motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re originally from Florida, why and when did you move to Brooklyn? How would you describe the current music scene there? Do you feel that you’re part of it?

MIKE: I moved out here about 4 years ago. It was just time to get out of Florida. I’d definitely say I’m part of the music scene, but more than one scene I’d say there are many pockets. There’s a lot of really talented artists out here and I am lucky to play in a band (Sue Your Landlord) with some of my old bandmates from college and some new additions from the area. There’s a great folk and dream pop scene that gives me a lot of inspiration and are some of my closest friends and collaborators. It’s a big city, if there’s a specific sound you’re trying to find – this is the right place.

MAIA: I got out here in March of 2023. I was living out of the country for the last 5 years, and wanted to live in a place in the states where I had a strong community of friends after being away for so long. I feel like I have gained a lot of inspiration from my travels and feel happy to be in a place and with people that make me feel ready to create something from that inspiration. I am lucky to have Mike and other friends in the music scene here, and guess I’m weaseling my way in now.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your debut single ‘Leftovers’. Will it be part of your new record?
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MAIA: Although our new record is still being ironed out, Leftovers will be on it! This first release is really us just figuring out our sound, playing around with production and recording, and getting in motion. Our duo stemmed from us hanging out and playing, with Mike trying to learn and practice some specific recording techniques, and me focusing on writing and live performance. Then we started liking what we were creating and Mikey Leão was born.

MOTEL VOID: Is this your first music project?

MIKE: This is OUR first project together. We’ve been friends forever and have both been making music for a long time. I’ve always played in bands, and Maia has dabbled in a few recording projects over the years.

MAIA: It’s been fun to have our hangouts turn into something that has felt productive and fulfilling. It’s about time we actually created something together after so many years of fucking around.

MOTEL VOID: Could you tell us more about the recording and writing process of your song(s)?

MAIA: We have a few different processes. Sometimes we get to the studio and start playing around, but most of the time Mike comes to me with a lot of half-envisioned instrumental and I either write something on the spot, or pull from my unhinged notes which contain random things I’ve been writing, inspo, etc. Then we work together to figure it out. We have very different writing styles that I think balance each other out. He reminds me that less is more sometimes.

MIKE: Honestly our recording and writing process has been more natural than I expected. When I first started to work on specific recording techniques, my intention was to make different music with different artists around the city. Somehow we just kept writing and recording songs, some in a single session. So it became a thing. I’m constantly playing music, and my other band is more of a slacker rock band, so making softer folkier music has been a fun practice and change.

MOTEL VOID: Your biggest inspirations right now?

MAIA: Obviously always Adrienne Lenker. I mean I can try to pull inspo from her writing, but there is just no getting near what she is able to do with words. My mom is from Brazil, and anytime I need to be pulled out of a rut or feel inspired, I go straight for Gilberto Gil or João Gilberto. There is a song “Dariamente” by Marisa Monte that I loveeee where in her lyrics she gives a problem and solution only (“For long trip, jet. For difficult bills, calculator”). It always reminds me that lyrics can be playful, or seem simple, and to get out of my head.

MIKE: I love old 70’s folk music and an acoustic guitar. Sometimes less instruments can be better. I’m always thinking of Wilco and Big Thief. I recently sent Maia the Vashti Bunyan album, Just Another Diamond Day, and we’ve both been finding a lot of inspiration from that.

MAIA: Damn how could I forget Wilco?

MOTEL VOID: Your plans for 2024?

MIKE & MAIA: We are looking forward to 2024! We definitely plan to keep making music, get our live band together, and release our first EP! We are both heading to Kilby Music Fest in May to see some of our biggest inspirations. If you’re in NYC and want to hold hands let us know 😊