The Hotelier

Active since the late 2000s, The Hotelier is a rock band from Worcester, Massachusetts, associated with the emo and North American indie rock scenes. Originally known as The Hotel Year, the band made a name for itself on the East Coast DIY circuit before releasing its first full-length, It Never Goes Out, in 2011, an album marked by an energy close to pop punk and post-hardcore. The band’s trajectory became clearer with Home, Like Noplace Is There in 2014 on the independent label Tiny Engines, where the songwriting grew in scope, blending direct melodies, more complex structures and very introspective lyrics. In 2016, Goodness continued this evolution toward a more open sound, driven by bright guitars, vocals that are sometimes half-spoken/half-sung, and a more pronounced indie rock dimension. Bolstered by tours in small venues, a direct relationship with audiences and a strong presence in the so-called “emo revival” scene, The Hotelier has established itself in a register where raw emotion, personal storytelling and political questioning intersect.