motel void

MOTEL VOID: Your bio reads: Indie rock from Baltimore, MD. How would you describe the current music scene there? Do you feel that you’re part of it?

WILL ROESNER: I’m actually currently based in New Orleans. I’ve been living here for a few years now, and I feel that I am apart of a scene that is a little more underground than the overall New Orleans music scene.

There is a small-ish community of great indie bands, who are doing interesting and unique things, and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We’ve been lucky to share the stage with some very kind and talented people. There isn’t a shortage of shows within this small scene too, and lots of people come out and support. It feels a little bit like an extended family.

MOTEL VOID: Your favorite local venues and artists?

WILL ROESNER: My favorite venues are Saturn Bar, Siberia, The Goat, and of course the late-great Gasa Gasa, which recently closed. These venues are small and intimate, and host bands like us all the time. I owe a lot to these venues for allowing us to play our music and being so open to different kinds of bills, and unconventional acts. Some of my favorite local artists are Pope, Sleep Habits, Slow Rosary, and Noa Jamir. These people have inspired me a great deal, and I just really love hearing their music.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve already released 5 new singles this year and it’s only February! I really loved ‘I Am Afraid’. Will these singles be part of your new album? Or will you just continue with releasing more singles…?

WILL ROESNER: I am releasing a 40 song album in Fall, and due to the unconventional length of the album, I wanted to give some of my favorite tracks an extra spotlight. So, I will be continuing to release more singles leading up to the full release this fall.

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

WILL ROESNER: My process seems to change a lot, but usually I go by what excites me. If I play a chord progression or sing a melody that strikes an emotion inside me, I sort of follow that, until I reach the next thing that excites me, and I keep following those things until the song is done. I do all of my recording and mixing myself at my house, and I mastered this album too. Over the years I’ve received a lot of help on the drums and bass from my roommate Sam Mostowfi. On this new record I also tried to go outside the box by learning to play recorders, and honing my violin skills. I also got into using weird samples. There’s a lot of unconventional sounds throughout the album, which I think is cool.

MOTEL VOID: Your biggest inspirations right now?

WILL ROESNER: My biggest inspirations right now are Yo La Tengo (I saw them last night), pinegrove, koji kondo (always), and mei semones. I’m also really into an artist called moon racer right now.

MOTEL VOID: Your touring plans for 2024?

WILL ROESNER: I’m currently putting together a small tour for latter half of the summer. It’s in the early stages, but we’re planning on moving up the east coast.