Hotel Mira: The Alt-Pop Quartet Making Waves in the UK and Beyond
Canadian alt-pop sensation Hotel Mira took the UK by storm this May, delivering electrifying performances across five packed shows at the Great Escape Festival, alongside several buzzing gigs in London. Following their UK success, the band is set to release their latest EP, I Am Not Much Help, on July 19th through Light Organ Records. With previous standout performances at SXSW and an upcoming appearance at the Canada House showcase at Reeperbahn on September 19th, Hotel Mira's star is clearly on the rise. The new EP, featuring four tracks—‘Oh, Sunshine,’ ‘Verona,’ ‘Waste Away,’ and ‘The View From the Barstool’—marks an exciting chapter for the band. Their first UK single, ‘Waste Away,’ received rave reviews this spring, and the buzz continued with the release of their latest single, ‘The View From the Barstool,’ just last week.
Hotel Mira is a powerhouse quartet led by LA-based frontman and songwriter Charlie Kerr, with guitarist Clark Grieve, bassist Mike Noble, and drummer Cole George rounding out the lineup. Kerr describes the EP as a collection of straightforward, heartfelt songs, likening it to “four good episodes of a sitcom” rather than a high-concept art film, with characters and situations taking center stage over abstract themes. “These are truly simple songs about the confusion and frustration in matters of the heart,” Kerr says. “We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and play them loud.”
Kerr and Noble's journey began as teenagers when they crossed paths at a ‘Battle of the Bands,’ where their mutual admiration for each other's work laid the foundation for what would become Hotel Mira. The duo later connected with Grieve and George through the vibrant Vancouver music scene, solidifying the band's lineup. Kerr’s experience as an actor and playwright informs his dynamic storytelling approach, seamlessly blending music, acting, and writing. He draws inspiration from memorable pop culture moments, comparing his stage presence to the scene in 10 Things I Hate About You where Heath Ledger serenades his love interest on the bleachers, defying authority with a marching band in tow.
On stage, Kerr channels a magnetic mix of Iggy Pop’s raw energy, go-go dancer flair, and the daring edge of experimental theatre. His ability to connect with the audience through evocative lyrics, infectious melodies, and an engaging performance style ensures every show feels intimate and unforgettable. Meanwhile, Grieve, Noble, and George create a rich soundscape that amplifies the drama and passion of each song, pulling listeners deeper into their world.
Hotel Mira has earned their stripes, sharing the stage with the likes of Billy Talent, Fizzy Blood, The Beaches, and Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), while also headlining multiple tours of their own. With their new EP, the band is pushing their sound further, exploring a diverse range that leaps from gritty garage rock to festival-ready pop anthems and glam-infused ballads.
As they continue to evolve, Hotel Mira is poised to capture the hearts of music lovers worldwide, one captivating performance at a time.
