Tom Lark Discusses Latest Album ‘Moonlight Hotel’ in Interview

Tom Lark, the talented songwriter and producer from Ōtautahi, has recently unveiled his second album, Moonlight Hotel. This highly anticipated album follows the success of lead singles like ‘Dumb Luck,’ ‘Rock & Roll Baby,’ and ‘Fuselage.’ Tom Lark, a finalist in the 2024 Taite Music Prize and recipient of the Best Folk Artist award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, explores themes of personal turmoil, family history during the gold rush, and the essence of rock ‘n’ roll in his new record.

Reflecting on his experiences of displacement following the 2011 earthquake in Ōtautahi and his family’s historical displacement after the 1929 Murchison earthquake, Tom Lark delves into the parallel journeys of his life and the past. His family’s connection to gold prospecting serves as an analogy for his artistic process, likening it to searching for treasures amidst challenging circumstances and relying on luck.

The ‘Moonlight Hotel’ mentioned in the album’s title is an ode to explorer George Fairweather Moonlight, who ran a hotel in Murchison before the earthquake. Tom Lark’s connection to this historical figure through his grandmother’s role as a barmaid sparks his curiosity about the past and the challenges faced by those who lived in that era.

When asked about his favorite song on Moonlight Hotel, Tom Lark highlights ‘Dive On In,’ a poignant track that tackles consumerism amidst climate anxiety and a sense of powerlessness. The song addresses the dismissal of science and the looming threat of displacement for those least responsible, encapsulating deep societal concerns within its verses.

Songs like ‘Dumb Luck’ and ‘Ballad Of The Barry Boys’ blend country storytelling with modern synth elements, creating a cinematic quality reminiscent of European cowboy comics. Tom Lark’s unique approach to mixing sounds and genres results in a fresh and engaging listening experience.

Despite a twelve-year gap between his debut EP and first album and a two-year break before Moonlight Hotel, Tom Lark explains his rapid turnaround by embracing an independent and proactive approach to his music. The freedom to create on his terms without waiting for external validation drives his artistic process.

With Moonlight Hotel being predominantly a solo effort, Tom Lark acknowledges the influence of his friend James Dansey on shaping the album’s soft sound. Each song on the record is meticulously crafted, with a focus on creating a cohesive sonic landscape that resonates with listeners.

As a finalist for Best Folk Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards, Tom Lark reflects on genre classifications, emphasizing a broader, more inclusive view of music styles. His ability to transcend traditional boundaries and explore diverse genres like dance-pop under the moniker Shannon Matthew Vanya showcases his versatility as an artist. Tom Lark’s thoughtful and introspective approach to music shines through in Moonlight Hotel, inviting listeners on a journey through personal narratives and universal themes.