We are Motel Sundown.
Motel Sundown are an Americana band based in Liverpool consisting of three songwriters, Karen Turley, Naomi Campbell and Robert Johnson. Formed in 2018, together they combine the sounds they grew up with such as The Beatles, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, with three-part harmonies inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
In 2022 the band released their debut album If You Were Listening, produced by Mercury Prize nominee Andy Ross and featuring Pedal Steel legend Gerry Hogan.
Since releasing the album, Motel Sundown have been playing shows across the UK both as a full band accompanied by piano, drums and bass, and as an acoustic trio. In this format, the band have played support slots for both local and international Americana artists such as The Hanging Stars, Ashley Campbell, The Chapin Sisters and more recently, US Grammy nominated artist Courtney Marie Andrews.
Motel Sundown have also made various festival appearances including the British Country Music Festival, Cosmic Cape and Sound City.
In June 2023 the band performed at Black Deer Festival alongside Bonnie Raitt, The Pretenders and Allison Russell after winning a slot via public vote through the Black Deer Emerging Competition. The band returned again in 2024 to play the Caffe Nero stage.
Radio stations BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Ulster and Liverpool Live have remained a great support to Motel Sundown since their first single release, Chicago in 2019 and the band were recently titled ‘artist of the week’ on The Late Show on BBC Radio Ulster (Belfast) with Eve Blair. The band were also given a two-page interview in Maverick, one of the UK’s most prestigious Americana and Country magazines.
If You Were Listening, the title track from the debut album was added to Apple Music’s Today’s Country playlist following its release, since gaining over 30,000 streams. The album has also gained over 20,000 streams on Spotify.
In June 2024 the band released their debut EP, El Dorado, (gaining 15,000 streams on Spotify) coinciding with two sold out shows at the Green Note, London and Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room.
The trio have just completed a UK and Ireland tour in October to promote the EP.
“After all their time playing in Liverpool, it's no surprise their sound is already honed and song craft accomplished.”
AMERICANA UK
“The perfect soundtrack to a road trip at sunset, leaving your troubles behind and your hopes out in front.”
URBANISTA
“This is sophisticated Americana that should see them going places.”
FATEA
WITH THANKS
Motel Sundown would not be where we are today without the great support we have received. In particular we would like to thank Liverpool Arts Bar, Maureen Bramwell, Bookbinder, Red Brick Market (StatenDerelli), Handyman Brewery, Debbie Ellis, The Jacaranda, Polyphonica Studios, Peter Ross, Andy Ross (Astar Studios), Emily Menzies Graphic Design, Jack Burell Graphic Design and of course our family and friends!