motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re from LA, California. How would you describe the current ‘shoegaze / dream pop’ music scene there? Do you feel that you’re part of it?

BODY / NEGATIVE (ANDY SCHIAFFINO): I wouldn’t really say that there is a shoegaze/dreampop scene here – those sorts of bands are few and far between in LA, and they tend to run in broader circles, such as the DIY indie scene. I wish there was a shoegaze community; it would be lovely to have that sense of camaraderie among my fellow bliss enthusiasts.

MOTEL VOID: Could you recommend your favorite local artists and venues?

BODY / NEGATIVE (ANDY SCHIAFFINO): The Lodge Room in Highland Park is the best venue in Los Angeles. As for local artists, lately I’ve been listening to Deserta, Untitled (Halo), Dark Pulse, Shrine Maiden, Drowse, Úna Blue, and Dayton Swim Club.

MOTEL VOID: I’m a huge Midwife fan, so I am thrilled that your new album ‘Everett’ was co-produced by Madeline Johnston (aka Midwife). Could you describe this cooperation?

BODY / NEGATIVE (ANDY SCHIAFFINO): In winter of 2022, I was supposed to embark on a two-week artist residency at Madeline’s studio compound in Las Cruces, New Mexico. However, it didn’t happen due to a few different factors. Since we couldn’t reschedule it, we decided to work remotely. I brought Madeline eight songs, all in various stages of completion – some she touched, some she didn’t. Our true collaborative works are Sleepy (track 2), Ataraxia (track 7), and Everett (track 8). Everything else was written, recorded, produced, and mixed by me.

MOTEL VOID: Could you tell us more about the writing and recording process of your new album?

BODY / NEGATIVE (ANDY SCHIAFFINO): The other tracks on this record are somewhat collaborative as well – track 1 ‘Flowers (The Proverbial You)’ features my friend Dawood Nadurath reciting his original poetry. Track 3 ‘Faun and Fawn’ features my cousin Sebastian Rivasplata Schiaffino reciting *my* original poetry. Track 3 ‘Everytime‘ is a cover song originally recorded by Britney Spears. Track 5 ‘Fraidy Cat‘ is my ode to Grouper and was written specifically as a gift for someone. Track 6 ‘Persimmon‘ features my longtime friend and collaborator Justin Maranga of Dune Altar Records on guitar, Lionel Williams of Vinyl Williams on bass and drums, and was co-produced and mixed by Megan Searl of Lilith 1181. All of these tracks were recorded in my various homes I lived in over the course of 2021-2022, except for those additional parts by Justin and Lionel on ‘Persimmon.’ I don’t think the day will ever come where I’ll record in a proper studio.

MOTEL VOID: Your plans and goals for the rest of the year?

BODY / NEGATIVE (ANDY SCHIAFFINO): I’m already working on my next record, which delves even deeper into shoegaze territory. Aside from that, I’m in the early stages of planning a West Coast tour for the spring of 2024 with one of my collaborators.