motel void

Dustin Mayle is a singer-songwriter from Ohio who just released his new album Dear Loretta.

‘Saturn’s Last Ring’ is a single from your latest album Dear Loretta that you released in March. I love repetitive melodies so I was immediately intrigued by the emotive ending of this track and will definitely listen to the whole record as soon as possible. You recorded it all by yourself, can you elaborate on this process?

For better or for worse, I guess I had to do it all pretty much myself. I’m admittedly ignorant on a lot of this stuff, but it’s just more convenient for me at the moment to figure it out myself. Plus if it sounds like ass I’m more comfortable being upset with myself rather than someone else who took the time to mic me up and whatnot. I do prefer the not-so-perfect though. I like to keep imperfections. Especially since it’s imperfect every time I play a song. It’s never correct, but it feels right a lot. That’s what I go with. My style is plugging in the mic and strumming. Make it easy. Writing a song is enough work as it is.

When did you start recording your own music and what kind of DAW you use now?

I’ve been recording myself, modestly, for about ten years. I still don’t feel like I do it all the time. I really don’t. Maybe three times a year. I’m pretty consistent with writing though. Recording is just something I have to do later. Though it’s fulfilling figuring out ways to capture what I’m hearing in my head. As minimal as it is. I use FL Studio. I used to use GarageBand. I’m getting better.

Your music is influenced by names like Jason Molina and Adrianne Lenker. I can feel very similar emotions in your music (that’s why I like it so much I guess haha!). What are your other favorite artists?

My influences are usually somewhat introspective people. Jason Molina was able to write archaic midwestern songs with an introspective core, and it just devastated me. That’s exactly how I felt. So, he was a big inspiration. Adrianne Lenker is the greatest songwriter today. She can’t write a song that doesn’t make me feel every emotion a human deserves to feel. Obviously, Neil Young is God manifested and I’m just trying to touch the hem of his flannel. Phoebe Bridgers makes me spin. I wanna make someone spin too. I don’t know who Bob Dylan is.

What are your plans for this year? Any live shows ahead?

This year I really need to record another album, maybe two. The songs are ready. I would like to have someone else produce me though. I think my brain would appreciate the change. Gotta refresh your processes sometimes, maybe. Anyway, I have a few shows booked in the Akron, Ohio area at The Rialto and The Musica coming up and some more on the way. I also have a band called Beach City Postal Service. Sort of a midwest folk rock outfit. We’ll be playing this summer in the Northeast Ohio area and recording some things as well. I guess I have quite a few things I’m working on this year, so I would just follow my instagram if you want to stay in the loop. @steel.sweetheart

I’m always interested in the local music scene. How would you describe the local scene in the area where you live? What are your favorite local artists and venues?

I’m from Navarre, Ohio, but the closest music scene is really Akron-Canton area. I’ve met some really cool people after peeling myself out of my shell and I’m really grateful. I’ve played alongside some genuinely great artists like Josee Mcgee and I’ve become a real fan of Matt Kurtz’s songwriting. The peculiar thing is how everyone helps each other with their music. All for one and one for all sorta thing. It’s daunting for a hermit like myself, but I admire it so much. It’s truly a welcoming environment. Healthy.