ALBUM PREMIERE: Hotel Leo Reflects on Loss with Synthy Bedroom Pop EP ‘Point in Time’

Photo credit: Cameron Wiley

We’re heading into a season where we lose so many things: daylight, leaves, and a warm sun. Whenever autumn begins its approach, I often find myself searching for music that will help me cope with the transition into winter. Hotel Leo’s newest EP, Point in Time, reflects on loss through a synthy, bedroom pop lens. It’s a near-perfect collection released at a near-perfect time.

Hotel Leo is the musical output of Kansas City, MO’s Stephen Roper. Entering the scene as a drummer for local legends Jump Rope for Heart, Roper has played in a number of acts in the KC area. After spending years in bands and playing festivals like Middle of the Map, Roper has put all his knowledge and experience into the Hotel Leo project. 

Today Glide is excited to offer and exclusive premiere of the new album, which is one of the few EPs that feel like a complete statement. But, Hotel Leo manages to provide us with four songs that culminate in a satisfying and sonically-coherent collection of music. The twin threads of loss and longing weave themselves seamlessly through these songs. Timing is everything, and this EP comes at the perfect time. During this change of seasons, treat yourself to some honest, beautiful songs from Hotel Leo.

“Point in Time” sounds like a comfier continuation of sounds from my high school days. Bands like Friendly Fires, Tame Impala, or Foster the People made a lot of cool synth-pop in the 00s and 10s, and it’s awesome to see newer artists carrying on the tradition. Opener “Heaven Knows” sounds like a warm blanket for your ears. Roper’s voice is smooth and comforting, and the warbly, wispy synthesizers make a perfect soundtrack for watching the leaves fall. “Point in Time” drips with 80s nostalgia, finding a groove somewhere between power ballad and dancey slow-jam. In the earnest “A Better Place,” Roper sings, “Although we’ll never know the answer / But at least I know I never wanna leave.” As layers of synths build then dissipate, Roper provides listeners with these moments of clarity that reflect on mortality and the human condition. And finally, “Broken Bones” sounds almost like a lo-fi synth pad hymn. There’s something sacred in Roper’s writing; not religious, but respectful of this human journey. 

Listen to the album and read our chat with Hotel Leo below…

These songs all flow really well together. Did you write the songs intentionally as a group, or did you find that you had gaps to fill and themes to explore while you were recording?

Point In Time wasn’t meant to have an overarching concept or feel, but as I started to write and arrange these songs they began to take on some cohesive themes. I was in a certain headspace at the time and dealing with loss in my life, and I think that comes through on the record.

Do you have a favorite song on this EP? 

It’s always changing, but right now I’m really feeling “An Old Friend.”

What was the recording process like? Were they recorded over a long period of time, or did it all happen at once? 

These songs were written and recorded at the same time – sort of like building the plane while flying it. I did this over a 3-month period, and it allowed me to quickly try new musical ideas and arrangements. I tried to take the “everything is a song” approach and follow ideas wherever they lead me. There were of course parts that didn’t work out and had to be cut, but there were also a lot of happy accidents that ended up becoming some of my favorite moments on the record.

What do you hope listeners take away from these songs?

For me these songs helped me deal with a recent loss, figure out how to move on, and grapple with the unknown that lies ahead. Ultimately the messages on this EP are meant to be universal, and I hope they can provide some comfort, catharsis, or solidarity in solitude.

What’s next for you this year? Where can listeners find you?

Writing and recording new stuff of course! But I’m also hoping to get out and play some shows this year. That reminds me – do you know any drummers?

You can find Hotel Leo on Spotify, Apple Music, etc, and stay in touch via Instagram (@ropedog).

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One Response

  1. Stephen…I can’t wait to hear some of your newest work !
    You have always produced very
    smooth & balanced song-scapes
    that lend themselves to introspective enjoyable listening.

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