At Home

Introduce yourself!
I’m Jolin! I play drums in motifs and Saints Amongst Sinners, and I’m super into the game Magic The Gathering!

When and how did you get into music? And if you had to pick up a different instrument, what would it be and why?
When I was young, I would wait for my dad to finish his drum lessons at a music school. At the time I was about 3, and I told my mom that I wanted to try learning drums. It was never really a serious thing—I just thought it was fun until I joined motifs around 3 years ago when it became something concrete for me to do!

I think if I could expand my instrument horizons I would pick electric guitar just cause of all the different effects and sounds you could make.

motifs recently put out a new album! Can you tell us more about the recording/creative process for this, and what it was like recording it in Iceland?
Yes! If This House Was Bigger was a whirlwind—we were fortunate enough to have our producer bring us to Iceland to write and record this EP. Before this, the band had never been somewhere so remote and far from home, and to experience the snow, the mountains, the scenic views, and really cold temperatures for the first time really changed the way we viewed music, and I think it really showed in the record in terms of the ambience and sounds!

At the same time, I think this record brought us even closer together. Back home, we always found it hard to find time to meet. But in Iceland, our only responsibility was to wake up, head to the studio, write, record, and hangout together, and that definitely also matured our songwriting and parts!

What do you enjoy most about creating music?
I love that creating music is so dependent on who you’re creating with and where. Many times, when I write songs with my bands and/or friends, the lyrics and the music itself tell different stories. I love that you can hear how everyone interprets the music in their own expression, and when it all comes to an alignment, it really scratches an itch in my brain!

Who inspires you musically?
Right now I’m heavily inspired by bands like Turnstile and Paramore!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in 2025?
To stand my ground and work for my opportunities!

In a similar vein, what’s your fondest memory from 2025?
Baybeats is definitely my fondest memory, just cause both my bands played and we’ve all been preparing so hard for all the sets. Felt like a family jamming day for me!

It must’ve been super exciting! As we move into 2026, what are some goals or aspirations you have for the new year?
I always hope to be able to continue to write and play more music! Discover new artists and to constantly work on expanding my worldview.

Finally, what’s one quote or piece of advice you’re living by?
DOTS—don’t overthink shit!