New Orleans-based folk rockers Motel Radio have been touring the country pretty frequently since the group formed in 2015. In addition to stops at popular festivals like Firefly, Treefort and Jazz Fest, the five-piece has also opened for rock and indie mainstays Kurt Vile, Drive-Truckers and Moon Taxi.
Motel Radio hits another milestone today with the release of their second music video, which we’re excited to premiere. Directed by Christian Schultz and shot in one uninterrupted take, the video finds the band performing a stripped down version of “Star of the South” while a late night party winds down around them. Much like the video itself, this rendition of the song was also recorded live in a single take.
“We wanted to shoot a live video that sounded good, and we also wanted to add an interesting visual element to give it more depth” says Ian Wellman (vocals, guitar). “We met with Christian at our house the day before the shoot to develop a concept. He started walking around the place looking through an imaginary lens with the song blaring in the background. That’s when he pitched the idea of doing a one-shot video that captures the end of a party.”
“It’s really just a glimpse into our lives,” adds Winston Triolo (vocal, guitar). “We basically called our friends the day of and asked if they wanted to come be in a video. Inevitably it turned into a night of music and booze with friends and our cat, Chester.”
“I just show up and play drums,” added Eric Lloyd (drums, vocals). “I hope my parents don’t see this.”
The breezy, laidback nature of the video matches the breezy, laidback nature of “Star of the South,” a track that originally appeared on Motel Radio’s sophomore EP Desert Surf Films. The band will continue supporting that release on the road this summer before heading to the studio in the fall to record their debut full-length album.
Motel Radio Tour Dates:
June 1 @ Blue Canoe — Tupelo, MS
June 2 @ City Winery — Nashville, TN
June 3 @ Callaghan’s Irish Social Club — Mobile, AL
June 9 @ Blue Moon Saloon — Lafayette, LA
June 10 @ Dyson House Listening Room — Baton Rouge, LA
June 23 @ Continental Club — Houston, TX
June 24 @ Stingaree — Crystal Beach, TX
June 27 @ The Rebel Lounge — Phoenix, AZ
June 28 @ The Mint — Los Angeles, CA
June 29 @ Temblor Brewing Co. — Bakersfield, CA
June 30 @ Tooth & Nail Winery — Paso Robles, CA
July 1 @ The Hotel Utah Saloon — San Francisco, CA
July 5 @ Pecos Flavors Winery — Roswell, NM
July 6 @ Hoots Pub — Amarillo, TX
July 7 @ Sundown at Granada Theater — Dallas, TX
July 8 @ Magnolia Motor Lounge — Ft. Worth, TX
July 14 @ Tipitina’s — New Orleans, LA
July 15 @ Martin’s — Jackson, MS
