motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’ve released a great single, Seven, the first from your upcoming Never Blue LP. What was the process of creating and writing this song – and the album as a whole?

HAYES NOBLE: For “Seven” specifically, I recorded the guitar track and then worked some different key parts in to try something new. The keys kind of lead things and echo the main melody of a lot of the songs on the tape. I think it sounds nice, even though I usually dig the guitar upfront and in-your-face in most cases haha.

MOTEL VOID: This is already your third record – how will it differ the most from your previous ones?

HAYES NOBLE: For this album, I set out to achieve a more lofi, stripped back sound compared to the two full-band releases that are currently out. There’s no drums, and I’m trying some new things out with the keyboards and whatnot, although some of the songs are just an acoustic guitar and me singing.

MOTEL VOID: What were the main inspirations behind the album?

HAYES NOBLE: Stylistically, I’d say I was going for kind of a Tony Molina/Daniel Johnston vibe. Was also on a big Beach Boys kick at the time of recording this. As far as attitude goes, I think this project helped me get out of some writer’s block struggles too. On top of being fun to experiment, it was good exercise to reimagine some of the older songs a bit

MOTEL VOID: You’re originally from Illinois, but you’ve settled in Spokane, Washington. I traveled through Washington some years ago, but unfortunately didn’t make it to Spokane – what brought you there? And how would you compare the music scenes in the places you’ve lived?

HAYES NOBLE: In late Spring of 2023, my mom got a job in Spokane, and my dad shortly followed suit. My brother would be moving with them as he’s still in high school, and my older sister decided to move up here to finish college. I had just graduated high school, but it just made sense to stick with the family and head west. I saw it as an opportunity to turn the page and start fresh, and it’s nice having the support of my family and everything still to keep me going. As far as music scenes go, it’s kind of funny because both places are very similar. I think it’s worth noting that I grew up and lived in rural Illinois, a town called Galena, in the top left corner of the state. Spokane feels very Midwestern in nature, it’s a similar vibe to the “big towns” and tighter-knit communities of the Midwest that I grew up frequenting. It’s places like Spokane where Punk-rock and DIY is in its truest form: you’re only getting as much out of it as you put into it, and the sincerity is inspiring. Everybody is an important piece of the puzzle that makes the scene whole. So yeah, Spokane quickly became home, and I’ve really dug living here.

MOTEL VOID: Do you have any favorite local venues or musicians?

HAYES NOBLE: Yes, The Big Dipper, Neato Burrito, and the Garland Theater are all sick all ages spots here in town. As far as musicians go, my good friends Parker and Mason Bytnar and all their projects rule – Lottery Plot, Bad Trip Motel. We also play in a Powerviolence band together called It’s A Setup. My little brother’s project Dairybaby is great old school emo/indie rock stuff. Some other great bands are Loomer, Puddy Knife, Blunt Skulls, Kurb, Hell Motel, Jumbotron, Violent Abuse, Psychic Death, Index, Atomsk… and the list goes on haha!
MOTEL VOID: After the album’s release, are you planning to tour?

HAYES NOBLE: Eventually I’d love to do a solo tour and do a more stripped back set, but for now I’m planning on touring again this Spring and Summer with the full band stuff!

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