Katie (Vocals) Chris (Guitar) Jonathan (Drums) and Ed (Bass) bring sultry riffs, smoldering vocals, and dirty grooves. Grappling with the shadows of doubt and despair, Zed Motel’s music ignites a defiant spark of resilience, offering anthems for navigating life’s darkest corners.
Emanating from Swansea’s underground, Zed Motel unify the grit of Garage Rock, the rebellious energy of Punk, melodic hooks and an undercurrent of Blues, to find a sound all of their own.,
Founded by Chris Noir and Jonathan Williams in 2015 as a Rock duo, the pair came together with a singular vision, to resurrect the spirit and feel of a lost era of rock, capturing its danger and allure through simple, but honest songwriting. They aimed to unite the visceral qualities of rock’s satanic tapestry; from 90s grunge’s wall-of-distortion, to sixties blues soaked licks and 70’s Hard-Rock. Their intent, to bring togethe a modern sound to take to a new generation, whilst also reminding all those who came before, just why they grew up a rebel.
Initially, while sharing the same influences and carrying the torch lit by bands such as Death From Above 1979 and Black Keys, they forged a path as a two-piece tour de force. Chris Noir’s wiry Lead Guitar playing, summoning the soul of a young, Coke-up Keith Richards from a dusty vinyl recordings warped grooves. Williams’ mercilessly pounding a deep, Bonhamesque beat resonating in the chests of all those in attendance at their formative gigs. Zed Motel quickly became local curiosities in this early incarnation and favorite supporting act for other established artists on the WXSW Wales music scene.
With a restless desire to keep evolving, they recruited Vocalist Katie Skilton and solidified their status with 2021’s “Leave With Nothing” EP which signified a significant change for Zed Motel. Skilton’s deceptively tender vocals, ranging from, in one breath to the next, expressing the aching beauty of Joan Baez, to the snarl of a Riot Grrrl and anthemic angst of Paramore, combining both ferocity and melody, perfectly complementing the band’s signature sound. The EP received national radio play and a Classic Rock Magazine feature, confirming their position as a rising force in British rock as they expanded their influence.
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when the revered figure and veteran of the Swansea music scene, Bassist, Ed Purcell the band joined just before writing began on their follow up album. His arrival filled the last remaining vacancy in the line up and marked not just a stylistic shift; but a full transcendence. Purcell’s overdriven growl became the prominent backbone of their new sound, leaving them ready to unleash their most potent iteration yet.
With a burgeoning buzz surrounding them, Zed Motel recently signed with Swansea label, Death Monkey, to record their follow-up album “Turn of the Tide” which perfectly showcases this musical journey. Crafted during a transformative writing retreat in a remote Welsh cottage, “Turn of the Tide” is their boldest work yet. It reflects their dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to blurring the boundaries of Garage Rock, while staying true to their core sound. It’s unleashed torrent of alt-rock influences, drawing from the swagger of Queens of the Stone Age, the intensity of Fugazi, and the raw energy of Iggy Pop and fury of Nirvana.
These are anthems for the weary wanderer, reminding us that even when the whole world feels like a shit-hole town, there’s still magic in the rebellion and an open road beyond the horizon