“We set out with the idea of making anthems for aliens — really, really catchy pop songs for outcasted people.”
Hotel Mira’s ‘I Am Not Myself’ arrives on the antipodean scene with a gravity that belies its indie pop roots. Following a standout performance at SXSW Sydney, the Canadian quartet’s latest release is a contemplative exploration of identity, produced by the esteemed Adam Kasper, known for his work with rock legends like Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
Since their breakout release ‘Perfectionism’ in 2020, Hotel Mira’s journey has been one of upward momentum. Their candid portrayal of mental health and personal struggles earned them a devoted following across North America.
Frontman Charlie Kerr, amidst personal transformation, penned the album while shuttling between Vancouver and his new base in Los Angeles. The recording process spanned various studios in British Columbia, guided by a roster of accomplished producers.
Kerr’s lyrical introspection bears the weight of transition, merging autobiography with character sketches, all bound by the thematic thread of ‘identity’. His aim, as he puts it, is to demystify shame and offer a shared experience of human vulnerability.
“I think that there is value to expressing unsavoury things about oneself, and peeling away shame. If this music has a purpose, I think it’s to show people how engulfed by shame we are, and how universal that is to the human experience. By pinpointing my own, hopefully people are more forgiving of theirs.”
Hotel Mira’s mission is clear: to craft anthems for the marginalised, infusing each melody with an irresistible allure for the outcasted souls. It’s a resonance that speaks to the band’s genuine connection with their audience.
“We set out with the idea of making anthems for aliens — really, really catchy pop songs for outcasted people.”
As an added gesture to their southern hemisphere admirers, Hotel Mira presents an Australian-exclusive bonus track, ‘Waste Away’. This poignant composition is a tribute to survivors of domestic abuse, a subject close to the hearts of the band members.
In ‘I Am Not Myself’, Hotel Mira has created not just an album, but a mirror to the human condition. It prompts us to confront our vulnerabilities and embrace the power of self-acceptance.
This release reaffirms the band’s commitment to crafting music that resonates, moves, and ultimately, connects us all.
