motel void

MOTEL VOID: You released your new single Stockholm this July. Can you tell us more about the writing and recording process? Was it inspired by a real visit to Stockholm?

WE ARE IMAGINARY: We haven’t been to Stockholm unfortunately, but we are very much into Swedish bands like Shout Out Louds, Acid House Kings, and The Radio Dept.

The song is about the existential dread caused by being emotionally dependent to someone. The title basically refers to the psychological phenomena when it comes to personal relationships, so the chorus is meant to be deceiving. Recorded in Love One Another studio (Quezon City, Philippines), the song started out heavier, but the production shifted its tone when we added an acoustic guitar. The lush arrangement worked surprisingly well with the mood we were after.

MOTEL VOID: You’re based in Manila, Philippines. How would you describe the current indie scene there?

WE ARE IMAGINARY: The current indie scene is blooming but the bands here are quite underrated. There are lots of good stuff to discover, but not enough venues to be heard.

MOTEL VOID: Are there any local venues or artists in Manila you’d recommend checking out?

WE ARE IMAGINARY: Sarisari is a relatively new speakeasy bar turned into a secret music venue. Mow’s is the best place if you are up for a louder and rawer experience as it is a basement under a chinese restaurant. They cater to a younger crowd. 123block is an open space for miniconcerts. And then there’s Saguijo, an old favorite venue which has been up for 2 decades.

MOTEL VOID: What kind of music has influenced your upcoming album the most?

WE ARE IMAGINARY: I would joke around with our producer, Joey Santos, that this album (our 5th release) sounds like an indie rock library, covering all the adjacent subgenres. I think listeners of Slowdive, Yuck, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Nada Surf, and Death Cab for Cutie, will find something to bang their heads with in this album.

MOTEL VOID: Do you plan to tour with the new material? What shows do you have coming up – and are there any plans to head overseas?

WE ARE IMAGINARY: Definitely. We will be doing a major city tour around the Philippines early next year. And we are planning to visit other Asian countries too, starting with Hanoi (Vietnam) this October. It is always fun to play for new ears! Watch out for our self-titled album which will be out online this October and in vinyl format late 2025.

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