MARTIN COURI

One On One…Martin Couri of The Courettes

with David Kasheta

A man playing a ludwig drum set on a stage

The Danish punk band The Columbian Neckties toured Brazil ten years ago, providing support for the local group Autoramas. During this time, Danish drummer Martin Thorsen struck up a conversation with Brazilian guitarist Flávia Couri and the rest, they say, is history.

In 2015, Couri relocated to Denmark, and soon after, she and Thorsen tied the knot, giving rise to The Courettes. Since then, their 60s garage rock, influenced by Phil Spector, along with their unique visual style and dynamic live shows, has been steadily attracting a growing fan base.

Amazing how the confluence of fate can influence the personal and professional path of two individuals. Both Flávia and yourself obviously share many of the same influences and utilize that to hone the sound of the band. How and when did you decide to start a band?

MC We put out the first album “Here Are The Courettes” in 2015. An album with 8 songs. All we had. And we started touring. It was never a plan to form the band, but Flávia wrote some amazing garage tunes and we tried them out in the studio. We were mind blown. The sound was huge and we immediately knew this was special. This year is our tenth anniversary!

A man in a suit and tie is standing next to a woman wearing sunglasses

Where did you play your first gig?

MC Our first real gig was at legendary punk venue 1000Fryd in Aalborg, Denmark. Our old hometown. This is where we played with Danish PowerSolo and Kim Kix loved the band. He is the producer of the 2 first albums.

Originals? Covers?

MC We have always played originals. Something we have a big pride in. But…Back then in the very beginning our set was all originals except When You Stop Loving Me by Thee Headcoatees. The only cover we ever did live.

INFLUENCE

Their influences reside in the sweet spot of 60s garage rock and 70s pop punk. This explosive duo marries the raw, vintage sound of 60s Girl Group, Wall of Sound, surf music and doo wop. What keeps you wanting more is that unique blend of catchy melodies, fuzzy guitars and retro charm.

Who were some of your early influences?

MC The Sonics, Headcoats/Headcoatees, Thor’s Hammer, a lot of Damaged Goods records bands and tons of garage from the 60s.

How did you listen to music as a kid? Radio? Albums?

MC Mostly vinyl back then. My mums 7” collection in particular had a big impact. Stones, Beatles, Doors and Creedence. Radio was a big factor back then and my big brother showed me really cool bands and introduced me to f.ex. Blur, Beck and hiphop like De La Soul, Run DMC, Beastie Boys.

A man and a woman standing next to each other holding guitars

First album purchased?

MC ELVIS. A Danish hit collection. I still have it.

You have an amazing and quite enviable group of collaborators on your latest album, including La La Brooks from The Crystals. She lent her golden chords on California and Run Run Runaway. What was it like working with a member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

MC Yes, we are really proud of having one of the most iconic singers from the 60s/Spector girl group era. I mean it’s the voice of Da Doo Ron Ron. How cool is that! She recorded the vocals in NY with Matt/Rocio Verta-Ray in their studio. They did a huge effort and it happened because of them. We never met her unfortunately. I think we would have been too starstruck if we would have met her.

Congrats on California being named “The Song of The Week” on the highly influential Underground Garage on Sirius XM! How were you notified that the song was selected?

MC The team contacted our team and it all rolled from there. We are so happy it worked out and of course sooooo proud it was the coolest song.

You also worked with Darian Sahanaja, who worked on the production of Brian Wilson’s “Smile”. It was he who mixed the vocals on California and Run Run Runaway. What drew you to his work?

MC We know his great work from Brian Wilson’s “Smile” release from 2004. And we wanted that sunshine sound on the album as a contrast to the darkness of the lyrics and who better than Darian to get that into the grooves!

A group of people standing next to each other holding a record.

L > R: Flávia Couri, Darian Sahanaja, Martin Couri

Were you a Beach Boys fan growing up?

MC Yes, I have most of The Beach Boys albums. Flávia and I often discuss who the best band was - Beatles or Beach Boys. And obviously it’s both! I actually saw Darian play with Brian and The Beach Boys a couple of times.

MUSIC RELEASES

The Courettes have released four albums. Here Are the Courettes (2015) and We Are the Courettes (2015) which was reissued by Damaged Goods Records with new artwork in July 2021.

Back in Mono was released in October 2021, receiving critical acclaim and appeared on numerous best-of-the-year lists. The Soul of the Fabulous Courettes was released on November 27, 2024. This is their fourth album and is considered their best work to date.

Your latest album is a 13 track cross pollination sensation that flicks and dances with fuzzy garage vibes, 60s girl group glam and surf pounding sassafras. It’s been lauded by numerous outlets, including Vive Le Rock, UK and Louder Than War.

David Fricke (Rolling Stone), USA, stated that he couldn’t “imagine my turntable without The Courettes”. Pretty impressive accolades from some highly influential outlets. At what point did you realize that this album resonated so well with your fans?

MC Back In Mono was our milestone album that changed our career and it was so critically praised so we were really nervous to see if we could top BIM. We always wanted to improve the albums, songwriting and sound. Luckily, we managed to do an even better album. And luckily it went on numerous “best of” lists of 2024.

A man and a woman are standing next to each other in a black and white photo.

You recorded at the band's own studio, Starr Sound, which was built using vintage audio equipment from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Describe to me how that affects the recording?

MC Back In Mono and The Soul Of… are both recorded there. We built the studio in 2019 because we had the vision to do Back In Mono. Do you know that’s why We Are The Courettes is in stereo? We got the idea to go full on Spector girl group in the mixing process of We Are. And we had it mixed mostly in mono but with stereo elements so we could do Back In Mono.

The vintage outboards have a lot of flavor and this makes it stand out more than many new recordings. And they bring a great atmosphere too.

Multi-instrumentalist Søren Christensen contributes mellotron, organ, piano and backing vocals while producing the album together with C.T. Levine. Describe your collaboration.

MC Søren is our fantastic producer and songwriting partner. And C.T. co-produces adding flavors and comes up with great ideas.

TOUR

The Courettes find themselves in the midst of a tour which included stops here in The States and then back in the UK (https://www.bandsintown.com/a/11836013-the-courettes).

It's a bona fide smash of style and substance when The Courettes hit the stage and never more evident when I pored through past concert stills. An amazing gallery was uncovered here by world renowned photog Dena Flows (https://denaflows.com/galerias-de-fotos-de-conciertos/c/les-courettes/).

How did the recently concluded US tour go?

MC Really well!

What’s the largest crowd you’ve played for?

MC Festivals for sure. Some up to several thousand in the audience.

How do you juggle the demands of performing with family life?

MC This is our work and our family knows it. They are doing a big work back home taking care of our son Lennon and my daughter Filuca. My mother is the babysitter and they are having a great time together. So, though we miss each other, we talk every day. We know our son is happy at home with family, school and friends.

Who would be the dream band to open for?

MC Stadium artists could be really fun to try. Stones, Paul, Green Day and bands in that level.

First concert attended (who, when, who)?

MC Cliff Richard when I was a kid. My mum is a big fan and she brought me there.

I have been begging and pleading to anyone in your organization to schedule a gig that includes Providence or Boston. There has been an overwhelming, positive response to this from the listeners of my radio show, Rock Never Rusts. What can I do to make this happen? My offer to be a roadie at NO CHARGE to you still stands!

MC Haha, nice one! Our agency is Paladin Artists in USA. They handle all shows here.

Are there any new or recent bands you’re most excited about?

MC Yes, Danish band The Concrete Boys! They are banging!

STYLE

There are not many bands today that combine sonics and style as dynamically as The Courettes. You have an incredible portfolio of cool and captivating cover art for your music. The latest album’s cover art was shot by famed photographer Søren Solkær, who previously worked with Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse and The White Stripes among others.

A couple of people standing next to each other in a red circle.

A couple of people standing next to each other on a yellow background.

What an amazing eye for color, scheme and text coordination on the cover art! Who’s responsible?

MC Thank you. That’ll be me. I’m a graphic designer and responsible of all the designs.

What are some of your favorite non-Courettes album covers?

MC Oh so many! Warhol/Velvet Underground is one of my favorites.

What does the future hold, musically, for The Courettes?

MC Playing The Soul Of… release shows for the next years.

Where can listeners grab your music?

MC Everywhere! Physically and digitally!

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June 2024

By proadAccountId-468679 • May 21, 2024

Hey everybody! June is going to be heating up in more ways than one, with some incredibly talented bands that will be in the New England area to officially lift us from the winter doldrums. It’s amazing to soak in the creative energy that these groups provide and we’re here to get as many ears (and eyes) on them as humanly possible. June 1 The Wynotts (New World Tavern, Plymouth, MA) 6 The Swansea Sound (Alchemy, Providence, RI) 7 The Swansea Sound (O’Briens, Boston, MA) The Wicked Lo-Down (Fallout Shelter, Norwood, MA) 8 The Chelsea Curve (Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA) Anderson Council, False Positives, Museum Direktors (Square Root, Roslindale, MA) 14 The Nervous Eaters (Fallout Shelter, Norwood, MA) Barry Goudreau (Music Room, Yarmouth, MA) Jennifer Tefft & The Strange (Fireseed Art Studios, Framingham, MA) 15 The Dogmatics, Girl With A Hawk, Cindy Lawson (Square Root, Roslindale, MA) As always, reach out to your local and favorite bands either by their website, social media accounts or going see them live. Stop by the merch table, say hello and give that band your support. This is my cause, think about making it yours as well! Had the chance recently to interview The Swansea Sound (https://swanseasound.bandcamp.com/album/swansea-sound) and Nicole Laurenne of The Darts ( https://thedartsus.bandcamp.com/album/boomerang ). Incredible catalog and both have very impressive professional careers. Check them out here ( https://www.kashetaproductions.com/blog ) . Big thanks to all those bands, artists, labels and publicists that have submitted their songs to our two syndicated radio shows: Rock Never Rusts and The Boston Tackle Box. I promo all the plays on the socials and strive to be both professional, positive and proactive in assisting them to garner much deserved airplay and promotion. There are a ton of radio stations out there, both FM and internet, and most would and should be interested in what you have to say. Electronic press kits (EPKs) are a great way to communicate to them in a clear, concise and professional way. Always feel free to reach out to us here to get our assistance if it’s something that can efficiently promote your tunes or brand. Thanks again to everyone for all your support of these bands and their songs. Special shout out to all the great radio stations that give their support too, including Eardrum Buzz Radio, Alt Philly Rocks, WOMR, Sole of Indie Radio, WSCR, Alt Radio Rocks, Radio Candy Radio, North of Boston Radio, Pop Radio UK and KOR Radio! Have a great day, stay healthy and hydrate! dk

May 2024

By proadAccountId-468679 • April 22, 2024

Spring has officially sprung here in the Northeast U.S., and the only thing that’s growing faster than the weeds in my yard is the slate of gigs popping up in all our favorite clubs! Not much compares to seeing these bands giving it their all on stage and we fans are eternally grateful. I always throw out reminders to support your local bands in whatever way possible. Reaching out on the socials seems to be the easiest way as a word of encouragement has quite an impact. A lot of bands have great websites where you can sit and soak in their creativity and snag the latest or greatest recorded offerings or maybe pull the trigger on that t-shirt purchase. Thanks for your support of “Rock Never Rusts” and “The Boston Tackle Box” radio shows. Your feedback directs me down the best path to support our music scene. There’s a ton of great radio stations and shows that I love. Explore, explore, explore! Not unlike the weeds in my yard, our website, Kasheta Productions, has yet to be fine-tuned to my liking as the platform to discover and support this great music. I’m excited to work closely with a team dedicated to sharpening the approach and vision for the site and will continue to strive to make it the best I can. Details to follow! I want to personally thank the following stations that have taken a chance on me and my goal to try and get as many ears on this great music as possible. Eardrum Buzz Radio and the indefatigable Bret Miller were the first to take a chance on me and that station and its radio presenters opened my eyes to many types of great music not previously familiar. Explore, explore, explore! Thanks and gratitude to Pop Radio UK, KOR, Sole of Indie Radio, WOMR, Alt Radio Rocks, Radio Candy Radio, WSCR, and North of Boston Radio for their platforms that allow us to be one conduit between you and your music. I’m psyched to say there are more stations in the pipeline to increase the surface area of listenership and strengthen the bond that unites us in our love of music. Until then, support your local bands!

January 2024

January 23, 2024

Hey there, guys! Thanks a ton for swinging by and checking out our little corner of the internet. We're all about sharing the sounds of our local, national, and global music scene, and we want YOU to be a part of it! If you're into a great song, reactive to a riff or become galvanized by a groove then you've come to the right place. We've got everything from Garage Rock to Power Pop, Indie to Punk, and even some good British Invasion to boot! This is a place for all of us to come together, chat, debate, and bask in the glory of some truly amazing music. Bands and fans alike are welcome to use our platform to showcase their skills and passion. So, what are you waiting for? Drop us a line anytime, anywhere on the site. We've got plenty of spots for you to share your thoughts and ideas. We can't wait to hear what you have to say!