motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re from Philadelphia (I think?:-)). How would you describe the current indie music scene there? Do you feel that you’re part of it?

SPECIAL WORLD: Yes, I do live in Philadelphia! I’ve lived there for 16 years. The scene has changed a lot during that time. I would describe currently as absolutely thriving. Seemingly every band who recently graduated some arts college has moved to Philly. It’s great. I would say I am part of the scene, yes.

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

SPECIAL WORLD: Favorite venues: Johnny Brenda’s, Launderette Records, Jerry’s on Front, PhilaMOCA. Favorite local bands: Washer, Grocer, So Totally, Majority Razorblade

MOTEL VOID: Special World is not your only music project. Could you introduce your other bands?

SPECIAL WORLD: Sure! I play guitar, synth, and sing backup vocals in the band Speedy Ortiz. I also play keyboards and guitar in my friend Eric Slick‘s band, and produced his upcoming record that comes out in 2024. I have a collaborative project called Coughy with my friend Julian Fader. Those are all my active projects currently!

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released a beautiful new EP Elowyn. Could you tell us more about the writing and recording process?

SPECIAL WORLD: Sure thing––I joined a songwriting club started by my friend Nick Llobet (of the amazing NY band Youbet), and it completely transformed my writing. Elowyn was a song from the club. Wrote it about a breakup I went through recently, and recorded it on my Tascam 488 tape machine. The vocals were recorded in the tour van on Speedy Ortiz tour in Savannah, GA in the middle of the night while everyone else slept

MOTEL VOID: Your plans and goals for the rest of the year/the beginning of 2024?

SPECIAL WORLD: Will be on tour with Speedy Ortiz for the rest of the year! Early next year, I’m producing some music for an artist I really love in Connecticut who goes by “Yambi.” Then, touring Europe/UK with Speedy. The Eric Slick record comes out after that, and I will tour playing in his band, unless Speedy gets some support tour, which will also probably happen at some point. I have a full album (2 albums actually!) written for Special World, but they will have to wait until the moment is right to see the light of day 😊