Motel Ben
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Motel Ben

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2018

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Established on Jan, 2018
Band Folk Shoegaze

Calendar

Music

Press


"YGK October's Live Music (2023)"

"YGK October’s Live Music
"YGK Live music listing for October. Some great acts this month Like Blue Rodeo, Surf Hat, Sean Mcann and the Beaches to round out the Month Of October. Check out this months Ontario Small Halls Festival with live performances all around the Kingston Area.
"Live Music will be updated through out the month and sent out every Thursday on social media. ...
"Oct 22nd Motel Ben and KaKaow @ the Mansion" - Taken from >>> https://www.ygkevents.com/event/ygk-octobers-live-music/ - YGK Kingston, Ontario Events


"La Homecoming "Queen's"...always comes after in French"

Queen's Homecoming party! Door: $10 - opens at 8 PM. doingok: 8:30 PM. KaKaow: 9:50 PM. Motel Ben: 11:10 PM...let's invest in our future! ;) - Taken from >>> https://allevents.in/kingston/la-homecoming-queensalways-comes-after-in-french/10000717011208827 - AllEvents


"THE HAMMER STRIKES AGAIN IN KINGSTON: KAKAOW, MOTEL BEN, AND ROOTY NAKY LIVE AT THE MANSION"

"Motel Ben is back to The Mansion, Kingston with Rooty Naky on Sunday 13 August 2023! KaKaow opens! 8:30 PM; $15 or pay what you can! - Visit Kingston


"The Hammer Strikes Again in Kingston !"

"Motel Ben is back to The Mansion, Kingston with Rooty Naky on Sunday 13 August 2023! KaKaow opens! 8:30 PM; $15 or pay what you can..irie!:)" - Taken from >>> https://allevents.in/kingston/the-hammer-strikes-again-in-kingston/10000622921694557 - Allevents.in


"Birdsong New Music Foundation"

"Kinney's message to other songwriters thinking of applying for the foundation's grant: "I'd say: Do it!" he enthuses. "If you don't do it, you'll never know if the answer would have been yes! If you do it, it could make all the difference. Get your voice out there and heard." - Taken from >>> https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/birdsong-new-music-foundation/?mprompt=1 - CanadaHelps.org


"Canadian artists with mental health diagnoses release album"

'A new album with songs by Canadian musicians with mental health diagnoses was released Tuesday by charity Birdsong New Music Foundation. ...

'Keyboardist Allan Kinney, one of Birdsong’s songwriters, has had to overcome both clinical schizophrenia and the “innate discrimination of institutions and individuals who do not live with or understand mental health issues,” according to Birdsong.

' “If it were not for music, treatment and medication, I would not have persevered,” Kinney said. “Music is something I can’t do without.”

'The singers and songwriters on the album include Statia, Paakwasi, Earl Johnson, Dustin Harder (Prairie Soul), Ashley Bell, Thomas Messenger, Allan Kinney, Robin Benedict, Matthew Johnston, Jhmal King, Jordan Gow and David Martin.

'The album can be purchased online for $30. All proceeds from sales will be split between the artists, who own the copyright to their songs, and Birdsong New Music Foundation.' - Camilla Bains, 14 February 2023 - Available at >>> https://nowtoronto.com/culture/canadian-artists-with-mental-health-diagnoses-release-album/ - NOW Toronto


"Get Heart on Elgin!"

Motel Ben opens for The Everything Bagel at LIVE! on Elgin...leave your heart on LIVE! when you go home!! <3 --- Taken from >>> https://allevents.in/ottawa/get-heart-on-elgin/200023713798243 - AllEvents


"Critical review of Allan Kinney's repertoire in Motel Ben and in The Everything Bagel"

"There is some overlap between the two bands’ recordings - both in repertoire and in personnel - and both bands were featured at the Ottawa fundraiser [for Birdsong Foundation]. As composer, keyboardist and singer, Allan Kinney is the anchor of both groups. ...

"The 1970s vibe permeates Allan’s recorded output, yet the music is not nostalgic. 'Not Here, Not Now' and 'Freedom of Association' are only two examples of Kinney songs whose dystopian visions reflect current anxieties. Allan’s talent as a humorist comes through on 'Designated Driver,' a hilarious polka that uses both piano and accordion to great effect. Tunes like this and 'Vlad "the Impaler" P.' - a homoerotic satire of Russia’s despised president - demonstrate Allan’s ability to obliterate the line between parody and serious social commentary." - Taken from >>> https://temporarylodgingsc.wixsite.com/tlcunincorporated/post/critical-review-of-songwriter-allan-kinney-s-repertoire-in-motel-ben-and-in-the-everything-bagel - Temporary Lodgings Collective


"Birdsong's Ottawa anti-stigma show a smash hit"

"Dom Polski - The Polish Combatants of Canada Hall in Ottawa, Ontario was the scene of BIRDSONG - The David Martin New Music Foundation's second artists' showcase on October 6. The sold out affair was designed to smash the social stigma surrounding musicians and others suffering with mental health issues, with music and mass inclusion as the weapons du jour. Audience and cast alike basked in the cascade of love and compassion that BIRDSONG has come to represent, and a moving, magical and magnificent evening out was had by all involved -- all the while helping to hasten the opening of doors for change and healing through compassion and song.
"Hosted by BIRDSONG founder/director Margaret Konopacki and Toronto actor and Nicolas Cage body double Marco Kyris, the evening clipped along under the guidance of Supervising Producer Bryant Didier, along with Associate Producer Allan Kinney and his bands Motel Ben and Everything Bagel providing the back-up on 15 original songs performed by five BIRDSONG artists, plus a song by BIRDSONG namesake David Martin-Konopacki, Pray For Your Peace, sung by Jordan Gow, leaving not a dry eye in the house." - Daryl Jung - taken from >>> https://birdsongfoundation.com/blogs/news/birdsong-ottawa-anti-stigma-show-a-smash-hit?fbclid=IwAR1K2T2FHPZgO35DPUr12BpnA375UzK_5jiirHEAQhD43fBUFOP-OBB7whs - Birdsong Dave Martin New Music Foundation


"BirdSong New Music Foundation concert and charity fundraiser"

"This new Ottawa-based national charity will entertain you with incredible music and great food, prepared by a top Ottawa chef from Baccanalle, a unique Caribbean-style cuisine (vegan, less spice and gluten-free available). The live music show features five original BirdSong artists, along with two Ottawa bands to entertain you." - Taken from >>> https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/birdsong-new-music-foundation-concert-and-charity-fundraiser - Ottawa Tourism


"Motel Ben: eclectic, dreamy artistry uncoupled from musical trends - Critique - Tara Ryan - en francais / in English"

Motel Ben est un mélange éclectique et rêveur de mélodies soul et parfois mélancoliques, de blues, de poésie, de reggae, de rythmes funky et de nuances classiques. Motel Ben est un mélange d'artistes uniques et d'un art découplé des tendances musicales, qui saura assurément divertir une foule ! ---- Motel Ben is an eclectic, dreamy mix of soulful and at times melancholic melodies, blues, spoken word, reggae, funky beats and classic undertones. Motel Ben is a blend of unique artists and artistry uncoupled from musical trends, sure to entertain a crowd! - Taken from >>> https://temporarylodgingsc.wixsite.com/tlcunincorporated/post/motel-ben-eclectic-dreamy-artistry-uncoupled-from-musical-trends-en-francais---in-english - Tara Ryan, Ottawa, August 2022


"Outtakes from the Spiritual Drink Machines video found randomly on the Internet"

Don't know when this turned up, but it's from footage taken in late 2021. We found it when we looked up "Spiritual Drink Machines" on the Internet. It's been posted publicly and is credited to the videographer at the end of the video footage, although the song was written by Allan Kinney in January 2009. - Allan Kinney, Motel Ben - Vimeo


"Motel Ben's Strike the Anvil While the Iron is Hot Tour"

"MOTEL BEN’S STRIKE THE ANVIL WHILE THE IRON IS HOT TOUR
"August 28, 8 pm
"The Mansion
"Check out Motel Ben at The Mansion and experience funky, shoe-gaze folk music from this unique Ottawa band. The Mansion has live music nearly every weekend in their upstairs “Living Room,” and on their patio many afternoons. Keep checking their event list on Facebook for updates on acts.
"Cost: $5" - Emily Coppella - Taken from >>> https://www.visitkingston.ca/live-music-in-kingston-this-summer/ - Visit Kingston


"Strike the Anvil While the Iron is Hot in Kingston!!"

Gig II of Motel Ben's Southeast Ontario "Strike the Anvil" tour! Door: $5 - band starts at 8:30 PM...let's lift each other up out of the swamps of nothingness! #motelrebs #newartpop https://www.sonicbids.com/band/the-step-beyond-album/ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nXYJ6iPYAXtgx86RjpPK_ydtNtSqMaJ2I - Allevents.in


"Strike the Anvil While the Iron is Hot in Napanee!!"

Gig I of Motel Ben's Southeast Ontario "Strike the Anvil" Tour - at the Loaf 'n' Ale, 25 Dundas Street East, Napanee 613-354-5247! Come by after a day in the fun and sun of Quinte! - Allevents.in


"Allan Kinney's music: The Everything Bagel / Motel Ben"

"Melissa McLeod, Tansy Etro-Beko, Kim Lovell, and the late JoAnn Brooks singing give us a folky, soulful vibe while Allan gives us more of a classic musical vibe, like Phantom of the Opera.

"Surfer vibes meets a modern indie band. Vocals like pomplamoose with haunting harmonies. Folky, storytelling, spoken word, stories about everyday life; the hustle and bustle of the city life, ragtime classic instruments - talk of money, buses and trains, losing one's mind in the city, relationships, spirituality, phantom of the opera vibes, Beethoven vibes - moonlight sonata.

"This is the kind of music that grows on you: the more you listen, the more you enjoy it." - Jessica and Joanne Martin, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada - Taken from >>> https://temporarylodgingsc.wixsite.com/tlcunincorporated/post/allan-kinney-s-music-the-everything-bagel---motel-ben

https://www.sonicbids.com/band/bens-motel/

https://www.sonicbids.com/band/the-step-beyond-album/ - Jessica and Joanne Martin


"Hallowe'en: DeTOUR!!"

"On est de RETOUR!!! Featuring Motel Ben; guest star Melissa McLeod. Door: Free - at Fernandino Hair and Nail Spa, Rideau Centre (Mackenzie King level). Get all dolled up for Hallowe'en night!!!" - Available at >>> https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200021793753629 - Allevents.in


"Birdsong Announces Artists"

"Almost three years since beginning the process of asking Canadian applicants to apply for the BIRDSONG Fund, the newly registered national charity is pleased to announce a list of artists from across the country whose original songs are included on Birdsong’s first compilation album. Ten singer/ songwriters worked throughout the pandemic in music studios in three cities to finish the album titled: 'BIRDSONG - First Flight 101.'

"BIRDSONG composers/performers include Ashley Bell from Hagersville, ON; Anthony Jordon Gow from Kanata, ON; Prairie Soul (Dustin Harder) from Winnipeg, MB; Robin Benedict from Hamilton, ON; Paakwesi (PK) from Toronto, ON; Allan Kinney from Ottawa, ON; Matthew Johnston from Vernon Bridge, PEI; and Thomas Messenger from Fredericton, NB. Two songs written and performed previously by the Founder’s son, David Martin, are also featured on the album." - Taken from >> https://birdsongfoundation.com/blogs/news/birdsong-press-release?fbclid=IwAR325JApuWCwYotYJQ_POQLOfr2fLi6Gjy4Vjw4ujD97YxWoBPvs8bsylgI - Birdsong Foundation


Discography

Cyclical Argument - survenant en 2024
The Step Beyond - survenant en 2024

Photos

Bio

Last updated 29 March 2024 - Motel Ben, c'est la branche francophone du groupe Ben's Motel, récemment connu sous le nom The Everything Bagel. Avec le batteur Marc Mésile, Motel Ben est l'ensemble plutôt responsable pour les enregistrements des albums The Step Beyond, Cyclical Argument et Self See Us, tandis que la branche anglophone du groupe avec le batteriste Howie Inniss est en train de compléter l'album Bucolica qui va paraître en 2024. On a débuté avec succès devant un public au Mansion, Kingston le 28 août 2022 et on a joué au lancement très bien réussi et reçu de la compilation Birdsong Foundation à Dom Polski, Ottawa jeudi le 6 octobre 2022. À plusieurs reprises on a aussi joué dans le cadre de DeTOUR à Fernandino, centre Rideau, Ottawa, et en premier pour The Everything Bagel à LIVE! on Elgin jeudi le 9 février 2023. Après avoir joué en vedette avec Rooty Naky au Cardinal, Trenton vendredi le 11 août, et au Mansion, Kingston dimanche le 13 août avec KaKaow en premier, on vient justement de jouer une troisième fois au Mansion lors du spectacle La homecoming "Queen's" - dimanche le 22 octobre - KaKaow également en premier ! Prochainement vous pouvez vous attendre à ce que Motel Ben finisse divers vidéos et enregistrements sonores en mai 2024. Écoutez l'enregistrement non-officiel de The Step Beyond disponible au Bandcamp ! Paix et amour de Jah ! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :) 

Band Members