Hotel Etiquette - Sound In The Signals Interview

I recently had the opportunity to interview Hotel Etiquette. We discussed the unique recording process for new song, “All Alone”, favorite musical moments from the song, keeping it real, getting ready to go record at Sound Acres Studio, the importance of releasing music on a physical format, and more. Check it out below.

First, thanks for the interview.

Thank YOU!! Appreciate the chance to do this with you guys.

You recently released your new song “All Alone”. Can you tell me about the writing and recording process for the song?

I’ve been so interested in song structure and how to do a lot with a little, so this song was an attempt at keeping things simple but interesting. I’m relying on things like the chord progression or riff or little hooks to hold the song up while the listener waits for the "moments" that happen. I keep trying to straddle this line between sex and psychopathy and felt like the mood of this one represented that well. There’s a few vocal tracks melted together to give it this "under water" vibe that I really liked. The claps you hear are actually a couple 2x4's being slapped together in a hallway. I played a drum fill on a couch cushion. Can’t get much weirder than that.

Do you have a favorite lyrical or musical moment from it?

I like the call back to "i wanna be alright!" in the bridge. I thought it was also fun to ride the song out on a dance-y breakdown rather than just hitting the chorus again and ending the track. Nile Rodgers once said "the verse is just an excuse to get to the chorus, the chorus is just an excuse to get to the breakdown" and it totally changed how I think about music. Just hoping to get a little closer to that every time.

What’s your favorite part of writing a song?

Falling asleep with my laptop open on my chest in a blanket of USB & 1/4" cables, headphone cord wrapped around my neck, waking up panicked because I can't remember if it was even a cool idea or not.

Hotel Etiquette has been able to build a really good buzz. What do you think it is about your music that is connecting with listeners?

Thanks for saying so!! Psyched to hear that's the general impression. Every connection is unique and for different reasons but I think people like when they can tell someone is keeping it real. That’s all I’m here to do.

Can we expect more new music from you soon? Is there any chance that you’re working on an album or EP?

I’ll be releasing one more single on September 16th called "mood", and then going into the studio to make a record. No telling yet if it'll be an EP or LP, but it'll be the longest stretch I’ve had in the studio at one time, so I’m really looking forward to digging in and making the best possible record I can make.

What can you tell us about it so far?

I’m excited to say I’ll be headed to Sound Acres Studio to work with Gary Cioni (Hot Mulligan, Crime in Stereo) for 11 days beginning at the end of Sept. I’ve got over 20 songs hanging out just waiting to be torn apart and put back together again. I’ll be doing my damndest to squeeze out as many as possible.

You released a vinyl pressing for your EPs that just recently started shipping. How important is it to you to have your music on physical media like vinyl and cassettes?

Having your music on a physical format makes it "real". It’s an incredible thing to be able to hold your art in your hands after it spent so long in your head. I love that there's a little keepsake for people who enjoy the music. It meant the world that Triple Hammer Records wanted to take it on as their first vinyl release.

Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?

You are a human being and you can do anything. Much love and thanks again for the interview!!