Q&A: The Motor Show Brings A Frivolous Attitude to the Music Scene With “Better Build A Raft”

 

☆ BY isabel dowell

 
 

KNOWN FOR MIXING MUSIC WITH HUMOR — The Motor Show, a UK-based rock group composed of Samuel Bufala (vocals/guitar/keys), Josh Elbro (drums/vocals), Tony Burrata (bass guitar/vocals), and Matt Holt (guitar), have released their latest single, “Better Build a Raft.” The group has been known in the UK for selling out shows and turning away people at the door. Their accompanying visuals and marketing tactics are undeniably funny, but their music is as real as it gets. 

Created by their “manager,” Beau Vine, these four are putting out a new take on music that focuses on having a good time no matter what.

If you live in the UK, you can catch The Motor Show at the iconic Clapton dive bar, Blondies, on April 27. For now, feel free to get acquainted with these musical comedians as you read below to learn about the single, what their live music is like, and what to expect in the coming year.

LUNA: Thank you for taking the time to speak with Luna! Why don’t we start by you telling us a little bit more about who or what The Motor Show is all about?

THE MOTOR SHOW: Howdy Luna, thanks for having us. The Motor Show is us four: Josh, Samuel, Matt, and Tony. Our “manager,” Beau Vine, has asked us to mention him too. He is to us what Joe Jackson was to the Jackson 5, just a lot less successfully.

LUNA: It seems like Vine is the mastermind behind this group. What was the process like of putting together the band we currently know as The Motor Show?

THE MOTOR SHOW: He likes to think he’s the brains behind the project. We keep him around as he lets us use his studio. Beau contacted us a few years ago with a handful of tunes and offered us some cash to be the face of the project. We were all fans of the bands he claims to have been a part of (uncredited) and took the bait. The tunes were trash and we never saw the cash.

LUNA: Being formed pre-pandemic, you transitioned into selling out shows and having to turn people away at the door. What has this rise in fame been like? That’s a pretty big leap for any band in just three years.

THE MOTOR SHOW: Our fans are always very polite and tend to keep to themselves. I guess sometimes it would be nice if they said “hi” or gave us a pat on the back. A little love can go a long way. We’re human beings too.

LUNA: You currently have three singles out at the moment, all released in 2023, and “Better Build A Raft” is your latest release. Could you tell us a little bit more about the single and the story behind it?

THE MOTOR SHOW: It’s a classic country toe-tapper about existential dread. A barn dance for the end of the world.

LUNA: Your music videos provide a comical lens to your music. How did you decide to blend comedy and music in this way?

THE MOTOR SHOW: We are simply not good-looking enough to make serious music.

LUNA: Outside of your humor, what do you feel sets The Motor Show apart from other up-and-coming bands right now?

THE MOTOR SHOW: As far as we know, they don’t have an aging ranchero cracking the whip if they dare to slow down.

LUNA: You’ve already headlined and sold out numerous shows in the UK — do you have any dream locations or venues you’d like to play at? What about other artists you dream of sharing the stage with?

THE MOTOR SHOW: We’d like to take the show global, maybe tour the Oregon Trail. In the meantime, London promoters please get in touch.

LUNA: Beau Regards will be your debut EP, being released in May 2023. Is there anything you can tell us about the EP without spoiling too much of the surprise?

THE MOTOR SHOW: If you like the singles so far, buckle up, ’cause they’re on there.

LUNA: What else can we expect to see from The Motor Show in the coming year?

THE MOTOR SHOW: We have one last music video coming in a month or so, for our final single from the EP — [it’s called] “Financial Times. We also have a host of talented folks working on a Beau Regards remixes EP — coming to a nightclub near you soon.


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