For a little over two decades, The Motet have cultivated a fervent fanbase through immaculate live performances and a seamless blend of funk, jazz, soul, and rock. This unique style and cohesive musical chemistry have led to sold-out shows across the nation - including six headlining slots at Red Rocks and sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Bottlerock, Electric Forest, Bumbershoot, Summer Camp, and High Sierra.
But even after their 20+ years of accolades and recognition, the legendary outfit - composed of Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Drew Sayers (keys and saxophone), and Ryan Jalbert (guitar) - are still exploring new sonic ideas.
Now, the band is revving up towards their 10th studio album, All Day, which will release on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. All Day marks The Motet’s first primarily instrumental project since 2009’s electronica-fueled Dig Deep.
Fans got their first taste of All Day with the album’s lead single, “‘79,” a lavish funk and soul epic. With a retro-futurist style, the track takes you into the funky past of the 70s and 80s while fortifying its pastiche with decidedly modern elements. Next was “Draccus,” a hazy, funk-fueled experience with lush sonic details and a powerful message.
Today, The Motet release “Back Seat,” a groovy, vintage-funk single showcasing the band’s harmonious musical symbiosis.
“Back Seat” embodies what The Motet have concocted with All Day, an album that will retain the infectious grooves and immaculate, layered arrangements that The Motet have become known for. But by recentering the listening experience around the playing and composition, All Day emphasizes the band's instrumental mastery molded by two decades of shared musical chemistry.
“Back Seat” kicks off with some punchy full band hits giving subtle nod to classic hip hop MPC samples before dropping into the song's heavy and infectious central riff. Then, driven by a tight percussion section consisting of bongos and head-bobbing drum beats, “Back Seat” takes on a classic D.C. go-go sound, which adds a new wrinkle to The Motet’s recent genre explorations.
With imminently danceable grooves and intoxicating compositions, “Back Seat” is a rousing single that promises an album full of similarly stand-out cuts. The track imbues its underlying elements with psychedelic synth chord progressions, intricate, jazzy drum fills, and sweeping saxophone and guitar solos for an immersive, boundary-pushing experience.
Fans can hear “Back Seat” and other All Day cuts on The Motet’s upcoming nationwide tour, which kicked off with a two-night New Years run at Crystal Bay Casino in Lake Tahoe and is stopping through cities like Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Columbus, and Honolulu. In addition to performing at Tucson’s Gem & Jam Festival, the band will also play a special, hometown doubleheader at Denver’s Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, to celebrate both the LP release and the iconic venue’s 20th anniversary.
The Motet tour dates
1/13/23 Telluride, CO | Sheridan Opera House
1/14/23 Crested Butte, CO | Center for the Arts
1/20/23 Denver, CO | Cervantes
1/21/23 Denver, CO | Cervantes
2/3/23 Tucson, AZ | Gem + Jam
2/17/23 Bend, OR | Volcanic Theatre Pub
2/18/23 Bend, OR | Volcanic Theatre Pub
2/24/23 Bozeman, MT | ELM
2/25/23 Missoula, MT | Top Hat
2/26/23 Whitefish, MT | Great Northern Bar
3/1/23 Victor, ID | Knotty Pine
3/2/23 Boise, ID | Olympic Lounge
3/3/23 Salt Lake City, UT | Commonwealth
3/4/23 Salt Lake City, UT | Commonwealth
3/10/23 Buena Vista, CO | Ivy Ballroom
3/11/23 Buena Vista, CO | Ivy Ballroom
3/15/23 Indianapolis, IN | Vogue
3/16/23 St Louis, MO | Delmar Hall
3/17/23 Columbus, OH | St. Fatty's Daze @ The Woodlands
3/18/23 Columbus, OH | St. Fatty's Daze @ The Woodlands
3/19/23 Cleveland, OH | Beachland Ballroom
3/24/23 Honolulu, HI | Blue Note
3/25/23 Honolulu, HI | Blue Note
