Motel Sundown are steadily building a following with a couple of well-received single releases to date: ‘Chicago’ and ‘Light of My Life’. We are very pleased to share the premiere of the Liverpool-based trio’s latest video as they work towards putting together a debut full-length album. ‘Before Midnight’ is notable for the excellent vocal harmonies and melodies that the band is becoming known for.
The members of Motel Sundown met as individual singer-songwriters in Liverpool back in 2016 and eventually ended up working on a weekly country music show together, The Grand Opry Sessions. Then, over the last two years they have been performing, writing and recording as a group. After all their time playing in the Liverpool music scene, it’s no surprise that their sound is already honed and the songcraft accomplished. There’s an engaging build-up of instrumental layers but, just as the song closes, the music pauses and the group sing a heartfelt: “After all the expectations // And all the imitations // This just feels unreal.” It’s an affecting moment and an emotional payoff to finish.
Naomi Campbell and Karen Turley come from the same town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, while Robert Johnson hails from London. Between them they pull together a blend of country and folk influences and sounds; you’ll hear traces of Dolly Parton and The Eagles here. Before the lockdown, Motel Sundown had performed at festivals in Reykjavik and Portsmouth and supported American singer-songwriter Alice Walker. There’s more to come from Motel Sundown. In the meantime, check this out.
