Pluto Jonze has accrued mass accolades with singles ‘Plastic Bag In A Hurricane’ hitting high-rotation on Triple J, FBi and indie radio stations nationwide. Having supported the likes of The Jezebels, Bluejuice, Jinja Safari, Buck 65, Guineafowl and Dappled Cities, as well as a 7-date co-headline Australian tour with trop-pop outfit Cub Scouts, and it’s easy to understand the buzz around his name.
Pluto’s latest single ‘Eject’ has been getting loads of love on the airwaves, with the song being best be described as a Pluto Jonze getting his Stealers Wheel on, with Stephen Hawking freestyling over the verses… Want to find out what Pluto Jonze is all about? Read on.
Firstly – only because I’ve heard it’s a good story – how did you stumble upon the moniker Pluto Jonze?
I had a slightly different name when I first started. Apparently I can come across as vague at times – like my mind’s gone to Pluto. Pluto Goneski. That phrase sounded to me like a name, perhaps of an obscure Latvian Eurovision contestant or something, so I made it my own. A short time in to my career I felt I was having to explain myself all the time – “sorry WHAT’s the name of your band?” – so I thought what would this hypothetical Latvian anglicise his name to to assimilate a bit better? I love Spike Jonze’s movies and music videos, so I stole his spelling.
You dropped your superb debut album, Eject, back in July. How’s the response been so far?
Thanks! Generally the response has been very positive. A couple of reviewers thought it’s too much of a mixed bag for their taste. One said I had musical ADD, which I guess is true. But I’m happy that for the most part, people seem to get a good feeling from listening to the record.
The album plays between experimental sounds and classic pop hooks and melodies. How do you go about describing this eclectic style?
The loose concept informing most of the production was I wanted it to sound kind of like as if 1969 happened on another planet. Stylistic concerns are always secondary to me though. The most important thing is the actual song itself. The melody, the lyrics, the bit you remember or that people would cover in different styles. Each song is an individual, and, for me, requires different stylistic treatment to get it’s message across best – so of course my album’s going to be eclectic. I don’t want to write the same song twice!
I’ve seen you posting some snaps from inside the studio – does this mean you’ve begun working on some new music?
I’m always working on stuff. But it’s not like work. It’s more like playing. Yes I am currently playing with some new music.
Of course, everything you do is 100 per cent self-produced. What’s the recording process like, considering you have to do everything on your own?
Mostly I write songs as I’m recording them, so the actual recording process is a very creative one for me and I really enjoy it. It can be lonesome and torturous if things aren’t working out – noone’s there to save you – but I try to have a lot of things on the boil at once and keep moving if I get stuck.
It’s been a huge year for you. On top of the debut album you’ve done some support shows for the likes of Fun., They Might Be Giants and Darwin Deez. How were they?
Pretty cool. They were my first times on a big stage like the Enmore or the Palace in front of thousands of people, which was really intoxicating – on the edge of being overwhelming. Such a blast though. Was interesting to meet the people behind the names as well. Like Fun were hyper-professional even in person, Darwin and his band were super laid-back and kooky.
You’ve also spent some time touring overseas. What was the highlight from that trip, besides seeing a man doing a poo at a tram stop in Berlin?
Yes, those Germans are very cutting edge. Recording a choir in Tonga was definitely a highlight (they feature on the last track of the album). But the French Quarter festival in New Orleans was the most incredible coming-together over music I’ve been involved in. On every street corner there were guys there who’d be the very best in Sydney – even Australia – at what they do; playing guitar, blowing horn, singing – just busking on a corner, pouring their souls through the streets. They were also very open, friendly and keen to get you involved – I learned heaps of harmonica and piano licks!
It’s not much of a secret that your shows get a little rowdy – you included. How would you describe the atmosphere of your gigs for someone who’s never been before?
We try and get people to let themselves go at our gigs, forget about things and just get swept up in the music. There’s a sprawl of retro television sets playing visuals hooked in to the music, we’re three: I’m on theremin and keys and there’s a slamming guitarist and drummer. If things are going well the crowd may find themselves with oddball percussion in their hands, being rhythm section for a few songs too. Hopefully it’s an all-encompassing, fun experience. It is for us anyway.
The next big thing on your agenda is playing on this year’s anticipated Shadow Electric program. Have you had a chance to check out the rest of the program? If so, who are you looking forward to seeing?
Unfortunately we’ll only be in town for our show only, but I’d love to see Tex Perkins in Ape, and Palms have some great tunes, I’m sure they’re live show will be mad.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Jagwar Ma’s debut, Bowie’s Aladdin Sane and Rodriguez Coming From Reality
Finally, what’s up your sleeve for 2014?
I’m looking to tour overseas, play festivals, release another record and hopefully collaborate with many other writers and artists.
So, where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
My debut album Eject is out on iTunes. This month we’re playing in Sydney at UNSW on October 23, and then supporting Eskimo Joe on their national album tour and will be playing The Shadow Electric in Melbourne
The Shadow Electric Band Room 2013 Program including Pluto Jonze:
Saturday 2 November – The Bombay Royal with San Lazaro, Karate Boogaloo and DJ Chris Gill
Sunday 3 November – Little Scout with I, a Man
Monday 4 November – The Ape (Tex Perkins) with Mesa Cosa
Thursday 7 November – Pluto Jonze (presented by The AU Review) – Doors 7pm
Friday 8 November – Courtney Barnett and The Courtney Barnetts (EP Launch) with Teeth & Tongue
Saturday 9 November – The Hello Morning (Matinee show)
Saturday 9 November – Palms and Bored Nothing
Sunday 10 November – Ben Salter and The Spoils
Watch video for ‘Eject’ here
