Check Out James (Corrj) Correia’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to James (Corrj) Correia

Hi Corrj, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out playing guitar, at the age of 11, in Perth, Western Australia. Unfortunately my parents went through a pretty bad divorce which meant I never had stability with my belonging as the parental custody schedule was (Tues, Wed, Thurs 7:30PM onwards, Fri, Sun) with mum and (Mon, Thurs till 7:30pm, Sat) with dad. I never had the same item at both houses, except for a guitar. I was able to consistently play it no matter where I was, to the point where I got my first indie record deal with a local label called Your Angle Records. After a couple years we departed from each other and I decided to focus on my own singing career.
In 2020, just before covid hit I quit my full time real estate job as a leasing manager to pursue music professionally. With the money saved from my job I built a studio at my house. During lockdown I was in there for 12-15 hours a day creating my first album, MOOD. In this time, an artist by the name of Go-Jo reached out and asked for me to fill in as a guitarist for his 2nd gig to which I hesitantly said yes. After playing multiple shows with each other, we decided to move to Sydney as there was more opportunity over there for music. After a year of living in Sydney, playing shows with Go-Jo, his song blew up on social media, Mrs Hollywood. In this time, March 12 2023, my father passed away and on May 5th 2023 we had to start the national tour, where I played with Go-Jo and was his opening act. We then went on a North East American tour with artist Tash Sultana, which meant I got an 02-Visa, followed by playing SXSW in Sydney and various festivals until the end of 2023.
With the success of Go-Jo, meant the label wanted to change the show, unfortunately for me I was replaced. Although it was a shame, it meant I could devote all of my time and what I learnt into my own project, which meant I had to move back to Perth to figure myself out.
As of 3 months ago I came to Los Angeles to really see what the lifestyle was like here and what it meant for the industry. This trip has propelled my career so far in terms of the people I have met and the abundance of creatives willing to help out. The growth is just becoming more and more exponential and the inspiration to achieve my goals and be seen are coming closer and closer into fruition.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make alternative pop/rnb. I am a multifaceted artist who can perform in any genre due to my versatility. I specialise in memorable chorus’, in the perfect blend of genres, be it rap, pop and rnb, all in one. I make music that makes you feel a certain way, with a catalogue that has everything you need for whatever mood you’re feeling.

I am very proud of being able to keep a listener on their toes throughout a song with the anticipation of what’s coming next in terms of melody changes, which I feel is a beautiful, refreshing touch to have in today’s songs.

More so with my upcoming projects that are yet to be released, is a full brand establishment. I am establishing the CORRJ brand to be a mindset, a way of being. I am creating a world around my brand for people to resonate with. CORRJ is a way of living – charismatic, confident, do what you want, emotionally intelligent, emotionally in tune, like what you like, unbothered by things you can’t control.

Highlighting the use of guitar in darker moodier instrumentals and a falsetto/ soulful voice as well as a logo that is in the process of finalisation.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always active, my father called me Maverick based on the 1984 movie ‘Top Gun’ because I could never stay still, I always wanted to see what was on the horizon, un afraid to explore the unknown by myself.
I was extremely extroverted, friends with everyone type of person.
I never played many video games, I spent most of my time skateboarding, BMX riding, scooting, but mainly learning songs girls loved at school on guitar, like Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, One Direction, John Mayer, Rhianna, Miley Cyrus, Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

I then moved into a big interest in Eminem, 50 Cent, Drake, Chris Brown, Usher, Fall Out Boy, 30H!3, Prince, Michael Jackson, Linkin Park, Santana, Dusty Springfield, One Republic, Sam Smith, America. I also spent a lot of time listening to Portuguese/ Spanish music at home.

I had the blessing of being exposed to so many different genres and cultures of music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corrj/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1We9NucTG4vhfXq7c6hSeB

Image Credits
Peter Hayes
Tiarna Stahmer
Liliana De La Rosa