motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re from Amsterdam. How would you describe the current music scene there? Is there a strong DIY scene in the Netherlands?

LABASHEEDA: Unfortunately not. I think there are many bands at the moment, but not enough venues for DIY bands. Nowadays you need an agency and a lot of press to get booked in the bigger venues, this used to be different.

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

LABASHEEDA: For instance De Nieuwe Anita, OCCII and Zaal 100, those venues have a nice intimate atmosphere.

MOTEL VOID: You tour a quite lot! Your favorite cities/countries?

LABASHEEDA: At the moment we tour Germany and the Czech Republic quite frequently. We also like playing in France and the UK.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released an amazing new single Vanity. What was the writing and recording process behind this track?

LABASHEEDA: I came up with the riff and Arne suggested to play it in 6/4 and then we finished it together. The new album was recorded at The Lullabye Factory in Amsterdam, a completely analogue studio. We recorded the basic tracks live in the studio. After that we added double bass and marimba, which gives the song a distinctive touch I think. It was a pleasure working with engineers Chris and Tim and we are very happy with how everything worked out.

MOTEL VOID: Your plans and goals for 2024?

LABASHEEDA: We are planning to tour and play some festivals. And of course we hope we sell many copies of our new album Blueprints!