that we like and we are all taking a stab at it because it’s probably where all of our hearts lay.
RS: I heard that you did a Christmas song, what was the inspiration for that?
Korr-A: We thought about it for a while and decided that there is not a lot of music to play at parties that is upbeat and fun to dance to. A lot of the Christmas music is really mellow, classic, and traditional so we wanted to make a dance song and really flip the switch. I don’t think anyone has ever made a Christmas dance song before so we took “Deck the Halls” and flipped it and here we are.
RS: You just got back from Amsterdam Dance Event, how was it?
Korr-A: It was great, we saw a lot of people that we know and it was great to reconnect with them. We also met a bunch of really amazing people. I think that everyone that works in the dance community is really down to earth, friendly and easy to get along with. I think that is the best part of being in the EDM world.
RS: If you had to choose between Nicky Romero, Sander van Doorn, Ferry Corsten, or Hardwell to produce your next single who would it be and why?
Korr-A: I would choose Hardwell! Not only did he support “Fiyacraka,” but I met him in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago and he is a really nice guy. He remembered who I was and remembered that he supported my song. It’s so important to stay humble, especially since now he holds the #1 DJ position. I would love to work with him.
RS: How did it feel when you found out that he started his show with your song?
Korr-A: It felt great; I wasn’t expecting it at all. They tweeted me out and I didn’t even know, I thought that it was a mistake! That was amazing, a really happy day.
RS: Watching your video for “Fiyacraka,” I was wondering If you were a trained dancer?
Korr-A: Yes, I have been dancing since I was 13 years old. I started with ballet and jazz, then hip-hop and modern jazz and funk – I pretty much do it all. I really like to put that element of performance and dance into all of my shows.
RS: How do you maintain your composure when you are singing live with that really intricate choreography? It is really high energy.
Korr-A: I am not going to lie, it’s really hard! Before you came in I was literally practicing because I have to remember twice as much. Your body has to remember to move one way, your voice goes another way, and your eyes go a different way and your hair is in your face and getting in front of the microphone! It takes a lot of concentration and a little bit of meditation, maybe a shot of something but I get through it.
To finish reading the rest of the interview visit DJ Ron’s Notable Dance site by clicking here.
