Laois band ‘MotionSickness’ making waves across the country

When speaking with MotionSickness, it is obvious that they live and breathe music. 

Their eyes lit up at questions about their work, and their answers were accompanied with expressions of warmth, deep thought and a profound sense of reverence at the power that music holds.

The alternative rock/ punk band have gained notoriety across Ireland following a string of successful gigs.  

The band consists of Bonnie Lalor (main vocals), Kara Moore (guitar and backing vocals), Pijus Furmanjukas (drums) and Enes Loskun (bass).

The group was initially formed by Bonnie and Kara, who met as teenagers and ‘instantly clicked’ over a shared love of music. 

“We used to busk here in Portlaoise and one day a woman stopped and asked us to play in her bar- Turley's in Mountmellick,” said Kara on the start of their career.

“We started doing covers in Turley’s and we were already writing our own music at this stage, so we started sneaking in a few of our originals between covers. Other pubs in Mountmellick started asking us to play covers there too, and we started getting gigs in Portlaoise. Eventually our gigs became full original sets, I think our first ever original set was at the ‘Laois Aloud’ festival in Portarlington.”

Shortly after this event, the band were asked to play at Forest Fest, and went on to become regular performers at Fibber McGee’s in Dublin. 

“We’ve played a lot of gigs in Fibbers, we’ve played Whelan’s too. We’ve gradually been asked to play bigger and bigger gigs- this year especially has been fantastic. We’ve been asked to play a lot of festivals and stuff. It’s weird to be sought after!” joked Kara. 

MotionSickness received high praise following a gig at The Academy on the 21st of May. Artists that have played The Academy in the past include David Bowie, Prince, The Killers and Queen. 

“It was amazing to play on a stage so many of our heroes have played, and to use the same green room”, said the band.

“Also, the stage itself was gorgeous. To be up on stage with people we admire- on the same stage as Clutch, I was like are you kidding me? The Chats too- there were so many we were so excited to see,” said Bonnie.

Their original songs are written by Bonnie and Kara, who say that they have ‘totally different’ creative processes.

Photo- MotionSickness

“I’m a total perfectionist- I find that writing completely depends on mood," Bonnie continued.

"If I’m in a great mood, a song will come out easy-breezy. We have such different creative processes- I've never seen anyone write like Kara- she's like a machine. I can’t sit down and say, 'right, I’ll write this guitar riff, I’ll work out this melody'. Something will just come into my head and I’ll make a note of it and flesh it out on the piano or guitar. The lyrics will just fall out of me then. 

We have such a specific sound, and I want to capture it authentically. I will only use songs I feel are perfect- if it’s only alright, it’ll be left half written. I find that trying to write a song never works- songs kinda just fall out of me,” Bonnie explained. 

“I have at least three different creative processes that I use- I think that a person’s writing completely depends on what they’re going through in life, how they’re feeling and who they’re close with. It’s a part of yourself that you’re putting on paper at the end of the day,” said Kara.

“I’ll record some demos of drums, bass, guitar and vocals just to show the guys what I’m thinking of doing. Then everyone puts their own stamp on it- I’ll pass these ideas along and say ‘here’s an idea, I want you to “Bonnify” it.

Every time Bonnie writes a song- it’s always a killer. It always becomes a crowd favourite. When she does write music, it’s always so good.”

The artists draw inspiration from bands such as Hole, L7, Foo Fighters and System of a Down. In regards to individual vocals, legends such as Janis Joplin, Joan Jett and Justin Hawkins stand out to the group.

Photo- MotionSickness

“I definitely draw inspiration from Kurt Cobain vocally- he was the first person to ever use intentional voice breaks, and I love it- I do it a lot myself, it’s such a cool technique, said Bonnie. 

“Inspiration is so important in music- I don’t like the whole “I need to write something completely original that’s never been done before- that’s unattainable- why do you think the greats are so great? They did what works, and took it from other people who knew what worked. We’re just trying to do the same.”

“Pay homage to your heroes,” Kara nodded in agreement.

“Our music is eclectic- some songs seem slightly different- but our influences from so many different artists come together in our music- I hope!” Kara said.

“Everyone has their thing- ours is music. Every song that I write is a part of me. It’s all I want to do for the rest of my life.”

In 2022, the band were finalists in the Metal to the Masses competition. They successfully beat over 60 bands to reach the top five final. The winning band secures a performance slot at Bloodstock, the UK’s biggest rock/metal festival.

“The final and the heats were crazy, people were lined out the door. I loved every second of it- you’re given an audience and a great opportunity,” said Bonnie.

MotionSickness have played countless gigs and festivals, and expressed their thoughts on this.

“I would take a 2 hour gig over a 25 minute slot,” Bonnie explained. 

“You get to know who’s in front of you, to connect with the people who are enjoying our set the most. A half an hour doesn't give you enough time to truly connect with your audience.”

Kara had similar sentiments. “If you have a long performance, you can make it theatrical if you want to- designing the setlist is so fun.”

The band’s latest single ‘Agora’ was released on February 27th. There is currently an album in the works.

“We’re really excited to be working on our new album at the minute. The themes are definitely darker and more intense than our other EPs, but I think a lot of people will relate to the songs, particularly women.”

The band have an array of upcoming gigs- you can catch MotionSickness Headlining Kavanagh’s Bar in Portlaoise on the 15th of June. The band will also be performing at Arcadian Nights on June 1st in Booleigh, Kildare.

Photo- Kavanagh's Bar and Venue Portlaoise

MotionSickness will also be performing at Laois’s newest up and coming festival “End Of Summer”, held in Jeremiah Grant Bar & Eatery in Portlaoise, with entertainment, music and a “Mini Market” going all day long.