Saint Motel: Indie Pop's Cinematic Storytellers

Saint Motel is an American indie pop band known for their vibrant, cinematic sound and meticulously crafted visual style. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their infectious 2016 single My Type, which became a platinum-certified hit and a staple on alternative radio.

Early career

Saint Motel was formed in 2007 by lead vocalist and guitarist A/J Jackson and guitarist Aaron Sharp, who met while studying film in college. The duo, later joined by bassist Dak Lerdamornpong and drummer Greg Erwin, initially self-released their music, blending pop hooks with a theatrical flair influenced by their cinematic background. Their independent debut EP, ForPlay, arrived in 2009, leading to a deal with the independent label On the Records.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2014 with their debut studio album, Voyeur, which featured the original version of My Type. The song's re-release in 2016, as part of the saintmotelevision album cycle, propelled Saint Motel to new heights, with the track achieving platinum status in the United States and charting internationally. This success was cemented by their 2016 full-length album saintmotelevision, which showcased their polished, horn-driven indie pop.

Key tracks

My Type - This platinum single is the band's signature hit, defining their upbeat, brass-infused sound and breaking them into the mainstream.

Cold Cold Man - A track from saintmotelevision that exemplifies their knack for combining catchy melodies with a cool, retro-inspired groove.

Van Horn - An earlier single that highlights the band's cinematic storytelling and sophisticated pop arrangements.

Move - Released in 2024, this track marks a return with the band's characteristic energetic and danceable indie pop sound.

The band's later work includes the 2019 EP The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and the 2020 album The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Part 2, continuing their theme of conceptual, visual-driven releases. Saint Motel maintains a dedicated following through their dynamic live performances and consistent output of vibrant, narrative-rich pop music.

Fans of Saint Motel's brand of upbeat, cinematic indie pop might also enjoy Foster The People, another American group known for catchy, synth-laden hits. The dance-rock energy of Two Door Cinema Club shares a similar infectious quality. Listeners may also appreciate the polished pop-rock of The 1975, who also blend modern production with conceptual album themes.

The music of Saint Motel, with its bright horns and undeniable hooks, fits perfectly into the rotations of modern alternative and indie pop radio stations. Their tracks provide an energetic and sophisticated soundtrack that appeals to a broad audience seeking intelligent, danceable guitar pop.

You can discover the vibrant sound of Saint Motel through the radio stations featured here, where their catalog of cinematic indie pop is regularly played for listeners around the world.