What does your band name mean / what inspired it?

Ian: Honestly it’s the product of a really long series of group texts. At the time we felt like it was a fitting reflection of our sound, and I think it still holds up. It’s just nice imagery.

Andrew: At the time we were getting ready to record our 2nd EP, ‘Desert Surf Films’. We had just signed on to our first booking agency and were getting ready to begin touring and playing bigger stages and festivals. We wanted a name that reflected this step forward as a band, and Motel Radio seemed like the right fit for us.

Who are your biggest influences?

Ian: I’ve been a huge fan of Twain for the past couple years, and we were lucky enough to have him play pedal steel and sing on the record, so that was awesome. But yeah, everything from Conor Oberst to Joao Gilberto to Cass McCombs. Flying burrito brothers. Neil Young. Been listening to more world music. Especially this record called Nigeria Special. Amazing grooves on there.

Winston: biggest influence is Ian Wellman my band mate. We feed off each other We’ve been roommates for over 5 years now and are in most of the same places most of the time. I’ll hear him jamming in the living room and will subconsciously get those songs engrained in my brain. I don’t search for new music very often. It’s usually introduced to me by Ian or one of my other close friends. Some notable bands that I listened to over the coarse of this last album are: Cass Mccombs, Kurt Vile, San Evian, Big Theif, Amen Dunes, War on Drugs, Andy Shauf, Alvvays, Twin Peaks, Susto, Summer Salt.

What’s your songwriting process?

Ian: Winston or I will usually write the skeleton of a song on acoustic guitar. We’ll bring it to the band and let them color it in. We like to work out 3 part harmonies as often as we can. We’re starting to demo more. I just got an old 4 track recorder, so I’m excited to mess around with that.

Winston: For me it usually starts with a chord progression on guitar, then vocal melody , followed by the lyrics. Some songs come all at once, and others come over time. When I feel there is a semi complete structure, I will introduce it to the band.

If you could collaborate with one artist or band, who would it be and why?

Winston: John Lennon- cause he is my fav Beatle and I want to ask him if heaven is a real place.

Favorite song on the album? Is there one that holds a special meaning?

Andrew: One song that holds a special meaning to me is M.I.A. We really went out of our comfort zone on this tune, including using a synthesizer to track the bass part. I began taking piano lessons and practicing a lot about 6 months prior to recording this song, so it was really cool to be able to apply what I had learned into a recording.

Winston: Midnight

If you could put together a tour lineup with your band and 3 other bands, what would the lineup be?

Winston: Elvis Presley, Juno Dunes, Mozart

Favorite song to perform live?

Winston: Liquor Dreams, when we hit em with the instrument switch

Favorite city you’ve performed in?

Winston: New Orleans

Andrew: NYC is always a treat. We have a ton of friends that live there that always show up to the shows. Whether there’s 60 or 600 people in the crowd, there’s always this sort of magic energy happening in the air. Not to mention I can’t live without eating Vanessa’s Dumpling House at least once a year.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Winston: jumping jacks, tequila, group hugs