motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’re originally from Nottingham. How would you describe the current music scene there? Are there any local artists or venues that particularly inspire you?

FLÖAT: I would describe the music scene in Nottingham as eclectic- there’s an appreciation for a wide range of genres, which is cool. Local artists that inspire me- I am a big fan of Catmilk and Jmaes. The Grove has recently opened in Nottingham- they put on both local and touring musicians, really lovely vibe and very inclusive. It’s difficult for small venues to survive financially in Nottingham and there have been some closures in the last decade, which is a shame for local / grassroots music. But there is often good stuff going on, and there is a wonderful, supportive, multi-genre community of musicians here

MOTEL VOID: Your new single, “Hold Me,” is stunning! Can you tell us about the writing and recording process behind it? What inspired the track?

FLÖAT: Thanks! In terms of the writing process, it all came at once when I was out on a walk- I come up with most things when I’m walking. I was going through a phase of experimenting with starting songs with the chorus, rather than starting with the verse. I’ve always wanted to write a song with a ‘pop’ style chorus- this is the closest I’ve ever come to writing a ‘pop song’, I think. At the time of writing, I had just left London to move back home to my parent’s house in Nottingham. I was in early sobriety and I was feeling quite fragile and lost- it was a period of painful growth. The lyrics are stream of consciousness, and I didn’t want to filter or edit myself too much. I wanted to lean into the cheesiness of the song, and to allow it to be unapologetically earnest without trying to make it ‘cooler’ or more ‘clever’.

MOTEL VOID: Will “Hold Me” be part of an upcoming album?

FLÖAT: Yes, my debut album ‘Medjool’ arrives 7th March 2025!

MOTEL VOID: Your first EP was released back in 2017. How do you think you’ve evolved as an artist since then?

FLÖAT: Hmm good question. I think I have grown mostly in confidence? Having the confidence to commit to an idea, the confidence to say things more explicitly, confidence that I have something to say to the world. I was a very reluctant ‘vocalist’ back then. I am not a vocalist at all by any means, but I embrace my voice more nowadays and I lean into the imperfections and the pitchiness, rather than trying to hide it in the mix.

MOTEL VOID: Can we look forward to seeing you live? Any shows or tours in the works?

FLÖAT: Yes! We have three dates in March- Friday 7th March at Eagle Inn, Manchester; Thursday 20th March at The Ivy House, Nunhead, London; and Saturday 22nd March at The Grove, Nottingham