motel void

MOTEL VOID: You are from San Francisco, California. Could you please describe the local music scene a bit?

ALEX SANDERS: Yes, I am currently living in san francisco; however, I say my home is nashville as that is where I have spent the most time. I moved here 4 years ago so I have had some time to figure out the music scene a bit- it seems that things were really taking a turn with the s.f music in the 60’s, with very prolific artists such as janis joplin spending a lot of time here. I see the scene as being unique, yet consistent with the times – you can find a space for pretty much any genre and if its not there, you can create it yourself.

MOTEL VOID: You are a prolific singer-songwriter, you released an EP ‘slow down’ this May. Since then you’ve released 6 more singles. Will they be a part of your new album?

ALEX SANDERS: Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. after completing “slow down” and releasing it, I felt like I needed to try some things out and figure out something new as I felt I had become something slightly different than what my album represented. im currently working on an album but I don’t plan on using the singles- I have about 7 songs right now but I’d like to hone in on some recording skills and writing ideas before I put anything out to release or on record.

MOTEL VOID: Do you release your music physically, or only digitally?

ALEX SANDERS: I only release digitally at the moment but I like the idea of putting my songs out physically and either appreciating the artwork in a more permanent way or enjoying the “vinyl sound” or whatever. I also had the idea of putting cd’s out but that didn’t go very far – I think usb drives are something people do but I’d like to wait and eventually be able to release on vinyl and potentially cassette.

MOTEL VOID: Could you tell us more about your recording and writing process?

ALEX SANDERS: I was born in november of 2006, so I’m sixteen at the moment – I started playing guitar and piano at a young age and was influenced by many folk, country, blues, and rock albums as a young kid. when we got a radio in the car, the pop hits, and rap were very catchy to me. regarding my recording process, I tend to write the music first, then immediately write to the song in a constant cycle of stop/rewind/repeat. other times I will go on a walk with the instrumental in headphones, and a notepad- that usually helps a lot. I write mostly with my guitar first, finding chords or riffs, but some of my newer stuff incorporates some different approaches. I think a fundamental aspect of writing music and lyrics is to try and change elements of the process often because as people, we are always changing.

MOTEL VOID: What are your plans for the rest of 2023? Any live shows/festivals ahead?

ALEX SANDERS: I have a few appearances here in San Francisco over the course of the next few months, but im pretty focused on recording at the moment; i want to release something that I can sit behind – I hope that other people will as well.

MOTEL VOID: Who are your favorite artists right now? And do they influence your music?

ALEX SANDERS: I am constantly listening to music so I feel like it’s a violation if I don’t admit to the influence it shakes onto my own musical style and taste. I like a lot of 90’s stuff, like nirvana, elliott smith, john frusciante, sublime, but also 60’s classics like the beatles; john lennon in particular. i also really like some others artists who expand beyond genres like xxxtentacion, mac miller, and lastly, phoebe bridges. it would be cool to work with anyone of these people and im sure their music has impacted my life and music on a conscious and subconscious level.