motel void

This October, Lina K.O. released her new single Wash Behind Your Ears. We caught up with her to discuss the inspiration behind her latest release, the creative process, and her experiences in the NYC music scene.

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released a new single, Wash Behind Your Ears. Can you share some insight into the writing and recording process behind the track? Will it be part of your upcoming album?

LINA K.O.: Wash Behind Your Ears is an older song I revived a bit. I wrote it back in 2018 after a burn-out fueled trip to the mountains, and then changed some of the lyrics and song structure last year, then recorded it and mixed it all at home in my apartment.

Recording this song was actually also an experiment for myself – I set a new rule for myself that I couldn’t use certain types of sample libraries, presets, and effects like I used to use. The goal was to move faster, make more sounds from scratch, and have more creative limitations with fewer options, so I don’t get so stuck in decision paralysis. Like getting myself an actual little synth to use for the first time instead of using software synths. So it ended up being a fun project and forced me to be a lot more creative.

This song, alongside with another song called “Back,” were both outliers or b-sides that I never planned on recording and just started on a whim. There was something I couldn’t let go with either of them, so I gave them their own home together. So while there is an album planned, this song doesn’t quite fit and won’t be on it! I think I had to get these done before I moved on to that. Or I was just procrastinating.

MOTEL VOID: As a Brooklyn native, how would you describe the current indie music scene? Are there any local venues or artists you’re particularly excited about right now?

LINA K.O.: Well I’ve only lived in NYC for about 8 years, so I can’t call myself a native, but the indie music scene here is as diverse and thriving as always! Admittedly, I’ve been playing shows much less frequently since Covid, so I feel less immersed in it these days, but it feels like there are always new venues and spaces opening up, even as some of the mainstays have changed or closed. This city also just makes it so easy to meet other musicians, and I’ve been able to play in some both unique and classic spaces. But the one that’s always going to be dear to my heart is Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg where I played often starting out – it’s cozy, welcoming, they make grilled cheese, and I’ve met so many cool people there.

MOTEL VOID: Your debut EP, Earth Apple, came out almost two years ago. Looking back, how do you feel about the reception it received?

LINA K.O.: Looking back, I didn’t have super high expectations, and it’s still the coolest thing ever when I see someone listens to it now. What felt special about the response to it is that even though it didn’t blow up or anything like that, I felt understood and seen in a way, which I think is something we’re all going for somehow. It felt like beyond the songs, some of my weirder musical choices or production were understood by some people, which also felt cool. I was happy with it overall, but also of course motivated to just move on! I’ve heard that’s a common feeling.

MOTEL VOID: Who or what is currently inspiring you the most in your music?

LINA K.O.: For most of the songs on the album I’m about to record, New York. More specifically, the push and pull of this city. I have complicated feelings about it! But currently, I’m going a bit inward, thinking about growth and things. Musically and thematically, Angie McMahon’s new album has been inspiring me a lot recently. The Weather Station, Julia Jacklin. I’m being drawn to a lot of faster, driven, but mellow and grounded sounding things.

MOTEL VOID: Do you have any upcoming shows planned before the year ends?

LINA K.O.: Nothing planned definitively yet, but I might! I do come out of hibernation this time of year, so it is the time I like to play shows… but recording is going to be my main focus, I’m behind!