motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your new single, “live laugh dissociate,” from your upcoming debut album, which is set to be released this September via Candlepin Records. Could you tell us more about the writing and recording process of the album? The last time we spoke, you mentioned reusing and reworking drum stems from your main band, 3AM. Do you still use this technique?

POWERLINE TRAPS AIRPLANE: first of all, thanks for having me back, I appreciate the chance to chat again! As far as writing and recording, almost everything ended up being done in my bedroom studio: one guitar, one amp, one mic, and an old boss cs-3 compression pedal with bad shielding that picks up the radio. At first, this project was a place for me to put songs that didn’t fit with my emo band, but as time went I started writing more intentionally as the themes of the album started to emerge. In a lot of the songs its trying to get lost in nostalgia to avoid the present, like trying to fall back to sleep to re-enter a good dream you were having but knowing it won’t happen

I mainly ended up using drum stems from 3AM with craig’s blessing, plus some programmed loops, with the exception of one song. For the second single attic cigs (out august 13th), the drums were done by a friend from the twitter DIY music scene, an artist who records under the name life on the island. We’d crossed paths a few times on some compilation albums, and when I asked if she’d be interested in doing drums I was blown away with what I got back, her work really brought that track to life. Also, I was really honored to get to help master her upcoming album out on august 1st, which I’d highly recommend checking out. In the future I’m planning on doing more collaborations like this as it was a really positive creative experience.

MOTEL VOID: The influences you listed are quite diverse. How do artists like Bedhead, A Country Western, Chinese Cigarettes, Duster and Alex G shape your songwriting and production?

POWERLINE TRAPS AIRPLANE: I tend to get really into a band or artist and somewhat intentionally try to reproduce their sound, at least for a while. The heavier songs on the album (live laugh dissociate, stick around) were some of the first I wrote when I was in full-blown chinese cigarettes mode. I learned a lot from trying to emulate their production, specifically what I need to do with my distorted guitars and the supporting floor of bass to get that thick wall of sound. After I go through this honeymoon phase with an artist, I find their influence shows up in more subtle/subconscious ways. I liken it to expanding my vocabulary, or adding new colors to a palette, and the components show up when they’re needed. I’m excited for people to hear the nothing, nowhere emo-rap inspired song…

MOTEL VOID: Beyond finishing your album, do you have plans for live performances?

POWERLINE TRAPS AIRPLANE: yes! I’ve played a “live” digital show and am working on putting together a true live performance. I’d like to do the old field medic thing. I recently rescued a 90s boombox from the dumpster at my work, and after replacing the tape belts and some other fixes think it would be fitting to have on stage playing backing tracks.

MOTEL VOID: Do you have any plans with your band 3AM?

POWERLINE TRAPS AIRPLANE: We actually have a pretty big fall lined up for 3AM too! we’re releasing an EP and an LP, in total about 15 songs. We have a big announcement on august 8th with the details as well as who we’re working with to get these releases out :). I’m hoping next year to take some time to get the entire 3AM band together and play at least a local show in Michigan.

MOTEL VOID: Can you recommend to our readers three of your favorite local artists and venues?

POWERLINE TRAPS AIRPLANE: I’m going to cheat and give some recommendations for two places. In grand rapids Michigan, shout out to the venue Pyramid Scheme and Lansing emo band FinalBossFight!. In D.C. favorite venues are comet ping pong and songbyrd, and everyone should check out cuni and Ekko Astral. thanks again for having me !