Pookie chats with rising Canadian artist Hotel Decor aka Csaba Laszlo about his latest record "LOANSTAR", and explores the influences that inspire his artistry.
Interview by ALEC MANNING
Talent HOTEL DECOR
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Canada, Hotel Decor is the alternative indie rock project of brilliant songwriter and record-producer Csaba Laszlo. Skillfully channelling the raw energy and introspective lyricism of the 2000s, Laszlo utilizes Hotel Decor as his vessel of exploration into the depths of the genre, ushering in a refreshing and nostalgic sound to the contemporary music landscape. Through introspective songwriting and satiating productions, Hotel Decor's newly released album "LOANSTAR" traverses themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, beckoning listeners to embark down a sonic rabbit hole of reflection.
Entirely written and produced by Csaba himself, this album presents a fresh perspective while pointing towards a new direction stylistically for the artist. Hotel Decor's unique sound and vision melds together the creme de la creme of the early 2000s alternative indie sound infused with flares of today's genre-ambiguous indie rock.
"The entire album is kind of about that, everything is borrowed and nothing is forever."
Hey Hotel Decor, Thanks so much for talking with Pookie! How are you feeling today?
Howdy howdy, thanks for taking caring! Feeling good, just winding down after the chaos of the holidays.
You released your debut album LOANSTAR back in October, such a stellar record. How has the reaction been?
Thanks! I think the reaction’s been good, it was definitely a pretty big switch in terms of the sound I’ve done in the past. I feel really blessed that folks seem to dig what I’m doing even though I jump around stylistically a lot.
What sparked the initial idea to create this album? What was the creative process like?
I honestly just started writing one song after the other and uploaded them into a private SoundCloud playlist. At one point I realized that I had a really solid tracklist and then everything just sort of came together from there. I’d had the name of the album floating around in my head for a few years and it just stuck. I generally prefer writing EPs, albums or if I’m doing a single I want it to be a 2 side thing. Felt like it was time to do a record as Hotel Decor.
I first discovered your music when I heard "Witches + Vampires" a few weeks ago, and it's been on repeat since. What was the inspiration for this track?
Witches + Vampires is kind of a stream of consciousness. I feel like often life happens faster than I’m able to fully process or even be completely present for and that’s what I’m expressing in this song. The entire album is kind of about that, everything is borrowed and nothing is forever.
You've written and produced LOANSTAR entirely on your own, as with much of your discography. Do you prefer to have complete creative control?
Yeah this is true haha, I don’t think it’s a conscious decision to write, record, produce, mix and master everything on my own it’s just how I’ve always done stuff. Not to say I haven’t involved others in the past. I’ve written a bunch of songs with my band as well which I really love, we just haven’t recorded them yet. I’m hoping to involve more people in the coming years since I do really love playing and sharing music with others.
Who are some artists and producers that inspire you?
Currently I’ve been listening to a bunch of Chris Cohen, Dirty Projectors and Cindy Lee. The first two are quite well known but for any people unaware of Cindy Lee, ‘What’s Tonight to Eternity’ is a weird and incredible album.
What was the most rewarding part about making this album?
I think the most rewarding part about working on this record was was the personal artistic growth for me. I learned recording and production from more of a dance music perspective. For a long time I think I had convinced myself that you need to have a full band in the studio with you at all times to make a “band” record.
On the other hand, what was the most challenging part?
The biggest challenge was the entire thing. Doing a 10 track “studio” album out of a 10’ X 8’ bedroom poses a few challenges. Going forward I’d like to pass off the final mix and master to someone else. By the time the record was out in the fall I completely hit a point where I was like “I don’t even know if I want to do music anymore”.
What message do you hope people take away from LOANSTAR?
I don’t really know if there is a specific message I want people to take away from the album. I think if listeners even connect with a feeling or a specific line jumps out at them then I’ve done my job. They should also dm me and let me know what that lyric or guitar line or whatever was. I can never tell what’s going to stick so it’s always cool to hear what stuck for someone.
The year has just begun, what are your plans for the rest of 2024?
2024 I’m doing more songs. The band and I filmed and recorded a studio set last August which should be out quite soon. There are some songs from ‘Loanstar’ and some unreleased tracks as well in there, so stay tuned. Lastly hopefully play a bunch of shows, would love to finally play in some cities people have been asking for.
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