Kevin Wright is a unique figure in British pop music: his career has flourished with cult labels such as él, Cherry Red, Le Grand Magistery, Siesta, and more. In the late ’80s, under the name Always, he issued the exquisite Thames Valley Leather Club and Other Stories (él, 1988), a suite of literate miniatures that fit perfectly in that label’s eccentric constellation, and Looking For Mr Wright (Suburbs Of Hell 1990). Soon after, as Mr. Wright, he released a string of fragile albums across cult imprints such as Siesta and Le Grand Magistery (The Fancy Man, Le Grand Magistery 1997; Star Time, Le Grand Magistery 1998; Hello Is Anyone Out There?, Le Grand Magistery 2001 Metropolitan, Siesta 2004; Diary Of A Fool Series Two Records 2009). In the new millennium, under the guise of The Dreamers (with Sarah Nyberg Pergament) the cult indie folk record Day For Night (Friendly Noise 2007). His work with él Records, in particular, remains extraordinary, not only for its crisp production and cultivated sensibility, but also for the way it captured Wright’s nostalgic, intricate songwriting at its most intimate. Fast-forward to more recent years: under the moniker Hotel Artesia, Wright quietly released fourteen lo-fi pop tracks on YouTube between 2021 and 2023. These tracks, collected as Everywhere Alone, were lovingly assembled into a vinyl release in November 2024 by Honey Muffin Records, thanks to the support of Noah Wilson (aka Mr. Muffins), who felt these songs deserved a life beyond the obscurity of YouTube. Reissued on CD in 2025 by fabulous Brest-based label Too Good To Be True, the album was followed last week by the Something to Sing About EP, the eighth in the label’s 2025 EP series, featuring lush dream-pop textures, tight arrangements, and wistful lyrics typical of Wright’s unique style.
What Kevin Says: “The just released EP – Something To Sing About – features songs from the same batch as Everywhere Alone which did not fit on the album. Saint is a nice little waltz with bleak lyrics so if you like that sort of thing you should enjoy this.”
“Hotel Artesia came about when I started recording songs at home after a ten year hiatus from music. Before I had always recorded in professional studios but that was no longer feasible. Seconds was the second song I wrote and recorded and it reminds a bit of the sounds of the early eighties. I recorded over forty songs, ten of which appeared on Everywhere Alone.”
His Mixtape: “Below are the songs I have chosen. Of course this is an impossible task and tomorrow I would choose completely different artists and songs.”
Fats Waller – All That Meat And No Potatoes
The first record I can remember playing on my parents Dansette. It was a 78 and I enjoyed the extreme speed the crackling disc sped round at as I tried to read the writing on the label. I was hooked pretty early.
The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset
I always loved this song when it came on the radio when I was a kid. It would have been an oldie then but the Kinks would later become an important influence on my early career. Although they could be erratic I rate them higher than the Beatles or the Stones. Robert Christgau called this the most beautiful song in English and I cannot argue with that.
Another key early influence. Although I had heard Arnold Layne and See Emily Play I didn’t realise at first that this was the same person. I believe Soft Machine are backing Syd here (as well as they can) and they were another terrific band.
David Bowie – Sound and Vision
Cannot ignore David. Pre-punk him and Roxy seemed to be the only interesting artists left, although perhaps I know better now. I played my Low cassette (both sides) until it wore out.
Ennio Morricone – Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion
Something from the Maestro. I started listening to soundtracks and what people then called easy listening around the time I started Always. The arrangement on this is extraordinary.
Joao Gilberto- Aguas De Marco
I once foolishly turned down the chance to see Joao Gilberto in concert. I was heavily influenced by Brazilian music in the Mr Wright days, most specifically by the low key delivery. This song by Jobim is one of the greatest ever written.
Chet Baker – Everything Happens To Me
I love this style of writing and the vocal style. It took me a few years to appreciate jazz but once I did I listened to very little else.
Thelonious Monk – ‘Round Midnight
One of my favourite melodies, the mystery of which does not seem to diminish by repeated listens. I am not a jazz musician but I sometimes borrow the odd chord voicing.
Joni Mitchell – Amelia
I have been listening to Joni Mitchell quite a bit lately. I didn’t really have time for her before so I suppose there is a time in life for everything, if you live long enough.
Serge Gainsbourg – Du jazz dans le ravin
Serge is a great song stylist to study, even if you don’t completely get the words. I prefer his early, less heralded, songs which I understand he dismissed when he became famous which goes to show that the artist does not always know best.
Something To Sing About is out now via Too Good To Be True. Look HERE for more information on Hotel Artesia
Indie Sunset in Rome 