motel void

MOTEL VOID: You’ve just released your second record Dead Pop. How did it come together, and in what ways does it differ from your debut Pluto (2020)? That album featured quite a few collaborations, including one of my personal favorites, Bartees Strange…

PROJECT DIEM: We originally set out to create a collaborative recording project—something that would let us work with friends and musicians we admire. We’ve always been drawn to the idea of crafting unique songs that draw from a wide range of genres and musical styles. On Pluto, we were incredibly fortunate to have friends like Bartees, Priya Darshini, Belle Skinner, and Paul Nelson lend their voices to the project. Their contributions helped bring the songs to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined on our own.

Last summer, we packed up two cars full of gear and headed upstate to record Dead Pop. It was our first time recording as a full band which was a new and incredible experience that brought a whole new energy to the songs and pushed our sound into territory we hadn’t explored before. For this project, we stepped back from doing everything ourselves and brought in the incredibly talented Brian DiMeglio to help produce, record, and mix the album. Having him on board made a huge difference and helped shape the record in such a meaningful way.

MOTEL VOID: Your first single came out back in late 2017. Can you describe how your process or approach has evolved over the years – if at all?

PROJECT DIEM: Not sure our process has changed all that much—we still write as a duo, swapping ideas and recordings back and forth until we land on what feels right for each song. One big difference, though, is having the chance to practice and work through songs with our band. That’s added a whole new layer to things, especially with drums and bass bringing in fresh textures and energy we didn’t have before.

MOTEL VOID: You’re based in New York City. How would you describe the current scene you’re part of there? Do you have any favorite local venues or artists?

PROJECT DIEM: The scene has changed a lot in recent years, especially with the impact of COVID and the rising cost of living. Many bands have broken up or moved away, and sadly, a number of beloved venues have had to shut their doors. We recently lost our favorite spot, Our Wicked Lady, which was a huge blow. But at the same time, it’s been incredible to see new life spring up in the past few years. Tons of new bands have formed, and fresh venues are popping up to keep the scene alive.

Right now, some of our favorite places to play (and hang) are The Broadway, Alphaville, Sleepwalk, Purgatory, and Econolodge. Brooklyn and NYC still have a really tight-knit music community—everyone seems to be in everyone else’s bands, and it’s not uncommon to see your band friends right up front at your show, singing along and cheering you on. That kind of support makes this city feel like home.

MOTEL VOID: Your music blends synth-pop with dreamy shoegaze, which strikes me as an unusual but really compelling combination. What are some of your main inspirations?

PROJECT DIEM: We all have such different musical tastes and inspirations, and that contrast has played a big role in shaping our own little dreamgazy sound. We share a collective love for ’90s and early 2000s indie rock, and we like to draw from lush guitars and warm synths—crafting something that feels both clean and lo-fi, intimate yet expansive.
MOTEL VOID: With the new album out, are you also planning to head out on tour?

PROJECT DIEM: We don’t have any tour plans at the moment—everyone’s juggling other music projects and full-time jobs—but we’d love to hit the road for some long weekends and play in a few new cities. Hopefully we can make that happen in the spring. It’s something we’re definitely itching to do when the timing lines up.

---