motel void

MOTEL VOID: Your bio says “I’m originally from the Gulf Coast of Alabama, currently residing in Cambridge but in the process of moving to Nashville.” Why Nashville? And how would you describe the current music scene in Alabama and Cambridge? Do you feel that you are/were part of it?

AP ARIAS: Yeah, moving to Nashville! This is something I’m very excited for and has been in the works for a few months. There is obviously a great music culture there and I hope it is a place where my songs can connect with people. I’m originally from Mobile, AL. If you haven’t heard of Mobile, it is home to a rich history of art, music, food and culture. It is the birthplace of Mardi Gras (before New Orleans propelled it to infamy) and a hub of many musical genres – r&b soul, delta blues, southern rock, folk, and zydeco just to name a few. My grandfather played gospel and rockabilly piano when I was growing up and these were some of the impressions from the Alabama music scene that I took as influences. In high school my first band, Border Contraband, was with my friend Riley Currie. We played a few originals and a few covers, just getting our feet wet and sneaking into bars to hear music, occasionally being allowed up on stage to play a few numbers. Fast forward to college, I became engrossed in the East Alabama music scene which centered around the unlikely hub of a small town called Opelika, AL. There are tons of creative projects that either were born out of Opelika, or at some point called it home. I played guitar in a few bands – Dogwood Lung, Cherry Motel, Captain Kudzu, and Make Sure. We played house shows and built our local scene along with acts like Lady Legs, Son Eyes, and Bobby Rocknroll.

MOTEL VOID: Your favorite local venues and artists?

AP ARIAS: Speaking in terms of Nashville, I don’t have any favorite venues yet but there are definitely some incredible artists there that I would recommend – Will Orchard, Jess Kerber, Stephen Day, Kate Kelly, and Andy Cata.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your new single ‘Crow, Like You Know’. Your first single ever was released this January, so is this your first solo music project?

AP ARIAS: In a way, this is one of my first official songwriting projects. I’ve been making music and throwing it up on bandcamp for years, arias.bandcamp.com is where you can find some older ambient and experimental music I have made over the years while playing guitar in the other bands I mentioned earlier. This new project, AP Arias, is more personal and these songs I’m now releasing were mostly written during the pandemic. Since we started emailing for this interview, I’ve actually released another single called The Fable I’m In.
I have a 10 track album slated for release in a few months (the date and album title is still unannounced) so follow me on instagram and whatever listening platform you use to stay up to date with my releases.

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

AP ARIAS: When I write, it usually starts as a stream of consciousness that later reveals a storyline or cohesiveness. In the beginning of a song, I often don’t know where it’s going to go. Lately, I’ve been trying to write in a reverse way, in a more intentional way with a clearer message. If that doesn’t work, that’s fine with me because I also enjoy existing in a state of abstraction and lyrical fragments. I am also an audio engineer and producer, so I would love to meet other artists who are looking for someone to work with. If you like my musical taste, hit me up! I’ve been recording people for several years with my home studio and DIY setup. Now, in Nashville, I’m going to be taking my recording and studio up a notch. Making music is what I love and I want to foster that for other artists as well.

MOTEL VOID: Your plans for 2024?

AP ARIAS: Releasing this album is definitely one of the things I’m most excited for in 2024. I would love if your readers connect me with me on social media and come see shows in Nashville. I don’t have any tours currently planned but keeping up with me on socials in the best way to find out when I’ll be in your city. Currently I have my album for sale on cassette. You’ll also get a hi-fi digital download of the album early before it goes on streaming platforms. If you are looking to support me as an artist in 2024, consider buying a tape from my website songstofollow.com I make them by hand and record them in my own home studio. It’s a labor of love and it’s why I’m here! Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat with motel void. I can’t wait to hopefully catch up again later down the line.