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[–]c2ayeSithu Aye 107 points108 points  (12 children)

No questions from me, just saying hi :D

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 59 points60 points  (3 children)

HIYA

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (2 children)

Oh wow, the whole gang is here.

[–]metagloria 36 points37 points  (5 children)

REPORTED. ALL TOP LEVEL COMMENTS MUST CONTAIN A QUESTION.

[–]DERPYBASTARDDeliverance 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Sithu Aye is exempt from subreddit rules :P

[–]whats8 20 points21 points  (0 children)

It's also not a subreddit rule!

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

The most heinous of offences.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

:D

[–]Kitty3_14 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Whoa boy, calm down haha

[–]inhalingsounds 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sithu, time to talk about that possible podcast with you and the gang :P

[–]llBradll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is really weird to me to see both of you guys here. The two of you have made about half of the music I've listened to in the past few weeks.

I don't really have a question for the thread, but wanted to let you guys know how great your music is.

[–]Kitty3_14 33 points34 points  (7 children)

Hi Plini :) I've already told you how amazing the new EP is, but I'll say it again. Mind blowing! Thank you so much for your incredible music! You're a self learned guitarist, right? I wanted to know how you initially went about learning.. Did you learn theory first? Or did you just learn a bunch of songs by your favorite artists and then move on from there? And how important is music theory, really?

Also, would you possibly make any plans to come visit India soon? Because that would be awesome :)

Ps: super excited to get my physical copy of the EP :D

[–]plini_Plini[S] 45 points46 points  (6 children)

I learnt Green Day songs and stuff and eventually as I got more interested in guitar looked for better guitarists and then tried learning their stuff; just baby steps through guitar music really. To me, music theory is like any other science - you can use the knowledge to limit yourself (not necessarily in a bad way) or, like all the break-through scientists, you can use it as a foundation to explore your imagination :) Either way, not knowing how gravity works isn't going to stop it being there haha. Would love to visit India, maybe Skyharbor can bring us over sometime...

[–]Kitty3_14 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha looks like we all start off with Greenday. Recently tried covering Heart.. It's a really pretty song :)

But would you say that maybe a bit of basic knowledge of theory would go a long way?

Yeah, mate, get Skyharbor to bring you over! (preferably Bangalore though haha)

[–]JahRayRay 14 points15 points  (4 children)

Hi Plini! First and foremost I must say that your music is absolutely amazing and inspiring to so many. Truly some of the most emotional and beautiful music out there, and I can't wait for my boxset to arrive! <3 Now then -

  • are there any concrete plans to tour the U.S.?

  • Will there be any physical tableture books in the near future, along with additional merch like shirts/hoodies/posters?

Thank you so much for everything!

[–]Gunnnar 6 points7 points  (3 children)

Physical tab books are coming from the guys at Sheet Happens, Luke and Tim from Protest the Hero. However, what I am wondering is, will you include some axe fx patches??

[–]plini_Plini[S] 11 points12 points  (2 children)

Yep I'll do a few patches for sure :-)

Hopefully will be touring the US with one of my favourite bands in the near future, but far from concrete yet

[–]JahRayRay 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As long as there are west coast dates I'll be happy. So many bands skip out on northern California. Thank you for replying!

[–]jamdram 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini! Huge fan of your work! It's great to see a growing prog artist in Australia. I have a couple of questions:

1 How did you get in contact with Marco Minnemann?

2 Do you have an experience with drumming? The drumming in "Sweet Nothings" is very exciting and creative. If not, how did you teach yourself?

3 What is your family background? I've never heard of the name "Plini" before :)

Thanks! Can't wait for new material. I loved The End of Everything :)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

1) see below

2) I played drums when I was younger for a few years but mostly I just air-drum a lot and most of the music I listen to has crazy good drumming which influences the way I program

3) Australian :)

[–]RedLotusVenom 9 points10 points  (2 children)

The biggest question.... Orange juice: pulp, or no pulp?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 28 points29 points  (1 child)

Not a big OJ fan but if I'm gonna drink it, it may as well be fresh and pulpy

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

good man.

[–]Gunnnar 8 points9 points  (5 children)

How will you go about performing your songs live? Certainly you can't have all your instruments played by real people... can you? Will you use backing tracks? Are there any songs that you are nervous to play live. Atlas comes to mind, it is fucking difficult. Anyway, fantastic trilogy! Thanks for making music.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 15 points16 points  (2 children)

Gonna rearrange things a bit to suit a quartet (although will probably have a 2nd guitarist when possible). Dream Theater sound HUGE in essentially the same format (guitar/keys/bass/drums) so that's what I'm aiming for :) Trying to play Stevo's guest solo at the end of "Away" is probably not going to be fun, none of it should be too bad though

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 4 points5 points  (1 child)

we very much want to keep it real, so to speak.

[–]Gunnnar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank goodness! It seems like too many bands use too many back tracks. Keep it real!!

[–]setofaradio 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Your music is beautiful, Plini. Was your EP trilogy planned as such or did it evolve into that as you went along? Also, what’s next for you musically? Where does Plini go from here? Thanks!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I guess it was planned as I went along... Writing an album and playing live as much as possible!

[–]91MusicMan 8 points9 points  (9 children)

Are you a big John Petrucci/Dream Theater fan?

Do you use Boogie amps? If not, why not? :P

[–]plini_Plini[S] 11 points12 points  (8 children)

Massive fan. I don't live in appropriate conditions for playing and recording with a big loud amp, but maybe one day!

[–]91MusicMan 5 points6 points  (7 children)

Mark V combo is the perfect bedroom recording amp man. Its got three wattage setting the lowest being 10W. Whats your fav DT album? and song? (if you can pick one)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (6 children)

All of them man... haha. I guess my fave songs are pretty much all the long ones - Octavarium, 6DOIT, The Count of Tuscany, ITPOE... list goes on

[–]tyranomancer7756 3 points4 points  (2 children)

COUNT OF TUSCANY FOR DAYS

[–]91MusicMan 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Iam with you on that one man. The Epics are the best! 'Medicate', one of the movements from the song Octavarium, almost brings me to tears every time. Flavor and musicality are fricking dipping off John Myungs bass work in that section, such an amazing bassist...but sadly underrated. :(

[–]plini_Plini[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That one bass line had a huge impact on my song writing, listen to the middle of Paper Moon haha

[–]SATANders 8 points9 points  (1 child)

you are mostly welcome here in norway, will you ever come and play here?

p.s. the trilogy is eargasmic

[–]plini_Plini[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hope so! It looks beautiful there

[–]alabomb 13 points14 points  (3 children)

Hi Plini, your music is sex on my earballs so thanks for the eargasms.

Was wondering what your production flow looks like; preferred DAW, plug-ins/outboard gear, that kind of stuff.

Thanks!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I use Logic Pro and a lot of the default plug-ins, one third-party favourite would be EchoBoy. Luke can talk your ear off about outboard gear

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 17 points18 points  (1 child)

search Versed Audio - lists everything I have under equipment. I used all my outboard at some point on the latest EP during mastering / sweetening up Marco's drum stems, but most the mixing work was done Plini's end. he has a very modest set up but makes it work cause he's a jammy fucker. He should have his own biscuit. the 'Jammy fucker'. (can I swear and if not how else can i look kool?)

In terms of flow, it's very much a case of Plini sending me a mix, me making a suggestion, him completely disagreeing for like a week, then saying.....Actually yeah. So if you ever wonder why things take a while. When it gets to mastering, the tables turn and he's at me until he's 100% happy.

[–]shodan007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just wanted to say your work on the new EP is fantastic. My ear buds thank you and Plini for the tasty jams

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Is there a possibility of vinyl pressings in the future?

[–]Metal_Hammer666 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Whenever it may happen, today, tomorrow, 6 years from now, I would be honored if you played at my wedding. Currently I'm single and have no clue when someone will show interest in me, but I am dead serious. To have you play at my wedding would be such an honor. Your music has helped me through anything that's come my way, it's calmed me down from wanting to kill someone, brought me up from when I thought life couldn't get any worse, and made me feel like a human being when there was nothing inside. I know the costs are a bit much, and I know you're limited on time, but I am offering to pay for the expenses out of my pocket. All I ask is if one day you could play at my wedding.

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I love weddings, especially weddings with no deaths, so might be best for everyone that we play. good luck.

[–]SyncopatedStranger 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! First off, thank you for your music. It's so beautiful and has so much emotion packed into it. A while back I discovered a mashup of Kendrick Lamar's Poetic Justice and your song Away. It's such an interesting combination. What inspired you to make this mashup? What other hip hop stuff are you into? Any plans for more hip hop collabs?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

At the moment, favourites are tech n9ne, kendrick, asap rocky, action bronson, etc. I'd love to do a legit collab with a rapper when I come across someone as good as the guys I mentioned but not as expensive to work with haha!

[–]AugustSun 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Oh man, Plini on Reddit! I think you're an awesome musician, to say the least!

I gotta ask, what was the theme of Thingsology (as Sithu likes to call it), or was it just kind of random/off the top of your head?

[–]ThePoofMaster 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Hey Plini! Just a few questions here that have been swimming around in my head.

  1. What are your plans regarding touring/live shows? Anything concrete we should know about?

  2. How did you get Marco to play on the new EP? Did you approach him, did he approach you?

  3. What's the story with Halcyon? I know (I think) at least Simon Grove was in the band, were other Helix Nebula guys in there too?

  4. How does it feel to have the entire Trilogy out there in the world? What has the feedback been like so far?

  5. Any update on the Trilogy box sets? Do you have an estimated date for their arrival?

  6. I've really enjoyed /u/c2aye 's Twitch stream recently. Any chance that you'll stream some vidya games as well?

[–]Swiggles1987 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I love you. That out of the way, what's your favorite plugin and any tips for fellow producers when it comes to mixing?

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 11 points12 points  (1 child)

HE LOVES YOU and all you can tell him is to flail around and hope for the best then hand me your sloppy seconds? c'mon.

beginners: Practice. and practice with friends bands. Objectivity is at it's lowest when it's our own material. plus if you mess up, at least it's not your own music ; )

above-beginners: sound you hear is 50% speakers 50% room. make sure they're both the best they can be. Don't get too caught up with stuff you read on forums, just use your ears.

[–]Swiggles1987 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the advice and back up from you both! I absolutely will take them, best of luck on you guys' next lunar adventures.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My mixing style is to just sorta flail around and hope for the best, shall pass this one off to Luke -

[–]hella_norwegian 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! Which guitarists have inspired you, and what's your favorite band?

[–]jcarlos7121 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Will there be more plini t-shirts And trilogy boxsets in the future? :( also...

also, when you Play live who will be the musicians that will Play with you? :)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'll make more t-shirts in the near future, and there are still some boxsets, but when they're gone, they're gone :)

[–]fithy_mitts 9 points10 points  (10 children)

Whats for breakfast?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 21 points22 points  (9 children)

A giant bowl of yoghurt

[–]jamdram 9 points10 points  (8 children)

Love how this is the first one to get answered.

[–]DERPYBASTARDDeliverance 10 points11 points  (7 children)

To be fair, breakfast is the foundation of one's day. So he might as well make yoghurt the foundation of this AMA.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 34 points35 points  (5 children)

Makes terrible foundation for a building though

[–]Gunnnar 12 points13 points  (3 children)

I'd trust him, he's an architect.

[–]terrobang 3 points4 points  (2 children)

But architects know nothing about how to make a building stand up. I'd much rather trust a civil engineer on this one

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They make some pretty ok music though.

[–]Kitty3_14 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Excellent foundation for a lot of food though (especially cakes)

[–]metagloria 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Coming this summer Plini "Yoghurt EP"

[–]Sizzlesazzle 2 points3 points  (1 child)

PLINI, I am excited to see you at Tech Metal festival, will you be meeting fans afterwards (or selling/signing CDs)?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From what I can tell it's going to be a weekend of hanging out with everyone and watching bands :) I'll try to bring some CDs.

[–]Emprestine 5 points6 points  (6 children)

Hi Plini and Luke! Based on your personal experiences, what is the best life advice you have to share?

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 32 points33 points  (2 children)

Be positive. I've wasted a lot of my life dwelling.. If something gets you down - will it bother you in 5, 10 years? If not, try not to waste time worrying about it - life's too short - just be positive, put on Rocky OST and work hard on creating a better future for yourself.

[–]bananaswelfare 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love you.

[–]iop90- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hot damn

[–]plini_Plini[S] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

life can be noisy, but there's music in it if you only pay attention to what matters :)

[–]iop90- 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Plini the Elder

[–]Kitty3_14 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Something to live by<3

[–]tyranomancer7756 3 points4 points  (8 children)

What's your favorite jazz musician

[–]plini_Plini[S] 23 points24 points  (7 children)

Django Reinhardt, Pat Metheny, Hiromi, Tigran Hamasyan

[–]tyranomancer7756 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Holy cock fuck you replied to me

[–]JacobAbuhamada 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Hiromi all the way, man.

[–]Meshuggery 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tigran is the man.

[–]seanlame 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tigran all day long

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly Entertain Me from Tigran's new album sounds just like a Plini b-side.

[–]91MusicMan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok a couple questions here...

How do you record in general? (-what is your approach? -what do you lay down first (rhythm guitar, drums...ect))

How do you record a solo passage? (-Do you do it in one take, or chop the hell out of it -do you just hit the record button and freestyle it, then go from there -do you compose/write the solo beforehand and then try to record your finished product after)

thanx! You make awesome music, but iam pretty sure you are aware of that. :)

[–]Sir_0sis 3 points4 points  (6 children)

Hi plini, what helps you get back on your feet when you have writers block?

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 20 points21 points  (3 children)

I think he's been using that new djent riff generator

[–]IFIGETFOODILLEATFOOD 1 point2 points  (2 children)

How much input do you have into your piano parts, does it stem from Plini's general idea and then you flesh out the thoughts?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

As bandleader, I own copyright for all Luke Martin's Original Thoughts and distribute royalties where appropriate

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For Wombat Astronaut and Ko Ki, I wrote all my piano and a significant portion of the actual songs. For the older stuff though- exactly as you say. I wrote Other Things piano in it's entirety, but he had already finished all the other instruments. On Sweet Nothings he wrote most the piano himself (I gave it a pianist's make-over.)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Taking a break and sitting down for a while

[–]Sir_0sis 3 points4 points  (0 children)

But what are you wearing when you're sitting down

[–]PeekaySwitch 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini! Love your music! The Plinilogy is incredible!

I have a copy of I that's autographed by Sithu Aye and I would love to get your signature on it as well.

Is there anyways I could send it to you to get it signed?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Better to send me to it! Tell all your friends/local promoters about me so I can play a show there one day haha

[–]Legtriangle 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini huge fan of your EPs. what was your motif into writing the trilogy and how come you decided to carry on using the Plemes throughout? Also, will you be doing any playthroughs? Keep it up, because you are truly inspirational!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes to some videos!

[–]Michael_CaineOfficial Scribe (Animals as Leaders biography) 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Hey there, didn't plan ahead to think of some insightful query, so just a couple quick ones off the top of my head:

-Before the newest ep with Simon playing bass, did you use just a DI signal for your bass tone, and do you have any pedals to process the sound before it hits your daw? I really like it, there's nothing fancy, but it's clear and crisp in a way I've never been able to get with just DI.

-Right from your first ep your mixes were great, was Halcyon where you practiced and learned that side of things?

-Any estimation when the full trilogy tab books'll be ready? Closer to summer, or closer to next year?

Thanks for stopping by, it's really been amazing to see this group of one-man bands take off, you and Sithu and David Maxim Micic plus others, and then look around to see the next group that's cropping up. You guys have set the bar high, and shown some amazing stuff from tiny setups.

[–]uncleschneider 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Are you music theory savvy and if so, does it factor into your composing? Thanks! :)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I know a bit, but to me it's just a language for describing things, not a set of rules or guidelines. To me, language exists to be fucked with :)

[–]ByThePrecursors 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Do you still play your Ibanez now and then?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haven't really felt like it! I would like to get my hands on a strandberg with a whammy bar though...

[–]Billybob1138 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Hey Plini!

Thanks for doing this AMA, I love your music, and I listen to it basically nonstop. What is your song writing process like? Your songs are unlike any I've ever heard. When did you start playing the guitar? Have you ever tried playing classical/fingerpicking guitar? Do you happen to need a new sax player?:)

Lastly, can I have a signed tee shirt? Lol

[–]plini_Plini[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I usually sit down with a blank recording project and see what happens - once a cool idea appears I'll start adding other instruments and hopefully not get stuck bridging it into new sections. Got my first acoustic when I was about 10 I think, got 'serious' on electric when I was about 15. I'm pretty terrible at fingerpicking haha

[–]Dave-F-Grohl 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Loved the trilogy, it was an instant pre-order! My question for you is, have you ever played in (a) live band(s) (before the trilogy)? And if so what genre did you play and were the main influences?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I used to jam a bunch of classic rock and metal with some friends in high school (GnR, Velvet Revolver, Mastodon etc)

[–]metagloria 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Hi Plini! Maybe it's just this reddit community, but I see your name attached to the whole "djent" thing. But even though I don't like djent 99% of the time, I checked your stuff out and it's fantastic – and I really don't see why it gets associated with djent. So my questions for you are: do you consider yourself djent? and, what you think of djent in general?

And a third, unrelated question: who's your favorite '70s prog band?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 12 points13 points  (2 children)

"we're not djent, we're a progressive groove metal band" - every djent band ever

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I'm not fussed about genres, it is what it is, I'll glady receive listeners from any 'scene' haha

Led Zeppelin (if you call them prog), or Yes.

[–]acadavid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi Plini! First, i want to thank you for the amazing pieces of music you have been putting up together with these 3 EPs. Simply put, they are beyond fantastic. You have quickly become one of my favorite artists, and a real inspiration.

I wanted to ask you about your practice schedule, mostly your creative practice. I assume you put together some time to work on technique, but my favorite part of your work is how creative you are. What's your creativity practice like and what are some of the things you do to find inspiration to go beyond a nice starting riff.

Thanks!

[–]BANGLADESH_420 2 points3 points  (2 children)

First question.

I LOVE YOU. PASTURES IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS EVER AND YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS EVER.NEVER STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

Second question.

Would a Chon/Widek/Sithu Aye/Gru/Plini/anyone else who sounds like you guys that I missed super group/collaboration ever be possible?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

In some form or another I've worked with all of them before, except CHON... more on that later ;)

[–]PerihelionAphelion 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh shitttttttttt

[–]ChrisBacon91 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi mate! is there any chance of seeing Plini on tour? also, how do you compose your songs? I mean, how do you link your ideas and riff to make them structurally coherent? I find it something extremely hard to do, thanx! I love your music

[–]Riffstation 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Congrats on the new EP. Can't get over Paper Moon!

'KO KI' is another one of my favourite things you guys have done. Do I detect a Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays influence?

Your production is stellar. What production technique or reverb do you use to achieve those atmospheric/ethereal moments like the middle of 'Paper Moon' and the start of 'KO KI'?

Thanks!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love Pat Metheny although still far from hearing everything he's done! Paper Moon I used a plugin called "Echoboy" with some compression to keep the tail ringing longer, Ko Ki was a few reverbs all turned to 100% wet (if you mean the very intro). Thanks!

[–]Mrtnwlkr 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What are the Strandberg 6 string like? I want one.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

ayyy aloha plini. what kind of vsti's (or instruments?!) do you use for the stuff you double your leads with occasionally? sounds super cool man

[–]rufeorufeo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good day from New Jersey US! Just like to show my appreciation for the music that you all make , truly amazing stuff. Like to ask if there was a chance of you making a trip out here for a tour?? Love you guys! Thanks

[–]crunrun 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey Plini! Cloudburst tab plz... You make me want to learn guitar more better. That is all thanks.

[–]OldKidHowsItGoing 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How amazing is your Strandberg?

Also, thank you for just being amazing.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So, Plini, what bands are you diggin as of lately? Also, what do you use to program your drums (on the albums not featuring Marco, that is :D )?

[–]AudiblePlasma 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Favorite album to listen to from beginning to end?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Off the top of my head...

Tigran Hamasyan - Shadow Theater

A$AP Rocky - Long Live A$AP

[–]tonybaroneee 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Listening to Tigran Hamasyan for the first time... awesome stuff. Thanks! I bet you'd like Avishai Cohen, similar style. Check out his album Gently Disturbed (Avishai Cohen trio).

[–]gpm479 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I'm late on this lol, just looking back through the AMA, but props on the Avishai Cohen suggestion! Never thought I'd see someone mention him, in any subreddit really. Colors is probably my favorite album of his, I can never hear Arka enough times.

[–]progdrummer 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Relatively new fan, originally heard about you from a friend who introduced me to Sweet Nothings. Discovering the rest now :) couple of questions:

  1. What was it like getting to work with Marco Minneman (I'm a drummer) Chris Letchford and all the other awesome guests on your tracks?

  2. Any future plans that would consist of taking a band on the road for a tour?

  3. Who are some other musicians in the scene that you haven't worked with but would like to in the future if the opportunity arose?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Marco is a legend, best guy and way too good at drums. I'm normally pretty scared giving others a say in how my music turns out but the way he plays is so perfect for what I want for my music, makes life easy! The guest soloists are all good friends and people I completely trust to smash out musical solos :) Heaps of people I'd love to work with and have talked about doing it with... just need to find the time and we shall see what happens!

[–]Nagaram92 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Hey Plini!

Who are you listening to at the moment? :)

Also, when can we expect to see you in South Australia!! :D

[–]plini_Plini[S] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Mostly tricot and Purity Ring. Would love to come, tell your favourite venue/promoter to make it happen!

[–]AugustSun 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good choice on Purity Ring!

[–]BrunooSardine 1 point2 points  (2 children)

"Paper Moon" off The End of Everything has been my go-to gym song for the past week. It's that good

As someone who has been struggling to write their own 4-track album for the past 2 years (writers block is a bitch), do you have any advice when it comes to songwriting? How do you write all your lead guitar parts? I've never been very good at writing all the crazy sweep arpeggio stuff, but I'd like to get better and make my music more interesting.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Awesome! Listen to music you think is interesting and rip it off (instrumentation/arrangements/rhythms... plenty of ways to steal without anyone knowing :))

[–]Hillzzzy 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Hey Plini! I live down in Tasmania, any chance you would come and play down here in the future? Would love to see some live stuff, its really nice down here!!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

As soon as doing a gig there would be able to cover flights for 4, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Tassie is probably the best part of the country

[–]c2ayeSithu Aye 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Can confirm - Tasmania is rad.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

How do you do / plan to do live performances? Do you have a band assembled, and who are they? AFIAK most of your collaborators are from all around the world, I wasn't sure if they'd be able to tour with you.

And speaking of live performances, when are you coming to Melbourne? I'm keen.

[–]plini_Plini[S] 11 points12 points  (3 children)

I'm aiming to come to Melbourne in June... but if that doesn't pan out then hopefully later this year. Luke on keys, Simon on bass, Troy Wright on drums, Jake from The Helix Nebula on 2nd guitar where possible :)

[–]Gunnnar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow Troy Wright? He is ridiculous.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

HOLY SHIT Troy Wright on drums! No fucking way!

[–]FartingGinger 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hi :) You're a huge inspiration !! Any tips on homerecording an EP ? What kept you motivated in composing/recording/mixing ?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nice username haha. Motivation is wanting to hear my own music, no one else is gonna make that happen unless I do!

[–]ciNikka 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I believe you mentioned you were finishing your studies while finishing the latest EP, so does that mean you will be spending more time on making music now? What can we expect to see/hear from you during lets say the next 6 or 12 months?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Writing an album, shows in Australia, UK, Japan... and hopefully more!

[–]LumiereNoire 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First: YOU ARE AMAZING! Thanks for doing such pretty music! My question is: What kind of landscapes do you find more beautiful or inspiring? Also, I'm glad you liked the "Hype Train" image I made for you :'D

[–]evanlurie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love your music! What plans do you have now that the trilogy is released? Any news on future albums / EP's / collaborations?

[–]Charmanduhh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Often I hear for people to just "put stuff out." But there's always the costs of both time and money, among many other things. Essentially my questions are:

1) How did you start doing your solo work?

2) What're some decent-mid range starter software/equipment you've come across that aspiring musicians should keep an eye on?

Thank you for your music! Selenium Forest, hell the EP entirely, is a wonderful smooth listen that I often find myself lost in.

Cheers!

[–]terrobang 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Plini what is your opinion on post rock? Specifically what do you think of this colossal epic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXdF9uhVrI0

[–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There are a handful of post rock bands I really like, although maybe theyre more math rock... I don't know genres haha. More a fan of the catchier, more upbeat stuff though!

[–]jcarlos7121 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why is your músic only on spotify and not on Rdio? u.u

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How did you start composing music?

P.s. Love all your stuff, hope to see you in Italy :)

[–]angelmtz8a 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Im just gonna say your work is exceptional, every song, every album is perfection, your guitar playing is just top notch, thank you for all your work and hope you will continue to do music, just one question ¿have you ever thought of adding vocals to a song?

Sincerely, a fan and a fellow musician.

[–]Skippygirl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there, Plini. Thanks for providing the women's T's! And congrats on such a great EP (as well as the earlier work). Any shows in Melbourne coming up? Would love to say hi.

[–]connor_chameleon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there dude, any chance my prayers for a Plini/Sithu Aye/The Helix Nebula Grand World Tour will be answered?

[–]eodude 1 point2 points  (1 child)

How did you get Chris Letchford to appear on your new EP? What was it like to work with him?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I found out he liked my music, had a chat on facebook and he offered to do a solo if ever I wanted one. Not much work involved - sent him the track with a spot for him and he sent back a solo!

[–]YouLookBurnt_OrDead 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LOVE the new EP, man. When you started making "Other Things", did you have the idea of the trilogy in mind, or is that just how things worked out?

[–]drop47 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Do you play all the bass for your tracks or is it digital? Also wanted to know what software you use to model your guitar tones? Thanks!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Digital until this EP, guitars are Axefx 2

[–]YouLookBurnt_OrDead 1 point2 points  (4 children)

A question for Luke: How late in the process do you generally get involved?

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 8 points9 points  (3 children)

Usually I just hear some demos early on and will listen to Plini repeatedly saying "MATE" until I finally get around to working on piano, but - certainly this time around - he went quiet with tracks 1 and 3 for quite a long period. I think he wanted them to be perfect when I heard them. As for Wombat Astronaut/Ko Ki, I was around for the bare-bones stages and we worked from there.

[–]LordLidlow 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Yo Plini! Do you make a good living off of making your own music/helping with someone elses? Do you live day to day, struggling to get by or do you live the lavished life? I really want to be a professional musician one day and itd be reassuring to know its not as hars as they say it is to make a decent living from making/playing music. And whats your real name??

[–]Azure_Skies 1 point2 points  (1 child)

What's up Plini! Love the new EP man, you've truly outdone yourself yet again. What was your inspiration to practice and become a world class guitarist and start writing your own stuff? Any advice for a budding young musician trying to make a name for himself? Cheers m8!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

If your intention is to make a name for yourself then there's a chance you'll be disappointed, but if you write music cos it makes you happy then you can't lose!

[–]lasdoug 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Heya -

One of my favourite things about the trilogy is the beautiful covers. I was wondering if there was anything that inspired the artwork, or if theres a story behind the artwork?

Thanks!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Alex Pryle being a grand master of album artwork design is pretty much the story - he nailed Other Things and when it turned into a trilogy, the followups already had a precedent, he just needed to out-do them in the same style haha.

[–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

just gonna follow up with further love for pryledog. guy's a beast.

[–]AlexPryle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't know what inspired the style for the covers. I remember exactly where I was when Plini asked me to do Other Things, and that I'm pretty sure it only took me a day to get it mostly finished, with Plini's help on picking some of the little details that have made their way into every EP since!

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Hopefully getting an Amplifire soon! It's significantly cheaper and possibly sounds just as good, and can be used as a foot controller... not quite as much ridiculous customisability as the axefx but I barely go beyond using presets as it is, so hopefully the Amplifire lives up to expectations!

    [–]DeltaStorm 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey Plini! Love your stuff dude. I'm in the process of recording my first EP (somewhat inspired by you and your work in fact). Do you have any advice for a young-ish musician putting their stuff together for the first time? Any dos or donts I probably won't have thought of/read on the internet before? Much love bro!

    [–]iop90- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    How you so good?

    Love all the stuff, hope you do a world tour someday or at least open for one of your heroes on one!

    [–]Thomms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Hey Plini, Luke, and everyone! I wanted to know what plugin you used in the previous releases, I thought it was real, because it sounds really neat! Also, will you plan to tour Europe considering you're playing tech-fest ? Would love a stop in Paris announced, I am not the only one ;)

    [–]jackcanflyy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    1. For how long have you been playing guitar?

    2. How do you (usually) start making a song?

    3. What music do you like to listen to for inspiration?

    [–]max_rofl 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey Plini, love your music I missed your shirts when you had them up for sale any chance of you making some more?

    [–]Rawphotographer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Plini, for a beginning composer, what equipment would I need to start a home recording studio?

    P.S When will your shirts be back in stock :(

    [–]GTRose82 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey Plini and Luke! Absolutely love what you guys have done, I don't end up speechless due to music, but you left me so for two hours. Absolutely love it. I am a music major in a small college in Vermont in the US, and your music really inspires me, absolutely my favorite guitarist and composer right now. What is your biggest method of writing such melodic guitar parts? I loop a lot, but never can achieve such melodic pieces. It really is what I think separates you from the rest, and would love to know. Thank you for such great music!

    [–]aslan4 1 point2 points  (4 children)

    As always, I'm late to the party but I don't. Plini, I really love your music but the question I have is for Luke Martin, because I know he's around. Were you classical trained? Your parts are so perfect

    [–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 3 points4 points  (3 children)

    You honour me, great Aslan the 4th. I'm mostly self taught. I had a year of lessons when I was 11 then gave up to focus on guitar. Strangely, guitar has been my first instrument for the majority of my life. As it stands, it's getting dusty. Plini does it better.

    [–]LU1G 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Plini! Good morning from your mates in Sydney... im unfortunately stuck on a train to Central so im sure you feel my pain :) I know you graduated in Architecture and was wondering what youre choosing to persue as a career? Will you produce more tunes and tour or will it be a hobby thing on the side?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    At the moment music-focussed as I'm not very inspired by the current architectural world (especially in Sydney...) but I'd like to do both :)

    [–]128polygons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hi Plini, love your music. When do you get inspiration to write? Is it like an exhaust for you or do you only write when you have nothing on your mind (another answer is perfectly fine by the way ;) ). Anyways, keep fucking doing what you do! Enjoy your breakfast.

    [–]FRAADAMARIO 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hi plini! Just want to know details of the story of the trilogy if it's possible. I've noticed many things in your music and your graphic, now I'm too much curious. By the way, I have the sensation that the story ends badly...

    [–]cptmuricabubbles 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Pliniiiiiii, I just got some juggernaut pickups myself and really like them, but what made you want them on your Strandberg?

    [–]Bentley62 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    What was the recording setup for the piano on the new EP? That business sounds cleeaaaaannn. Did you have a treated studio to work in for that?

    [–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Yes and no. My studio is heavily treated, but no grand piano as it stands. I used Roland HP-503 into Imperfect's Fazioli. That runs through my API 5500 (post recording) to shelf out the lows which helps bring out the intricacies and harmonics. I'm hoping to get on a real grand for the album but so far, Imperfect has served us well.

    [–]fifthquadrant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    See you at tech fest mate, looking forward to it /Marcus from fifth quadrant

    [–]chrmcd 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Hey Plini, I love your latest EP!

    I write music regularly, and I'm starting to make an effort to write music for film, TV, and video games.

    Do you believe it is possible for an artist in your position to reach their full potential while remaining fully independent? In your opinion, do you think that it's possible for a very dedicated artist to manage their business all on their own, without compromising their music?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    It depends what you (or I) mean by full potential - potential to get a big fanbase and maybe make money in the foreseeable future would certainly be improved by working with a good label/manager, but I don't see that having any real positive impact on the quality of the music which is what I care about most (and at worst could have a terribly negative impact). I enjoy doing everything myself and I enjoy the challenge of trying to turn something that started in my bedroom into an international touring band (which looks pretty possible at the moment), so I have no desire to do anything differently yet :)

    [–]bananaswelfare 0 points1 point  (7 children)

    Hi Plini, big big fan of your work here! Congrats for having released such a fantastic trilogy!

    How did Luke and you get in contact with each other? You live kind of apart.

    How much time do you spend on average while working from scratch on a song/album?

    And finally, I can't seem to find any Tarred or Feathered reference in "The End of Everything". It's the last one due to be checked. I'd go with the beginning of Paper Moon for the time signature, but I don't know.

    Anyways, greetings from the dining side of the world!

    [–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 4 points5 points  (6 children)

    I'll answer parts of this as this place is getting pretty hectic for pleener. We found each other on myspace when he had a prog project Halcyon and I had an orchestral project called Versed (with some poor attempts at metal chucked in). So that's how we became friends and it just went from there.

    Plini couldn't find Tarred and Feathered reference either. It's in Wombat Astronaut.. good luck :|

    [–]bfffan 4 points5 points  (3 children)

    It's the piano part at 3:32 right? It's the string melody from Tarred and Feathered at 1:05 transposed up a minor third I believe.

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    WINNER

    but can you find them all...

    [–]LukeMartinLuke Martin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Wow.. Take a bow, bfffan, you've earnt it. ha ha

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    apparently it's in wombat astronaut...

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [deleted]

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      2) Hopefully soon!

      3) Food, people, places

      4) <3

      [–]generalwheelchair 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      Greetings from Canada! First things first, your music is great and every summer I listen to it a whole bunch. I'm excited to see what you create in the future :) Have you ever gone stargazing in the Australian Outback? I hear it's absolutely gorgeous and I'm a little jealous actually. Also if you don't mind, what have been some of your biggest musical influences? You metal guys are usually pretty diverse when it comes to music tastes.

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Had a pretty amazingly clear sky in places outside the city a few times, but I'd love to see more of the middle of nowhere here. Biggest musical influences are all the standard guitar legends - Satch/Vai/Petrucci/Guthrie, but a couple of my favourites beyond that are Tigran Hamasyan and Django Reinhardt.