The Corrs have been quiet for a whole ten years. Last year, they performed in Hyde Parkand released a new album. In June, they will perform at the Blue Balls Festival inLucerne. We spoke to Andrea Corr (42) about the new album and Switzerland.
The Corrs have taken a ten-year break. Why?
Andrea Corr: We wanted to concentrate on our private lives. In those ten years, a total of eight children were born, I released music as a solo artist and acted in two plays. But we never intended to take such a long break.
Did you miss playing live?
To be honest, I never really realized how much I missed it. It wasn't until we started working together again on the new album that I realized it. Caroline always missed it a lot though. We're already writing a new album again and love performing.
When did you decide to record a new album?
Caroline called us all and asked if we were doing something again. Without thinking about an album or a concert. And as we worked, the new album crystallized more and more.
What was different about the recordings?
We had no pressure. After such a long break, it was almost like a first album, you don't have to build on the success of the previous one. We didn't even tell the record company that we were working on new songs. It was interesting that our demos eventually became recordings.
What has changed in the music business in ten years?
A lot! But one thing is obvious: people no longer pay for music, even though they should. Music has great value, it can even be healing. People today don't realize how important music is for their lives.
You are four siblings. Was it foreseeable that you would form a band?
Yes, we grew up very musically. Our parents already had a band together and were constantly rehearsing at home. And we were all very passionate about music. I didn't choose it that way, but it was an obvious and right path for me.
"People no longer recognize the value of music."
What would you be now if you weren't a musician?
I think I would be an actress. I already do it on the side with a lot of passion, I really enjoy it.
How many instruments do you play?
I've never counted them. We all play piano and guitar, Jim plays keyboard and various string instruments like mandolin, I play ukulele and flute. Sharon plays violin, and Caroline plays drums and all kinds of percussion. I can't even count it, you have to add it up!
Nine instruments! Was it hard to learn them all?
Yes, we invested a lot of time. As a child it's hard, of course, but as you get older you become more passionate and want to learn new instruments. I'm really glad that I've now learned to play the ukulele.
Do you prefer to play your new music or your old hits?
I think people generally prefer to play the new music. It's new, fresh and you want to show it to the audience. Nevertheless, you get a very special atmosphere with the hits.
So the hits don't get you down either.
No. For example, our first gig after the ten-year break was in front of 60,000 people in London's Hyde Park. And when we played "Runaway" there, the whole crowd sang along. That was very emotional!
Can you ski?
No, I'm terrible at it. I'm afraid of heights and on skis I always feel like I'm going at great speed, even though it's actually only walking speed. But my siblings can all ski!
Which performance will you never forget?
We once played in front of 50,000 people in Dublin. The atmosphere was great and a helicopter flew around the stadium the whole time because we were recording a DVD. And of course when we were the support act for the Rolling Stones and were able to watch the concert in Prague with "only" 15,000 people. They usually play in much bigger venues!
How do you relax?
I love to read. Books help me to relax and escape from everyday life. That's very important to me. I recently read the book "All the Light We Don't See" by Anthony Doerr and wanted to write a fan letter afterwards. Instead, I posted a picture of it on my Instagram profile. It really is a unique book that I recommend to everyone!
What will your concert at the Blue Balls Festival be like?
It's all about the music, you'll have to look elsewhere for pyro shows or costume changes. In addition to our current music and our hits, we will switch to an intimate acoustic session in the middle of the concert. That will be a special moment.
THE CORRS
28.07.16, Blue Balls Festival Lucerne
TICKETS
