motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your new single, true. Could you tell us about the writing and recording process?

MOKINA: I wrote this one along with a handful of songs about a year ago with my friend Jeremy Lachance. We were noodling around in my kitchen to some chords and i sang the melody of the chorus with the word “true,” and we put a form together. At first I wanted to make it into a love song (lyrically), but jimmy suggested going the opposite direction. It definitely reflected my feelings at the time. About an hour later the song was done. We further produced it in Milan this past December along with some recordings made on the cello by my college roommate and brooklyn-based legend Sean Brennan as well as drums from Boston-based Ben Kirsch.

MOTEL VOID: Will this track be part of your upcoming album?

MOKINA: Absolutely. It’s the first single from my upcoming project “MIRAGE” which consists of said handful of songs we wrote last year. I would describe it as a very intimate indie/folk/alternative ep that explores the themes of the illusions/delusions of love, attraction, expectations and letting go.

MOTEL VOID: You’re from Portugal. To be honest, I don’t know that many artists from your country. How would you describe the current indie music scene there? Do you have any favorite local artists and venues you would like to recommend?

MOKINA: Technically, I am from Canada! I have only been based in Portugal for the past 6 years and have continuously been discovering incredible artists and sounds here. Would recommend looking into Ines Marques Lucas, Evaya, Ana Lua Caiano, Conferenca Inferno, Gomojo, Maro, Francisco Fontes, Ganso, to name a few.

MOTEL VOID: Who or what is your biggest inspiration right now?

MOKINA: Bad Bunny’s new album.

MOTEL VOID: Do you have any plans to tour in support of your new songs?

MOKINA: Yes! I have some dates in Portugal coming up and hopefully Europe soon.