Motive Black
Interview conducted on February. 20, 2023
by Dan Locke
Motive Black is a Los Angeles based Hard Rock/Alt. Metal band.
It has been a few years ago, since I had interviewed you. How is the album different from your previous work (Broken) three years ago?
When Broken came out I only had part of the album written. I think it was a good intro into the ride that is Auburn. As the album progressed it got more intense and gritty. The more I worked on this project the more I was able to explore myself, my history, and my actions. I think that is reflected throughout the album.
Tell me about working with Butcher Babies Carla Harvey for the song “Left Me Up”?
Carla was amazing! We had a lot of covid restrictions, so Nick and I sent Carla the song and she recorded her parts in Chicago. She was great on the phone, but I didn’t get to meet her in person until we shot the video for Lift Me Up. She is so nice and down to earth. Carla was up for anything and was really fun to work with. I think she really added to the song and I’m so happy that she was able to feature on the track. She’s such a bad ass and I have been a fan of hers so it’s really cool that it all came together.
How long did it take you to create the video?
Rage, the director, and I spoke on the phone about ideas for the video a few times and it was shot in about 5 hours I believe. We had a tight budget so we had to use our time really wisely.
What was the best part in creating the video?
I think the best part of creating the video was getting meet and hang with Carla. It was also really cool to be creating a music video again, I got worried during covid that this project was not going to make it through. Shooting a video really breathed new life back into Motive Black.
Why did it take you 3 years before you released your debut album?
It took three years for a few reasons. We were ready to start touring right after Broken was released. We were all set and then Covid hit. It took a while to regroup after that. Between funding, and a series of unfortunate events it was a minute before we were up and running.
You used to do some acting. Are you thinking about doing more acting?
I don’t know if I will ever do anymore acting. I’ll never say never, but it’s not my focus right now. I have some cool video ideas that would be fun acting wise so who knows.
Your musical background includes Jazz and your vocal range is Mezzo Soprano. Have you ever through about making a Heavy Metal Jazz album?
I haven’t thought of making a metal Jazz album before, but now I am haha. This gives me some cool cover ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.
Tell me about the New Rock Grammy Showcase?
The New Rock Grammy Showcase was our first show with our current lineup. It was at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood, which was a really cool space. We played alongside some really cool bands, Max Fite, Redlight King, and Christopher Shayne. It was a fun, but very quick show. I’m really appreciative of everyone who came out to support us.
Anything in closing you would like to say?
I’m really excited about 2023. This year is gone be focused on shows, getting out there, and connecting. Finally getting to perform this music live feels really incredible.
