Roo AOTD #24 Saint Motel

By Daniel Karasek | February 26, 2025

All aboard the hype train for Bonnaroo 2025! Only 106 days until we are all on the Farm again, can you believe it? It’s coming up fast and we can’t wait to be dancing with all of you at Bonnaroo! Today’s Artist of the Day is the one and only Saint Motel. Learn more about the artist below. Don’t forget to check out all of our artist spotlights! Thank you for reading these posts!

Artist Biography

Saint Motel, the Los Angeles-based indie pop band, has been captivating audiences with their vibrant, art-pop sound since 2009. Formed by vocalist A/J Jackson and guitarist Aaron Sharp, who met at film school, the band draws from their shared love of obscure cinema, blending their visual creativity into their music and performances. Joined by bassist Dak Lerdamornpong and drummer Greg Erwin, Saint Motel’s lineup solidified into one of the most distinct acts in the indie pop world.

Their journey began with the 2009 release of ForPlay, an EP that showcased their playful take on alternative pop. This was followed by their first full-length album, Voyeur, released in 2012. With its infectious hooks and eclectic mix of indie pop and alternative rock, Voyeur established Saint Motel as one of the rising stars of the LA music scene. Their sound, a slick fusion of Tropicalia influences with punchy indie pop, became their trademark.

2016 saw the release of saintmotelevision, their highly anticipated second album, which peaked at #62 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album continued their exploration of vibrant soundscapes and included visually immersive elements that had become synonymous with their live performances. Known for their playful use of visuals and stage presence, Saint Motel’s music is as much an experience as it is a listening session.

Today, Saint Motel remains one of the most exciting acts in indie pop, their unique sound continuing to evolve with each release. With a dedicated fanbase and a knack for pushing the boundaries of art and music, they stand out as a band unafraid to defy conventions, both sonically and visually.