Gold Motel SXSW, USA

Gold Motel is a Chicago-based quintet. Its frontwoman Greta Morgan previously played with The Hush Sound. The band has been touring in support of their debut LP, Summer House, released June 2010. The band made several appearances at SXSW in 2011, and will be releasing their second LP this year. Music-New.com caught up with Morgan before the band’s performance in the SPIN Magazine loft on 6th Street.

Music-News.com: Some writers have referred to Gold Motel as a side project of The Hush Sound. Is that accurate?

Greta Morgan: Well, it really has become a full-fledged, collaborative band. The Hush Sound needed a break. We were going crazy, and driving each other crazy. I can’t really imagine going back at this point.

MN: Your website noted that when you were first in Los Angeles after leaving Chicago, you were hitting up to five gigs a week. Who caught your attention from that local community?

GM: Yeah! There are several. Michael Runion is one. There’s a new band called The Chances who are great. The Like. Haim. I saw a lot of shows at the venue Largo.

MN: You website also stated that you were going for a nostalgic, summery sound with Gold Motel. Which bands, or what else in general, influenced you?

GM: At the time I was living in LA I was studying with this great piano teacher named Elmo Peeler, and he toured with the Beach Boys as an organist and piano player. He helped me understand the arrangements of Beach Boys songs, so I was definitely listening to a ton of that music, and Brian Wilson, along with other major west coast bands like the Mamas and the Papas.

MN: Between Chicago and LA, how would you compare the two music communities?

GM: Well, I think in Chicago there’s a much more loyal music community, probably because there’s a little bit less to choose from. Los Angeles is completely over saturated where every night there are ten shows you would want to see. So in Chicago it is much easier to be in a band, and build a fan base because the audiences are so great and really care. Chicago is also a central place so it’s great for touring. I would say Chicago is better to be in a band, but LA is better to see bands.

MN: Does the Talking Fiction 7” you released this fall ahead of the sophomore album you are putting out in 2011 mark a style change from your first LP and EP?

GM: Oh totally. Gold Motel originally released the Gold Motel EP, and it was essentially me and Dan (Duszynski, Guitar and Vocals). This 7” is more of a ground up collaborative effort involving the full band, which now includes Eric (Hehr), Matt (Minx), and Adam (Coldhouse). That reflects what the new album, and the band moving forward, will sound like. (MUSIC-NEWS)