Korda Korder is a project by Kelly Munro, a British songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in the coastal region of Hastings and Bexhill, East Sussex. He is the sole creative driving force, principal composer, and mastermind behind Korda Korder, an acclaimed dream-pop and shoegaze studio project.
Kelly Munro established Korda Korder in October 2024 as a vehicle for his atmospheric, ethereal songwriting. Drawn to the spellbinding, immersive textures of classic shoegaze and dream-pop, he builds his arrangements around cinematic synths, tape-delay experimentation, and melancholic, soulful vocal hooks. His writing frequently explores the tension between identity, the digital projections of modern life, and deep emotional vulnerability.
His compositions have received heavy praise from prominent British broadcasters, including Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 6 Music, and John Kennedy on Radio X.
To translate his complex studio layerings to the stage, Kelly Munro assembled a live backing ensemble. This configuration has allowed him to take his music on international showcase circuits, securing prominent performance slots at events like SXSW in Austin, Texas, and London, as well as UK festivals like Glastonbury and Live at Leeds.
With “Edge Of The World” out now, we took some time to hear from Kelly Munro, the songwriter behind Korda Korder. Read below to learn more about Korda Korder, the story behind “Edge Of The World,” and what’s to come.
Hi! Let’s start with how did the band’s name come about?
It’s totally random. Just two words that worked together. I maybe should have thought about it a bit more!
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I am originally from Newcastle (North Shields), but now live in Bexhill, East Sussex.
How and when did the band form?
Summer of 2024 was when I started writing the songs that became Korda Korder.
How do you put the band together for live shows?
I’m always looking for musicians to help do this. Singers who can play an instrument especially. Don’t be afraid to reach out!
How would you describe your band’s sound?
It’s definitely dream pop. I’m pretty sure the New Order bass sound will drop into a song soon too.
Who are some of your group’s main musical influences?
The Beach Boys. New Order.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
I’d pick two from where I’ve lived. Tom Chaplin and Sam Fender. Although, we’ve only had female singers so far! A duel with Peter Hook on bass guitar would be fun too, with Trevor Horn producing!
What’s one of the proudest moments of your group’s music career so far?
Getting radio plays is always a thrill. We are lucky to be supported by Melita Dennett at BBC Intro and then Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens & Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you have learned so far?
Putting a band around the songs is not easy. But, I still manage to do it when needed.
Now onto “Edge Of The World.” What inspired this song? What is “Edge Of The World” about?
It’s the story of someone feeling completely drained by life and the pressures of being seen or having to interact. Then choosing to retreat from society, physically or mentally walking out to the “edge of the world.” But, there’s also a layer of hope there.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Edge Of The World?”
It’s actually a picture of Hastings that now doesn’t have Hastings in it. It’s actually two artworks placed on top of each other. A nod to where I live now. But, I’m still essentially from North Shields really.
What was the creative process like when making “Edge Of The World?”
All of my songs take a long time to complete. I produce them myself, so I take my time over it. Structure-wise, it’s a simple song. The verse and the chorus have the same chord sequence!
How long did it take to complete “Edge Of The World?”
Three months.
What do you hope fans take away from “Edge Of The World” and your band’s music in general?
I hope that people dig the tunes. You can only hope for that really.
What’s next?
More single releases next year, maybe an album. We are off to America in March to play New Colossus Festival in New York and might call into SXSW afterwards, so we’ll be announcing those shows early next year.
Where can we follow you all on social media?
Thank you for the great interview; wish you all much continued success!
