motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re from Saint John, New Brunswick. How would you describe the current music scene there? Do you feel that you’re part of it?

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: There is a vibrant scene here. Lots of Hip Hop, Rock, and Electronic artists releasing music online. But there’s only so much you can do on the East Coast. That’s why many head out to cities like Montreal or Toronto for bigger opportunities.

I love it here but don’t consider myself part of the local scene. I prefer working independently. Performing doesn’t interest me. I just like making and sharing music. Back in 2007, I discovered Last.fm, a site that allowed anyone to upload their music online. I was hooked. But then Last.fm went downhill. I took a break from putting out music until a few years ago when a friend recommended Bandcamp. That’s where I connect with other artists and music enthusiasts now.

MOTEL VOID: Your favorite local venues and artists?

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Julie Doiron. Her collaborations with Phil Elverum on his Mount Eerie / Lost Wisdom albums are great. She also co-founded SappyFest. It’s an annual festival with impressive performers rarely seen in this part of Canada.

MOTEL VOID:Your last record is an EP Failed Book Plots from last spring. Do you work on a new album at the moment?

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: I have slowed down since releasing Failed Book Plots. This is a solo operation where I handle recording, mixing, album artwork, marketing, and all that. After creating 16 albums/EPs & 73 songs in the last four years, I needed a brief pause.
To switch things up, I’ve been revisiting older recordings. I’ve unearthed a bunch of covers from my old digital 8-track machine that span a 20 year period. While these may never be released, it’s enjoyable to rediscover them. It’s rejuvenating.
I have about seven new songs I’m considering for an upcoming release. But, I’m not satisfied with their arrangements yet. I’m in no hurry but aim to produce something new by late spring / early summer.

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

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: I practice playing guitar every day. It’s therapeutic, like meditation, and I lose myself in it. My fingers automatically settle into a subconscious rhythm, simple, repetitive, and flowing. I grab my phone and start recording, laying down the foundation of a song. I add between three to seven improvised tracks over it, recording each one in a single take from start to finish for an organic, stream-of-conscious feel. The process takes only a couple of hours. I then spend a few days experimenting with different arrangements during mixing, figuring out where each track fits and adding some effects. I prefer to keep the tracks close to the original recording, making few or no modifications. That’s why you might hear my kids or dog in the background of certain songs. I could remove those sounds, but I enjoy how they add personality to the music.

MOTEL VOID: Your biggest inspirations right now?

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: I love the new albums by Idles and Kim Gordon. I just recently found out about Jeff Rosenstock and Crack Cloud. They both dropped albums last year. I’m diving into all their music. But, right now, Protomartyr has been my main source of inspiration. I got a cheap electric guitar a few months back and started learning to play a bunch of their songs. Greg Ahee is a fascinating guitar player.