motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re from Edmonton, Alberta. How would you describe the current music scene there?

ANTONIA ESTELLE: I usually tell people that the music scene was one of the best parts of growing up in Edmonton. My dad hosted bluegrass jams every Tuesday night and my older sister is a folk musician so I was part of a pretty folksy crowd. As a child, I remember feeling a great sense of community when it came to music. I moved away from Edmonton during the pandemic and I know that the city has grown and changed a lot since, but I have always felt that Edmonton is underrated. There are so many great songwriters and bands making weird music, I love it.

MOTEL VOID: You currently live in Berlin, Germany. Why did you move to Europe? And how would you compare music scenes in Edmonton and Berlin?

ANTONIA ESTELLE: I moved to Berlin to study music production and audio engineering so I could produce and mix my own music. Since moving here, I feel that the city has become my greatest teacher in itself! Although it is hard to be so far away from home, this city has shown me so many new perspectives on music, art and the world that have changed the way I approach my own art and I’m really grateful for this diversity.
— I didn’t really live in Edmonton as an adult so I can’t say exactly how it compares, but Berlin is so big and electronic music-centric, that it is like comparing apples and oranges.

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

ANTONIA ESTELLE: Yes, you’ll find me at Loophole on any given weekend annnnd some of my favourite Berlin artists are Neta Polturak, Hot Couture, and Meagre Martin (I’ve been playing guitar for them)!

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your beautiful new single ‘Poser’. Will it be a part of your new record?

ANTONIA ESTELLE: I am releasing a 3 song EP this November and Poser is the title track, so yes!

MOTEL VOID: Could you tell us more about the recording and writing process of ‘Poser’?

ANTONIA ESTELLE: In June of 2022, I went to Austin, Texas to record the Poser EP with my friend and producer Isak Kotecki. I remember my flight got cancelled on my trip there, turning our week of plans into 4 days of condensed recording. On top of that, my bag was lost until an hour before my flight home. I spent the majority of the time recording in Isak’s mom’s pyjamas and tie-dye shirts. I was also off social media at that time. I remember feeling a great sense of detachment from my normal life, it was just me, Isak, his cats and the music, I didn’t have to think about anything else. Since then, we’ve had Zoom calls after Zoom calls, working on every little detail. I am proud of Isak and me and all the work we put in!

MOTEL VOID: You’ve only released two songs so far… Your plans and goals for 2024?

ANTONIA ESTELLE: Right now I am trying to work on my mixing skills and I would love to start working with other artists. As for my music, I am currently working on a self-produced album, the goal is that it is released in late May of 2024!