By Sinead & Jocelle Koh

What do the phrases ‘In a Situation Like This, What a Mafia Leader Would Say’, ‘You Lost Me at the Spanking Machine’, and ‘Gasp! That Plastic Bag is Watching Me’ have in common?

Although at first glance they seem like they belong in the depths of Reddit on r/overheard, these are, in fact, just some of the weird and wonderful song titles featured in Taiwanese-American artist Joanna Wang’s 王若琳 latest English-language album, “Hotel la Rut 破爛酒店”.

Taking inspiration from Monty Python-eque 1980s-90s comedy show ‘Kids In The Hall’ that Wang watched as a child, each track is presented as a mini, self-contained sketch.

This means Wang can go from a gentle love song about falling in love with a criminal on ‘I Believe That All His Words Are True’ to the manic energy of ‘Flies!’ all on the same album, underpinned by the same genuine, creative joy that has become signature of her English-language works.

We sat down with the eclectic artist as she prepares to tour North America to find out more about the inspiration behind “Hotel la Rut” and her creative philosophy.

Q: It’s been quite a few years since your last record, and especially since your last more experimental English language album. While I hear some elements from previous albums, “Hotel La Rut” is its own universe. What inspired the creation of this new story?

A: The concept for “Hotel la Rut” was actually an idea I had many years ago, maybe more than a decade. It grew from a little tune I wrote inspired by the sketch “Hotel la Rut” from the ‘Kids in the Hall’ … and in my mind it developed into its own world. So it’s kind of a departure from the show and more about my own love and imagination about the sketch and the romances of it (despite them being silly, ‘Kids in the Hall’ sketches sometimes inspire sweetness and some kind of romance for me).

Q: The title of this latest record “Hotel la Rut” is inspired by a TV show ‘Kids in the Hall’. Can you share what connection you have with this show?

I really love this show. I started watching it in middle school and it’s really influenced me in many ways… the adorable and charming offbeat humor and music. And the characters! And of course the members of the ‘Kids in the Hall’ themselves. David Foley is the most beautiful (Twin Peaks-esque?) woman! Some of my favorite sketches are Bruce McCulloch’s David Lynch-esque ‘Sausages’ and ‘My Horrible Secret (the wig shop owner)’. Also ‘Hecubus and the Pit of Ultimate Darkness’, and ‘Bass Player’. ‘These are the Daves I Know’, ‘Terriers’ and ‘Journey to the Top of the Stairs’ are perfect hilarious songs (that have ingrained into my imagination and songwriting flavors forever).

Q: While you have written several albums fleshing out a certain scene or wacky storyline, “Hotel La Rut” incorporates out of the box ideas with a newfound voracity. How was your creative process different for this album to any of your previous albums?

A: Well… it isn’t! It is the same process. Just songs filed into different worlds.

Q: You stayed in Iceland for 6 weeks to complete this album. Did this change in scenery have any impact on how far you were willing to take it with this body of work?

A: I think each original album is taken as far as I can with the collaborators and my imagination at the time, regardless of the scenery. But the scenery and being secluded in an otherworldly place with talented and passionate musicians has definitely led to this album having its own particular mood and sound (and the studio we recorded at had a big part in the sound too). Adam [Lee], the engineer and who I produced the album with is one of my favorite people and collaborators (he was also the engineer on “Love is Calling Me“). I think he really made the space for it to fully flourish. and all the musicians brought their own magic. (to give them a mention, it’s Micah Kassel on drums, Bill Athens on bass, Asher Fulero on keys and Peter Knudsen on guitar) (they are also the musicians for this tour!).

A funny and awesome moment was (I can’t remember which song and I’m paraphrasing) Bill was playing something very impressive and Pete went “Dang Bill! Four fingers! Is this a workshop or something?”. Many awesome and hilarious moments on this session that all contributed to the mood.

Q: Since most of your albums are conceptual albums, do you ever have a favourite track? Which is it for your latest album?

A: I am always very happy playing ‘Drunken Song’, ‘He’s Given Us the Freedom To Do What’s Right’, ‘She Had a Habit’, ‘There She Smiles’, and ‘Tina’s Hausu’. And especially playing with this band! ‘Jump in the Water’ and ‘Contraband’ are also fun ones to play.

Q: I love your more experimental albums because the concept of “play” just comes through so strongly. How does playfulness contribute to your creative process?

A: Having fun making and playing music with good people and musicians is one of the greatest joys in life. There’s something greatly rewarding (I’m sure anyone who feels enthusiastic about starting a band would feel this sentiment) [about] the camaraderie of rocking out together and sharing the giddiness and humor. It feels more direct than words.

Q: You are known for having two sides to you when it comes to your music – the sensitive chanteuse side and the wild, no-holds-barred freewheeling creative side. In recent years how have you balanced or married these sides to yourself?

A: Still working on it. I think recording is more simple than performing. Performing-wise I kind of have to envision a slightly new point of view in my mind to marry them in the same show. It’s believing they will fit together. Recording a project is less complicated because it’s different musical worlds and different approaches, so I show up best I can for each project.

Q: What message do you hope listeners receive from this latest album?

A: I truly hope they have a fun and imaginative time listening to it!

Q: You’re embarking on a tour of North America with this album this year. Why did you feel like it was the right time to tour this album after releasing six English language albums?

A: I’ve done little performances here and there not really announced on my own over the years, but an “official” tour wasn’t organized until last year, my management just didn’t find an opportunity and good collaborator for it until last year.

Q: Growing up in America, I’m sure officially touring here would be an interesting experience. What do you hope to get out of this tour?

A: A lot of my original music has influences and pop culture contexts from growing up in the US, so it would certainly be nice to have more kindred ears who have had the same experiences.

Q: You’re as close to a musical scientist as the Mandarin music world has. What advice would you offer to someone who wants to achieve and maximize their creative potential in an authentic way?

A: I think if you believe in something you just have to persist. And you have to save an innocent bubble for yourself, and be your own musical appreciator (and make what you appreciate, the things you like matter). People may not support or understand (you kind of have to have the mindset that those opinions have less weight, or that you are worth more than that to have a more comfortable time being in your own exploration). Sometimes even the people closest to you in moments will not understand you. A lot of my original music was made for an imaginary audience inside. Be idealistic, and have fun. But life ebbs and flows – it’s different for everyone and every season.

In my experience the persistence have led to incredible comrades and collaborators who are on the same page.

Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?

A: ‘ABC’ by Jackson 5 or ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by the The Buggles.

Listen to “Hotel la Rut” on all streaming platforms, and find out more about Joanna’s latest tour here.