The more music you’ve heard and the easier it is to access, the harder it is to be truly surprised and captivated by something that you find completely refreshing. Maybe that comes with getting older. Or perhaps it’s a deflation of your listening experience, given that you can hear almost any imaginable music with just a few clicks. This contrasts with the romanticized version etched in my memory from my youth: spending your hard-earned money only on music that truly moves you and then playing it a million times.
When I first heard Plini’s music, I suddenly felt that kick again: I had never heard anything like it. Inventive music, ranging from soothing to hard-hitting, with simply wonderful melodies, amazing rhythmic ideas, and skillful playing. Each new release from the laid-back Australian is a gift.
It's not surprising that Plini can evoke such an experience. When making music, he responds to his impulses like a child, he mentioned in the podcast. This approach avoids clichés and well-trodden paths, sometimes turning everything upside down.
Plini talks about the role of his parents, his architecture studies, and answers a question from Matteo Mancuso, who wanted to know why his productions sound so good.
Plini will be playing on August 17th, a month after the release of this episode at Complexity Fest! https://patronaat.nl/event/complexity-fest-2024-17-08-24/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to "Sixty Scales and the Truth"
00:45 Introducing Plini and Steve Vai’s compliment
01:20 Handling compliments and pressure
02:10 Keeping pressure out of music
03:02 Growing a relaxed mindset in high school
04:23 The length of albums and songs: why?
05:28 Shorter song formats and creativity
06:15 Using restrictions to help creativity
07:35 Writing music as a solitary process
08:25 Collaborating and time constraints
09:03 Evolution of the “bedroom studio” setup
10:16 Early years of recording music
11:43 Inspirations from Dream Theater and Periphery
12:57 Exploring a variety of musical influences
14:05 Gypsy jazz and musical influences
15:31 Choosing architecture over conservatory
16:59 The decision to study architecture
18:16 Influence of parents in pursuing music
19:04 Continued interest in architecture
20:57 Being inspired by other musicians
21:35 Searching for emotion in music composition
22:53 Writing music to evoke emotional reactions
24:13 Incorporating mistakes into compositions
25:35 Experimenting with guitar tones and arrangements
27:06 Mistakes and improvisation in songwriting
28:17 Letting the guitar dictate melodies
29:21 Keeping fresh as a composer
30:32 Collaborating with other guitarists
32:06 Producing music: importance of collaboration
34:07 The value of long-term creative partnerships
35:33 Balancing effort with a relaxed mindset
37:02 Question for Richard Henshall: staying inspired
38:00 Fun and exploration in songwriting
39:05 Blending different music genres into compositions
40:10 Closing and thanks
@plinimusic