The Black Hotels are an indie rock band from Johannesburg, South Africa. Formed in May 2006 their first release, a five-track EP called Beautiful Mornings, made them one of the most critically acclaimed SA indie bands of 2007 and 2008. Beautiful Mornings was produced by Matthew Fink and recorded at JSL Studios. In May 2009 the band released their first full-length album titled Films for the Next Century, once again produced by Matthew and recorded at the SABC.
The band's lyrics are sung by John Boyd and Lisa Campbell. John also plays guitar and Lisa plays bass guitar. Neil White plays lead guitar, Warrick Poultney plays the drums, and Matthew plays synthesiser. From the 1950's to current day guitar bands The Black Hotels are influenced by them all, inspired by their own record collections and the many artists that affect them.
"Album of the year 2009 - 5 Stars." The Tonight.
"An album of delicate genius - 5 Stars." Sunday Times Magazine
"Reminicent of the best moments of bands such as REM and Interpol - 4 Stars." Muse Magazine.
"4 Stars." GQ
"On some levels The Black Hotels are a less whimsical version of The Decemberists, on others a rockier Belle and Sebastian." Mahala.com
"Plays like some weird night in a bar in Russia, sipping vodka with Lloyd Cole and riling up close to a boy wearing a Joy Division T shirt." Painter Jane
The Black Hotels to tour with The Parlotones and Crash Car Burn from 26-31 December 2009. See gig listings for more details.
Stone Wife music video now available on You Tube. Search Black Hotels Stone Wife.
The singles Black Rose and Shapes & Kings will feature on the soundtrack of the feature film Jozi due for release in February 2010.
Black Hotels to play Rocking the Daisies Music Festival 2009 on 10 October at Cloof Wine Estate, W Cape.
Black Hotels to play Rocking the Gardens 2009. This year's event takes place on 3 October at Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg.
The Black Hotels will play a series of live shows with Josie Field in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom from 2-24 September 2009. See gig listing for dates.
Black Hotels confirmed for Oppikoppi Festival 2009. This year's festival takes place from 7-9 August.
New Black Hotels album FILMS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY is now available in music stores or online at www.kalahari.net / www.lookandlisten.co.za. Digital dowloads available at www.rhythmrecords.co.za.
New Black Hotels Music Video. Someone Stole The Light is the first single from FILMS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCgd-vVKFsc
Black Hotels confirmed to play Oppikoppi Easter Festival 2009 in Northam from 24-26 April.
Black Hotels to play Earth Hour 2009 at Sandton Square on Saturday 28 March. For more information on Earth Hour go to www.earthhour.org.
The single Beautiful Mornings will feature in the full length feature film White Wedding to be released in May 2009.
