We had a chance to interview Hotel Mira’s frontman and songwriter Charlie Kerr, who is currently on the “I Am Not Myself Canadian Tour” with Fake Shark in support of their latest album, taking them from Victoria BC to Montreal QC and everywhere in between. Check out our conversation below to hear about the current tour, their latest album and music video, Vancouvers music scene and more! You can also check out Hotel Mira’s new album “I Am Not Myself” and music video “Alone In America” below!  

About I Am Not Myself  – A lot has changed since the early 2020 release ofHotelMira’s breakthrough release, Perfectionism. That album’s finely honed and honest on mental health and personal struggles took the band on their biggest tours yet, building a passionate fandom across North America. As Hotel Mira’s profile grew, vocalist Kerr was undergoing a time of transformation himself, writing the bulk of I Am Not Myself while traveling between Vancouver and his now adopted-home of Los Angeles. While Kerr admits his anxieties over the move bled into his lyrics, he soon realized I Am Not Myself’s mix of autobiography and tragi-comic character portraits likewise reflected a profound loss of self.

Interview with Hotel Mira’s Charlie Kerr

For anybody who has yet to discover Hotel Mira, how do you describe the band?

I think we make weird pop and rock songs for anyone who feels like they crash-landed on this planet.

You recently embarked on the “I Am Not Myself Canadian Tour”, taking you from Victoria BC to Montreal QC and everywhere in between. How is the tour going so far?

It’s awesome. A lot of exciting firsts. We all really get along and having fake shark with us every night is like a cool bonus.

What can you tell us about your latest album “I Am Not Myself”?

Lyrically it focuses on an on-going identity crisis I was having as the band was getting more successful and just the strange growing pains I was experiencing.

Musically it almost feels like a mix-tape of indie rock, new wave, pop and a bit of disco all under one roof.

You recently released a new music video for “Alone In America”, what was the inspiration behind the visuals and how was the experience of shooting it?

Kassy the director and I wanted to explore the sleaziness, surreal aspects, tragedy and iconography and beauty of modern western mythology. Vegas sort of felt like it had it all. Plus as a band we love it there. It was cool to have a video that just captures us interacting and having a good time.

You’re touring with Fake Shark, what can you tell us about them?

They are friends of ours. Very talented band. Their new record is awesome and they are lifers like us so it’s a great fit.

What is one of your favourite memories from a past tour?

I loved having a line-up of kids around the block for our new york city show. That was a dream-come-true.

You were named #9 Most Played Artist at Canadian Alt Rock Radio in 2023 in between Foo Fighters and Death Cab For Cutie! How did it feel to receive that news?

That was so surreal! I love and look up to both those acts so much. Yeah yeah yeahs were on the list too and they might be my favorite band. It was a total shock and a total pleasure.

Are there any stops on this tour that you’re particularly excited about?

I think Toronto will be rad. That city has always championed us and as of late it feels like a second (third?) home.

The first formation of the band started around 2007, what is one the biggest lessons you’ve learned about being an artist since then?

Stick to your guns. Every day just try to get a bit better. Trends come and go. Be kind. Work hard.

What do you think of Vancouver’s music scene in 2024? Do you think the pandemic has had any lasting effects on it?

I started playing in bands when I was ten. So it’s always been a part of my dna. So I guess I wish there was more places that kids could play. Specifically, I wish there was a 100 person all-ages venue so bands could cut their teeth and start building something the moment they felt they were ready. How are we ever gonna have amazing new musicians and innovations if we price the kids out or don’t provide infrastructure for them? It is better for music as a whole if kids are leading the charge. And yeah lockdowns did a number on every music scene. I am not sure it will ever be the same as what it was. But on the bright side I am twenty times more grateful to get to play live than I was before I realized that could go away in an instant.

What does Hotel Mira have lined up for the rest of the year?

Lots of shows / touring. Hopefully some festivals? Writing for sure. Just trying to put one foot in front of the other. We are scheming some cool things up right now.

Do you have any last words to share with our readers?

Thank you so much. Hope you’re digging the new record.