motel void

meg elsier is an indie-rock singer, songwriter, and visual artist based in Nashville. One of the most exciting new voices in the indie-rock scene, meg juxtaposes sweet vocals and opulent melodies with grungy guitars and weighty production. Keen wit and self-awareness shine through her lyrics, seamlessly weaving into the fabric of her ethereal shoegaze sound.

MOTEL VOID: Congratulations on the release of your debut album ‘spittake.’ Could you walk us through the writing and recording process of this album? What themes or inspirations drove its creation?

MEG ELSIER: Thank you! Writing ‘spittake’ versus recording ‘spittake’ were both very different but equally important experiences. I never really set out to make a full-length record. I write to digest moments and to scratch a part of my brain that only music can really do. The songs were written at varying times of my life when I was in many different headspace, which I think really comes through on the album. The recording process was something I was very nervous to attempt, and I really had to learn how to work and communicate with people. When I brought the songs to my producer, Ryan McFadden, I was learning about recording and making demos by myself, which really opened me up to hearing so much more than just vocals and guitar (my main instruments). Ryan and I really came together and got to know each other in a deeper way through finding these sounds and tones that made the atmosphere for the album. And once we did all of that work, we found some incredible players and jumped into the studio.

I don’t think I really had any themes or inspirations that drove the album’s creation, per se, but I do notice themes in my writing after the fact that must have slipped in subconsciously. For example, I mention cars a lot and I had no idea cars meant that much to me, haha. Thinking about it though, I think it just shows she process of growing up. I started in the back seat, moved to the front, then moved to the drivers seat, and I think when talking about growth or moving forward that just clicked in my mind.

MOTEL VOID: Coming from New England and now based in Nashville, how have these locations influenced the themes explored in your music?

MEG ELSIER: I think moving to Nashville really made me realize how much of a Northeast/New England baby I am. I grew up in Massachusetts, I went to college in Massachusetts, and by the time I graduated I was SO ready to move away and find something different. But now that I’ve been in Nashville for so long, I think I have a new love for where I grew up.

When it comes to the music, I think it pops up when I’m missing home, or just reflecting on my childhood and past. I think it really plays that character of a ghost I’m both chasing and running away from. I think the track “LA” is the best way to explain how New England has influenced me and my music.

MOTEL VOID: Nashville is known for its diverse music scene. Are there any local venues/artists that have been particularly influential or inspiring for you?

MEG ELSIER: Oh for sure! I truly mean this from the bottom of my heart, but I get inspired at every show I go to. There is so much love and respect in this scene. Everyone comes out and supports each other, and I think when you do that you get incredible music with super fun and unique performances. It truly is such a treat being a part of it.
There are so many great acts and venues but some of my favorites are:

BANDS –
Snõõper – They have the most electric shows!! There are puppets and props and people are constantly crowd surfing, it’s amazing.
Baby Wave– I’ve seen them a few times at the Blue Room and it’s the type of show that you immediately put your cigarette out and run inside.
massie99– Such a fun, high energy show!! They switch instruments all the time and I love that. They also have a Nick Jonas cutout on stage every time and it’s perfect.

VENUES –
Soft Junk– The best DIY venue in town. They are so artist friendly and champion the art. Plus they find the coolest bands to play there. Seeing Prison Affair there was SOOOO CRAZY!
The 5 Spot – East Nashville gem! The sound here is SO GOOD!
Drkmttr– The vibe this place has is incredible! You can see small, local solo acts or you can see Machine Girl jump on the bar and start a mosh pit. The venue’s got RANGE, BABY!

MOTEL VOID: Your debut single ‘ifshitfuq’ achieved significant success on streaming services, with nearly 250,000 streams on Spotify. How has this success impacted your career?

MEG ELSIER: The success has gone completely to my head. I’m treating everyone differently. I’m wearing sunglasses inside. My attitude is now atrocious.

Just kidding. Honestly, it’s just a nice reminder that people do connect with the music. And when I get discouraged or feel like I’m not exactly sure what should happen next, it does give a boost of confidence of just not being alone in the process.

MOTEL VOID: Who is currently your biggest inspiration?

MEG ELSIER: Honestly Jacqueline Justice is my biggest inspiration right now. She has done all of my videos, (excluding “forlyleinsanfrancisco” which was directed by my great friend Roberto Kohler) and is responsible for all photos and art connected with this project. I think working with her and having her in my life really challenges me to always push the limits. She’s completely electric and plays just as hard as she works. I always want to match her energy and impress her, and I think that’s honestly why we work so well together. We feed off of each other’s energy and just come up with the wildest and funnest things to shoot.

MOTEL VOID: Are there any plans for a tour to promote your new album?

MEG ELSIER: YES! There’s a lot of shows going on actually!
First the ALBUM RELEASE SHOW for spittake is July 18th at Soft Junk (fav venue) in Nashville. We have Razor Braids coming in from NYC and then local band Baby Wave (fav band) playing. How did I get so lucky? No idea! There will also be a DJ set from DJ Loveless! And seeing as the spittake teaser video is me eating spaghetti, we decided to run with it! So it’s gonna be this incredible Italian night with drinks and spaghetti and incredible music. I truly can’t wait!

We also have an incredible tour coming up in November with Finom! I feel really lucky that I get to play with a band whose music I truly love and just can’t wait to hear night after night! We’ll be announcing some festivals and more shows very soon!!