Los Angeles-based MOTO SOLO is carving a bold path through synth-driven New Wave with a series of standout singles this year. From the Depeche Mode-inspired intensity of “There’s Another Way” and its electrifying remix by acclaimed Brazilian producer Gui Boratto, to the hypnotic pulses of “Celebration Sound” and the reflective tones of “History Crept On Me,” the band’s latest offering, “Fantasy Meet Pleasure,” takes things into heavier, rock-infused territory. Co-produced by Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman, the track explores the intersection of imagination and sensation. As bandleader Bobby Tamkin explains, “Fantasy Meet Pleasure is about the moment when fantasy becomes a conduit for pleasure—through touch, taste, or the mind’s chemistry.”

Central to MOTO SOLO’s sound is Tamkin’s brooding baritone, weaving effortlessly through shimmering synth layers and textured sonic landscapes. But the project represents more than just a vocal showcase—it is the culmination of Tamkin’s decades-long musical journey. He first gained attention as a drummer for Seattle’s experimental rock outfit Hovercraft, performing alongside musicians from bands like Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and the Foo Fighters. Those early years in the vibrant Seattle scene, living in the famously eclectic Aurora House, exposed him to endless experimentation and collaboration.

Returning to Los Angeles, Tamkin continued to explore diverse musical landscapes, playing with artists including The Warlocks, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea and John Frusciante, Beck, Kyuss, and Anton Newcombe. After stepping back from performing, he began experimenting on piano and recording his first compositions, which eventually led to his critically praised project Xu Xu Fang. The band earned accolades from Rolling Stone, The Onion AV Club, and MOJO Magazine, licensing music to Gossip Girl, Bates Motel, The Originals, and ESPN’s 30 for 30. Tamkin reflects, “Xu Xu Fang gave me confidence that music doesn’t have to be perfect to connect—it’s about honesty and vision.”

MOTO SOLO represents Tamkin stepping fully into the spotlight as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Work on the forthcoming debut LP began in 2023, with Tamkin embracing a more intimate, studio-focused approach. Shuman joined the project early, adding bass, guitar, keyboards, and production input, and the pair refined the recordings at 64 Sound in Highland Park, CA, with GRAMMY-winning engineer Michael Harris.

Sonically, MOTO SOLO blends lush synth textures, driving New Wave grooves, and Tamkin’s captivating baritone, drawing inspiration from Dave Gahan, Van Halen-era theatrics, and the sweeping elegance of Depeche Mode and New Order. With singles mastered by GRAMMY-winners Joe LaPorta and Emily Lazar, MOTO SOLO has established a sound that is both nostalgically familiar and boldly modern—a dark, magnetic fusion of rock, synth, and emotion poised to define the band’s debut era.