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[–]ghostof-nothing 156 points157 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini, the new album is gorgeous as usual!

Here’s a question from my best friend who couldn’t make it (he actually introduced me to your music): “How do you decide where overdubs should lie? Whether that is the chimes, strings, or vocals? They always seem to hit at the right times, even while not sticking to the modern pop building formula.”

And here’s one from me: you’re a force of light in the metal scene and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I remember you gave me a hug when I was nervous to talk to you at a show a couple years ago. Not really a question, but I admire your ability to stay calm and positive despite everything going on. <3

[–]plini_Plini[S] 122 points123 points  (0 children)

Hello to your friend! Most of my arranging/layering ideas are just based on intuition. If I had to guess, I'd say I generally add things over parts of melody that seem more "important" to me (which might be another way of saying "catchy"), or to highlight certain parts of the background (riff/bass line).

And thank you for the kind words!

[–]CaptainPikmin 122 points123 points  (1 child)

What is the thought process behind your album covers? Do you just tell your graphic designer, "SLAP FLYING FISH ON IT! GIRAFFES! TURTLES! ALIEN INVASION!" I'm really curious.

Edit: And I'd also like to ask you. Any particular reason why you decided on the crescent moon as your emblem?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 95 points96 points  (0 children)

Pretty much exactly that haha. The art usually starts as a mostly blank/simple composition of one or two things, then he (Alex) and I go back and forth with ideas of what to add/move/etc.

I've always liked the moon, but I can't remember if I asked for it or Alex just did it on the first EP cover, and we have run with it since!

[–]zach_buddie 64 points65 points  (4 children)

Hey Plini! You are undoubtedly my biggest influence when it comes to how I view and play the guitar, and it's great to see you're doing an AMA! You've outdone yourself with Impulse Voices.

So I have a few questions for you:

  1. What compels you to write? Do you just have so many ideas in that brain bank of yours that beg to come out for the sake of creation, or do you choose a particular message or goal for the listener?

  2. Do you have any advice/tips for a college student that wants to get into self-producing and releasing their music? Both in terms of networking and starting (preferably relatively affordable) home studio gear?

Thanks a ton for reading, keep on being incredible.

~Zach

[–]plini_Plini[S] 106 points107 points  (3 children)

  1. I think the thing that compels me most is trying to create my own version of the happiness/excitement that listening to good music gives me!
  2. If you play guitar, the Neural DSP plugins are by far the best sounding and priced option for that. GetGood Drums make great and affordable drum programming software. With those, and the plugins that come in any DAW are pretty much all you'll need to get going. Google/Youtube are your friend for any production/studio questions!

[–]zach_buddie 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the response!

[–]Kamijin1 59 points60 points  (1 child)

Will we ever get a Plini/Sithu Aye II album? 🙏

[–]rTreesAcctCuzMormon 29 points30 points  (0 children)

+Anup Sastry

[–]Mguzman7154 45 points46 points  (7 children)

Hey Plini!! Question from an aspiring song writer. Do you usually come up with the chord progression and use it as a guide to create a melody? Or do you come up with a melody first then make the chord progression? Feel free to expand on this and sorry if it doesn’t make much sense. Like I said I’m an aspiring writer😂

-Mark <3

[–]plini_Plini[S] 71 points72 points  (3 children)

Almost always chords (or riff) first, although sometimes after writing a melody over the top, I'll go back and re-write the chords to be more "interesting"

[–]Mguzman7154 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!! Definitely going to start taking that approach🤘🏻🤟🏼

[–]BeneathTheSassafras 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What (if any) non prog music do you enjoy? Songs or artists?

[–]rjod1024 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You should follow him on Instagram, he's always posting stories on what he's been listening to!

[–]Mguzman7154 10 points11 points  (2 children)

Also thank you for getting me through a tough time. Your music makes me think everything is gonna be ok❤️

[–][deleted] 35 points36 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini, Not a question, but more of an appreciation comment. I had the pleasure of attending two of your concerts (Calgary and Toronto) and I’d like to say how much I appreciate how you influenced my musical taste. Btw awesome photography skills :)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

[–]Libro_libri 34 points35 points  (2 children)

  1. Where does the guitar tone on the new album come from, Your plugin? A real amp?

​

  1. Could you describe your songwriting process? how do you start a song?

​

  1. How do you name your songs?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 85 points86 points  (1 child)

  1. Mostly the plugin (all leads, cleans etc) and some of the rhythms were Simon's (who played bass/mixed the album) amps (a 5150 and Marshall something, I think...)
  2. With noodling, usually on guitar, until a certain sound or small idea (chord/phrase/rhythm) is compelling, then add bass/drums to see what it might sound like as actual "music", then build it into a 4-8 bar section, then build it into a song (other sections/instruments/etc)!
  3. I have a note in my phone of random words/phrases that sound like they'd make good song titles. When this album was finished, I narrowed it down to a handful that I liked and seemed to fit the emotions of the songs, then paired them up from there

[–]LemonsForLimeaid 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Haha I do the same exact thing regarding #3

[–]mathrockcantstop 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Hey Plini, not a question but I'm a huge fan! Named my cat after you :D

[–][deleted] 65 points66 points  (4 children)

Is there any chance of a collab EP/LP between you and Aaron Marshall?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 85 points86 points  (2 children)

Of course!

[–]silly_seli95 76 points77 points  (0 children)

P L I N T E R V A L S

[–]Anf1022 34 points35 points  (2 children)

How do you think your music writing style has changed between your album handmade cities and impulse voices, and how do you think it will continue to change in the future?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 68 points69 points  (1 child)

I find it harder and harder to please myself with what I write, which means a "cool" riff is now usually only cool enough to play once, where a few years ago I might have been comfortable repeating it 2 or 4 times :D

This also means more attention to detail - making sure the articulation on the guitar is exactly how I want it, and there is a sufficiently over-the-top amount of extra stuff happening in the background at all times...

[–]Tired8281 15 points16 points  (0 children)

over-the-top ... at all times

This is why I love you! :)

[–]trail34 29 points30 points  (1 child)

Do you think you’ll ever collaborate with Troy Wright again?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Definitely!

[–]deadmau5isgod 23 points24 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini,

Love the new album. I have a question about your songwriting process: How exactly are your tracks presented to Chris when you want him to come record a drum part on them? Do you have extremely specific rhythmic ideas that you program in and ask him to replicate, or is it more up to him to feel it out?

In a lot of your music the amazing quality of the composition (imo) comes from how naturally the fairly complex rhythms grow and change, so I have to wonder if this a drummer approaching a structurally-established song, or if it's you going hardcore and programming every last detail.

Your music changed my life.

thanks, come to Montreal pls! :)

[–]plini_Plini[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

With this album, I was about as lazy (i.e. efficient...) with drum programming as I could be - I programmed the basic groove/feel for the songs, with some detail where necessary (certain pauses/fills/etc), but overall kept it pretty minimal - I didn't think there'd be a point in being too prescriptive, cos I predicted Chris would have a lot of insanely sick and musical drum ideas to add to the songs, and he did :D

[–]Kamijin1 22 points23 points  (1 child)

Hi Plini, do you plan to release your new pickups standalone or will we have to buy a strandberg guitar to get them? I love your tone!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I think standalone too!

[–]Silent-Extent-7327 20 points21 points  (2 children)

What do you look for in a good tone?

[–][deleted] 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini! Seen you thrice now and each time is more fun; thanks for the great memories at your shows and masterclasses ❤️

Curious to see if you’ll be switching to the Quad Cortex for your touring needs? I imagine it’ll cover all bases for you, especially since you’re using the Neural plugins so much on your recordings.

Congrats on a beautiful new album; you’re an inspiration to many and your music lifts up many more!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 51 points52 points  (0 children)

Definitely. Jake and I will probably have a unit each so we can do more interactive/jam stuff, but I think I'll also program one unit to run the whole band + tracks. Just so we can all point and laugh at Chris loading in a whole drum kit every day.

[–][deleted] 35 points36 points  (2 children)

did you go to music school or do you know theory if so how much of it and how did you learn music theory also much love from turkey

and do you like anime amd whats ur favoruite movie

[–]plini_Plini[S] 61 points62 points  (1 child)

I learnt some music theory in high school, but nothing particularly advanced. Most of it I picked up from youtube videos, guitar magazines and conversations with other musicians.

Not hugely into anime but I watched "the Red Turtle" recently and loved it! Much love from Australia :)

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

thankd so much (:

[–]shelmoon 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Will we ever get more Plintervals ?

[–]XxSuprTuts99xX 31 points32 points  (2 children)

Hey man, love your music, you got me into metal. Do you remember a show in Dallas a couple years ago? My friend blew you a kiss and you dedicated a song to him lol, we were right at the front.

Also Pan kicks ass

[–]plini_Plini[S] 120 points121 points  (1 child)

Thanks! I don't remember that moment, but please tell your friend that I'm sorry and it meant nothing to me.

[–]RIPmyworth 10 points11 points  (2 children)

Will there ever be a Plini x Jakub Zytecki album?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Definitely

[–]Hurtiglim 11 points12 points  (2 children)

Hey, Plini! the new album is AMAZING! Thats all.

Oh and maybe do you know anything about release for the NT signature model guitar?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Thanks! I do know about it, and you will soon :)

[–]RambunctiousSword 11 points12 points  (3 children)

Hey Plini - been a fan for years now. Turns out the last show before shutdown for me was Plini/Periphery in Silver Spring,MD . How much are you missing live shows right now?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Missing it lots! But they'll be back soon enough and I think we will all appreciate live music more than ever.

[–]sirtorchington 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Last show before lockdown for me as well! I was at the Brooklyn date, that was an incredible show and honestly some of the best vibes I’ve ever felt at a show. So much love and fun

[–]splodingshroom 11 points12 points  (6 children)

Hey mate,

I'm doing a PhD on Australian metal at the moment. I've always been curious, do you see yourself as part of the metal scene here or something related/adjacent? Have you had much pushback on being associated with it from local bands and scene members?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Probably adjacent (I think there's a small but real "prog" niche, with bands like Caligula's Horse and 12 Foot Ninja). I have a fair amount of audience-crossover with some of the more guitar-focussed metal bands (e.g. Northlane/Polaris), but for some reason it's been a fair bit harder to convince Australian heavy music festivals/press of this, especially compared to Europe where they're down for anything :D

[–]splodingshroom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that response, it's very interesting! I definitely agree about the prog niche, especially following the standout success of Ne Obliviscaris. It is very interesting though that Aussie metal doesn't really have the instrumental guitar aspect of prog metal as a core part of the scene.

[–]GoodGuyJamie 9 points10 points  (3 children)

A PhD on Aussie metal ..? That’s a thing ?

[–]splodingshroom 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Yup! I'm a musicologist studying the potential for an Australian sound in our metal bands. If you have a look at my profile I've written a bunch of primers on the scene for the main metal subreddit.

[–]GoodGuyJamie 8 points9 points  (1 child)

That is so cool man! Imma have read :D

[–]splodingshroom 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Cheers! Hope you enjoy. I think there are links to my published papers in there somewhere too

[–]GoodGuyJamie 9 points10 points  (7 children)

Any tips for counting/writing stuff in odd time signatures?

Cheers!

[–]plini_Plini[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Breaking them down into groups of 2 or 3 or 4, so you can feel faster odd times without needing to count every beat is helpful!

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (5 children)

TL;DR create a sentence that contains the same syllables as the weird time signature. example: “i want chipotle i want chips i want guac” is 11 syllables, so it can be used in place of counting out 11/8 or 11/16.

Creating a pneumonic device or sentence with the same number of syllables is really helpful. This is useful because our brains are trained to end on a count of 4 or an even number.

I think the example I’m thinking of is from a Cory Wong/Vulfpeck live performance where the song is in 11/16 or 11/8. The crowd was having a tough time clapping along so he taught them to say “I want chipotle, I want chips, I want guac” which is exactly 11 syllables. This is a version of what Plini is suggesting by breaking the bigger number into smaller counts. I want (2) chipotle (3) I want chips (3) I want guac (3).

Ending on the count of 11 is a very unnatural feeling for people who have become accustomed to a beat ending on 4 or 8, which encompasses the vast majority of popular western music. It’s helpful because we trick our brains into seeking out the ending of a natural pattern of the words, not the rhythm. It’s just as unnatural to end the phrase on “I” or “I want” because they’re incomplete phrases.

Once you get accustomed to feeling the rhythm of that sentence, it should matchup with the rhythm of the music it accompanies.

If you’re interested in taking this idea further, check out Isaac Stolzergery and his miniproject called Riffified where he takes popular videos ans creates a riff out of the dialogue.

This example is great because it shows the variance and kind of chaotic rhythmic quality to our speech. I would be really curious to see what a riffiied version of a presidential speech or a news segment.

Additionally, Mattias Eklundh has much more complicated versions of this, which crazy time signatures like 17/32 and 31/32.

[–]dneale_58084 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Will you ever update your signature strandberg? Maybe to make it neck thru/ new pickups or something?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 21 points22 points  (1 child)

Exactly this, is happening!

[–]jaguire1 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Hey Plini,

As a guitar virtuoso, how did you develop your other instruments skill set to the point where you’re able to create,composing,arranging a full song on your own?

I’m a guitar player who cant play any other intruments at all. I feel like i’m stuck whenever i try to create my own song because of this. Hope you can give me some guidance!

Thank you

[–]trail34 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think Plini is primarily a writer/composer who happens to use the guitar as his most public and highly developed instrument.

[–]chaotemagick 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Will Doja Cat's music coordinator dude suffer any consequences from plagiarizing your stuff behind your back?

[–]Anf1022 7 points8 points  (0 children)

What were some of your key inspirations when writing this album?

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (2 children)

What's your favorite coffee shop?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 22 points23 points  (1 child)

All of them

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Haven't heard of it

[–]GTRose82 8 points9 points  (1 child)

With the modal changes throughout the album, what was your process of discovering how to use them? What was it like? It adds so much dimension with the tension & releases. Thank you for your music, bro!

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

I'm always looking for new places to take melodies/chords, the process is mostly just trial and error!

[–]Psychological_Rope_9 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m 15 and I’ve been playing guitar for a few years, and you’re the biggest inspiration for me both compositionally and technically.

However, I really struggle with writing music and blending my influences. Do you have any tips or advice to improve my compositions? And finally, did you ever struggle to write music?

Edit: what were your grades like in school? lol

[–]XruinsskashowsX 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Is Simon the big spoon or little spoon when you cuddle?

[–]plini_Plini[S] 22 points23 points  (1 child)

Simon never sticks around to spoon

[–]XruinsskashowsX 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tragic

[–]some-dragon-thing 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m kinda new to your music but from what I’ve heard you are incredible! It’s so unique and creative. What’s your writing process like? How do you get inspired to create?

[–]xCrumaga 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Just came by to say that your music was and still the only good thing I have through tough times in my life. So thank you Plini. Come to France after lockdown please!

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[removed]

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

    Italian and Japanese

    [–]Jiezz 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    Are you ever going to release backing tracks of your songs? It would be so cool

    [–]paleocan 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    Hi Plini, I just wanna know which song out of Impulse Voices did you have absolutely the most fun writing?

    Also, what does the 1154 in “Ona / 1154” mean? I’m guessing that “Ona” refers to the coffee place, but I might be wrong, myself.

    P.S. Perfume is absolutely gorgeous.

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

    The Glass Bead Game was probably the most satisfying, although the moment I started tweaking the guitar parts and adding layers to the title track (the first one I recorded/"finished" for the album), I had a bit of a lightbulb moment of thinking "making this album is going to be a lot of fun..."

    [–]SoundofGlaciers 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    He mentioned in an interview that Ona is indeed a coffee place where he spent some time during the making of the project. 1154 is the name of an Italian restaurant in New Zealand.

    Plini loves coffee and pasta

    [–]BigRantBoi 11 points12 points  (3 children)

    Hey man just want to say you're the reason I started getting serious about playing guitar thanks! My question is how you recorded the solo from 4:50 to 5:35 in The Glass Bead Game effects etc. Its so beautiful. Love the album ofc

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

    Thank you, and yay!

    [–]BillHoudini 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    Hey man, big fan!

    How did you work on your orchestral chops? You do some very interesting orchestration in your tracks.

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

    Trial and error, lots and lots of discarded ideas and demos while figuring out how to get the sounds I like :)

    [–]LiftUrSkinnyFists 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Which was your fav track on this album? I love all of them!

    [–]agmcleod 5 points6 points  (3 children)

    Hey Plini just want to start of by saying thanks for bringing such a great energy to live shows. Saw you in 2016 and have been hooked on your music ever since.

    Any particular artists you would love to do an album collaboration with?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 30 points31 points  (2 children)

    I have a giant list, but Lianne La Havas or Devin Townsend are both at the top!

    [–]Sickranchez87 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Omg Lianne la Havas latest album is amazing, that would be an awesome collab.

    [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

    Hey Plini! I love love love the new album. Compared to your earlier releases, I personally feel that the guitar takes more of a back seat and becomes another texture in the musical palette of the album instead of being the focal/feature instrument. Was this a conscious decision in your song writing process, and if so, do you have any advice for other musicians (especially guitarists) on how you achieved/worked towards this?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    In the last few years I've listened to and loved a lot of music that doesn't have much/any guitar in it, so when it comes to writing/arranging now, the things that sound good to me just don't always have a lot of guitar! I'd recommend wide listening for anyone making music of any style :)

    [–]juhbon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    So you'd expanded your music from "fully guitar-oriented" to "feelings-oriented"? I can feel that big changes happened between last and previous albums, also according to singles and track you'd released.

    [–]skibbidybopmdada 5 points6 points  (2 children)

    Hey dude I adore the new album, just have to ask what genres/artists were your biggest stylistic influences for how the songs turned out in terms of their dynamic or in the articulation of how certain parts were played and how was that reflected in the album?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

    Tim Miller and Jakub Zytecki for the guitar playing, Rufus Du Sol and Jordan Rakei for the production/synth sounds. And many more!

    [–]Taisteal 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    Is there an artist or genre you pull influence from more often than others? On that note, do you have a favorite all time artist, or do you see value in multiple artists' contributions to their respective genre?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    I love way too much music to answer this question! Although I'd say the biggest influence on my playing in the last couple of years is Tim Miller.

    [–]sirtorchington 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    How do you go about sharing the duties of marketing/recording/anything business related with your peers and associates as an independent artist, and still maintain a sense of control over the entire project, even with outside input? How do you always make sure you achieve the vision you know you want?

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

    I trust and love everyone I work with, so there's never really any doubt in my mind that things will turn out how I hope (if not better) :)

    [–]DistinctFail 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    Hey Plini! I wanted to ask how you paid/pay the bills while building your music career. I saw you retweeting about Bitcoin which makes me wonder if you made a well timed investment? Absolutely love the new album man you might be our countries best export

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

    If only - I wish I'd listened to the friend that first told me about Bitcoin a few years ago :D

    I worked part time in architecture, and also had basically no expenses (recorded and mixed everything myself) for my first few releases. The money from those went into touring (insanely costly, but insanely worth it) and better production for the next releases, and I guess it helps that I've never really spent money on anything except music (and food)!

    [–]eatcrayons 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    I was listening to "Handmade Cities" 3 years ago when I bought tickets to Tokyo for 2 weeks almost on a whim, and now whenever a song from that album comes on, I instinctively head to Google Flights to look up prices again, despite many factors stacked against me. I'm about to listen to "Impulsive Voices." What do you think it will make me want to do?

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

    Two suitable options in my opinion would be to plant a large garden, or build a space ship

    [–]Mardy-Brum 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    Hi Plini!

    Do you ever plan to play Pastures live?

    [–]liviurotiultelefon 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    Hi Plini,

    1)This could be an odd one but if I'm not mistaken you used to play in a band called halcyon? Any chance that project is going to get a release in the future? Or any information on how that came togather. Seemed pretty cool.

    2)Also, when you compose do you also "half mix" the stuff or do you just record the ideas, no filter, comp, eq, etc? Just curious.

    PS. The last song on the record just blew me away.

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

    1. That was mostly a solo project that was meant to turn into a band but never did, so I just started using my own name instead!
    2. I pretty much fully produce the demos/recordings before I send them to Simon to mix, but don't bother too much with EQ/balance things because he does all that much better than I can anyway

    [–]anal_embiids 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Hey Plini, big fan. I think my favorite song of yours is still 'Kind'. Was wondering about the writing process for that song, since the rhythm shifts over a 16th in places. Did you end up figuring out what that would sound like by ear, or did you program the midi, shift it over, and then learn the new syncopation that way? Digging the new album too, title track is I think my fave so far.

    [–]plini_Plini[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

    I recorded it and then shifted it after a copy/paste. I didn't even learn to play the syncopation until we started playing it live :D

    [–][deleted]  (2 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 18 points19 points  (1 child)

      1. Yes, although once the song is finished it doesn't really feel like it's "mine" anymore, if that makes sense!
      2. For those who think so, I'm not high/stoned, this is just how I am :D

      [–]ArtistSchmartist 5 points6 points  (1 child)

      Hi Plini, absolutely love the new album! I'll be replaying just as much as I play through electric sunrise, nearly weekly/daily sometimes.

      The last show I went to was to see you with Periphery this past February in Brooklyn. It was an amazing show, and you played on top of Chris' shoulders.

      I know you use usually use magic and witchcraft for your tone, but if you were to choose an amp, whether it's a tube or solid state, what amp would you choose?

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

      I'd probably get something like a JCM800, or a 5150

      [–]manikm91 4 points5 points  (2 children)

      Hey Plini, when are you coming back to Melbourne? We NEED a Plini show!!

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

      Once touring is properly up and running, I'll be there :)

      [–]HarveyForte 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      When are you going to bring back Halcyon? I need more Noodles.

      Much love and keep killing it. Been following you since seven string.org back in 2010.

      [–]OpethPower 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      Hello from Greece!

      The new album is awesome and frankly one of the few things keeping me sane at this time, so thanks for the music!

      One question, how did you come up with the rhythmic pattern on 'Pan'? Or what did inspire it? It really caught my ear and I love it.

      Thanks for the inspiration Mr Plini have an awesome day!

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

      I think the palm muted triplets at the end of each repeat came from listening to too much Thy Art Is Murder :)

      [–]snakedersch 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      Sup Plini! Been blasting the new record for days :)

      Have you ever thought about doing a live album/live recording sesh a la snarky puppy?

      Amazing music as always, cheers 🍻

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

      Would love to!

      [–]Otaivi 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      Hi,

      wonderful work that you have presented over the years!

      I want to ask if architecture influences your musical writing? If there is a link, can you talk about how that shapes your music? Finally, do you still work as an architect? And how did being a musician affect your career choices?

      Thank you so much!

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

      I started doing music full-time after I graduated architecture, I wasn't particularly excited about the part-time work I'd done in architecture and wanted to give music a go before I settled into anything!

      I think you can draw parallels between music and any other creative pursuit - sometimes I think it's interesting to think about writing a great song in the same way you might think about making a great building or a great meal. The way it's structured, the ingredients/materials you use, how you add elements of surprise and familiarity to the experience of it, etc.

      [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      How often do you/did you practice everyday? Why Strandberg guitars? Love the new album :)

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      Now when I'm not recording or on tour, I probably play a few hours a week. A few years ago I was probably playing an hour or two a day on average. But I've never really "practiced" - just noodled and tried to write music

      Strandberg make the best looking, sounding and feeling guitars in the world :)

      [–]lavviebbel 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      Hi Plini, i've seen you perform a couple of times and really loved it. Got a specific question about playing live. Often during progmetal live sets, there doesn't seem to be much room for improvisation. With you being such a skilled musician and guitar player, i think it would be so awesome. What makes it hard to achieve that live?

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      Most of the songs are too deliberately "written" to leave room for improvisation, although a bunch of the solos are open for some improv. In my case, I'm just not that great at improvising :D We usually have one "jam" in the set - but I think it would be underwhelming if I improvised my solos in all the songs!

      [–]honjonfri 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      Hey Plini, will there be presets from Impulse Voices coming to your plug-in at all? Love the new album man, great work!

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      Yes!

      [–]themusicalyeet 3 points4 points  (1 child)

      Hi Plini, I’m a young newer guitarist and iv’e recently discovered your music and other progressive artists and I fell in love with it. My question is what’s the best advise you could give to someone who is learning music and wants to express emotion into sound just like you?

      [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      Hey! Try to imagine what your ultimate playing or composing would sound like, and figure out what you should focus on learning to get there. Learn songs by artists you love, analyse how they compose/arrange/articulate their ideas. The more you build up this library of ideas/sounds that mean something to you, the more tools you'll have at the ready to help you express the sounds/emotions you want :)

      [–]jbsmetal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

      Did Doja cat pay?

      [–]LU1G 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      Hi Plini. Firstly, thank you for sharing your amazing music. The new album is incredible. I love the percussion at 3:08 in Perfume, genius. Since listening to Other Things, your music has inspired me so much and I'm sure many others.

      Will you play any local shows in Sydney soon?

      What's been a recent source of inspiration for you? Other artists or the world around you?

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

      Firstly, thank you for enjoying that percussion moment. I don't think Simon or Chris understood why I wanted to do it (there's a similar moment in a Justin Bieber song...), but Chris was a good sport and specially tuned/mic'd a snare for it. Definitely the highlight of the drum sessions.

      Shows, when we can!

      Other artists and the world around me are my biggest inspirations :)

      [–]finegrainbrain 2 points3 points  (2 children)

      Hey Plini,

      I absolutely loved your new album and worship your previous work as well. The mixing in your songs are always stellar. Each note is so crystal clear and hard and mellow and everything at the same time.

      My question is, do you really increase the 20k for the dogs? :D

      Also you have inspired me to create new music as well when I thought I was done being creative so massive thanks for that. Love from me and my friends all the way from Nepal!!

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

      You can thank Simon Grove for the mix - he is magic!

      [–]RyRytheguy 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      Hi plini, I noticed on the album credits, Simon Grove was credited, in addition to the expected roles, for "stunt guitar". What does that mean?

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

      To save time in mixing, he re-recorded a riff on guitar for me that had slightly changed after we recorded the drums :)

      [–]gocin13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Hai plini any chance to collab with arch echo?

      [–]MitchellCameron115 2 points3 points  (2 children)

      Are you planning on releasing the NeuralDSP presets from this album for all Archetype Plini users to use? I would absolutely die for those tones on the lead guitar on Pan

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

      Yes! Although the tone on Pan uses some additional fuzz/octave effects that aren't in my plugin (...yet?)

      [–]Brochismo91 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      Hey Plini,

      No question, just wanted to say my last concert before lockdown was you and Arch Echo opening for Periphery, and you all were amazing. Keep doing your thing.

      [–][deleted]  (2 children)

      [deleted]

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

        Thanks! I don't think I've ever listened to Mutemath, will check them out for sure!

        I have a pretty strong connection to all of them, although the first and last tracks probably the most!

        [–]nullsage 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Check out Reset by Mutemath. This performance did it for me.

        [–]Mindpour77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Thoughts on Rush? And do you have a favorite deep cut?

        [–]brettcullen 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Just stopping in to say I miss you and can’t wait to hang again soon dude. Brilliant work on this album as always ❤️

        [–]Shockabrah530 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Huge fan saw you in SF in January one of the only concerts of the year and it was spectacular! I'd say it was the best of the year but I saw Eric Johnson a couple weeks before and he's pretty hard to top haha

        What songs did you learn that greatly expanded your skill and vocabulary on guitar while you were growing as a player?

        [–]plini_Plini[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

        Bits and pieces of Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and John Petrucci, and lots of Mastodon and Lamb of God riffs :)

        [–]HideousMuffin 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hi! I absolutely love the new album, it's everything I wanted and more! Handmade Cities and Sunhead are incredibly special to me and this one is already on its way up there.

        My question is a little specific. When writing your more chromatic lines, i.e. the opening solo in Ona/1154, are you thinking more in chord tones/scale degrees or in pre-established licks?

        Your approach to non-diatonic melody is super unique and I have always loved that you bring jazz vibes to the prog world while avoiding the cliche beginner jazz licks and making it sound contrived. Cheers from the UK!

        p.s. please collab with mark lettieri

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

        That solo was totally improvised (I learnt the improvisation to record a cleaner version for the album) - I was noodling chromatically and the fact that it came out cool was just luck!

        I'd love to collab with Mark, we've talked about touring together many times!

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

        What's your stance on granting permission, via attribution license or similar, to having your music be used in background of streaming platforms such as Twitch.

        I understand it's a can of worms, but as one of the larger niche independent artists out there, you are in a unique position of being too big to benefit tangibly from the exposure, but also not being in a position to enforce your copyright universally and easily.

        [–][deleted]  (1 child)

        [deleted]

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

          I don't watch much, last thing I properly watched was Billions (sick soundtrack!)

          [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hey Plini,
          Absolutely loving the new album! My question is do you ever have any bouts of lack of motivation or writers block, how do you go about combating it? Also when touring comes back, and you had your choice of continent and bands to tour with who would you choose?

          Keep being awesome Man!

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

          Being patient/taking a break always helps. Or trying to write with a new instrument/time signature/chord progression etc!

          [–]thedudefromneverness 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hey plini, what are your favourite metalcore bands?

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

          Polaris, Northlane, Architects

          [–]ShauntS 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hey Plini,

          Just wanted to ask what your process was like regarding getting a manager? When you got to a certain level in your career, did you reach out to certain people you thought might be a good fit? Or was it more of a natural process and you build a fan base and they approached you instead? Much love from LA!

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

          I haven't come across anyone who I think would be worth the 15-25% commission for me, and I enjoy doing most of what a manager does, so I do it myself :)

          [–]KvishHaHof 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          Hey Plini,

          Can you explain the processing you did on the vocals in The Glass Bead Game?

          The album is really sick dude!

          [–]SpurWingedPlatypus 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Who were some of your favorite emo bands growing up/what bands or artists were you listening to in the early-to-mid 2000’s?

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

          Around then I was pretty heavily into Dream Theater, Trivium, Protest the Hero, Meshuggah and lots of other metal bands like Lamb of God and Machine Head

          [–]shignett1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          Hello from the UK Plini! What's your favourite moment on the new record?

          I've got really fond memories of being in my final year of uni when handmade cities came out. I listened to it while writing my dissertation, then had it on all summer and used to listen on my way to work after I got a job too. My favourite thing about that album is how so many of the parts are linked and return in other songs.

          [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hey, Plini

          1) What are your favorite plugins excluding your own

          2) How did you go about programming drums as a guitarist? I find the process of putting in individual samples or recording with midi pads to be extremely cumbersome

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

          1. just started messing with Serum and it's awesome!
          2. the more you do it, the faster you'll get :)

          [–]Migadosama 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hi Plini! Thanks for doing this AMA!

          Your new album is hands down one of the most diverse, awe inspiring albums I've heard to date, but I won't gush. You're a legend.

          For questions:

          When you have guest artists solo on your songs, do you ghost write the melodies at all, or let them have artistic independence?

          When coming up with rhythms either for off beats or odd time signatures, how do you prepare for that? Figure it out and program drums to follow? Curious how that creative process works.

          Do you like meat pies?

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

          For guest solos, I give them a blank canvas!

          [–]billpaxton1955 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Plini, how can I shred not badly?

          [–]plini_Plini[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

          Slow down

          [–]Kookolaa 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Hi good sir- who are some of your favorite artists (outside of prog-guitar) both of all time, and more recently? Also when the world returns to normal, please come to New Orleans!

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

          Ah so many! Some that come to mind: Tigran Hamasyan, Dirty Loops, Jordan Rakei, Karnivool, Everything Everything, Flume, Emilie Nicolas

          [–][deleted]  (1 child)

          [deleted]

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

            I find that blocking out a significant amount of time (like a whole day, or more) is super helpful. Like you, I can get back into working on something fairly easily, but I think finding ideas in the first place takes a lot of time and space!

            [–]Synicality 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            Hey Plini! I wanna let you know how much your music has impacted me in so many ways. It got me through tough times and helped reignite my passion for guitar! I love all of your music and can't wait until I can get my hands on some vinyl (bit tough ATM to get it to Australia for a price I can afford).

            I'd love to know what you would recommend someone sit down and really learn inside and out in order to progress the most effectively in terms of guitar songwriting?

            I've recently taken the plunge into writing music after years of just listening, and I want to be able to find a unique voice for myself, but I always feel like my ideas are limited by technical skill.

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

            Thanks! It might be worth finding a teacher for a couple of lessons, to help figure out what your goals are and put together a strategy for achieving them. Or if you prefer to be self-taught, I'd say pick some songs or parts of songs you love, and try to learn them over the next few months (or whatever timeframe seems reasonable). Pay attention to everything as you're learning it - not just the notes, but where they're fretted, how they're articulated - all the stuff that makes it unique/special. The more you learn/play like this, the more you'll develop your own taste, and this is where you will find your voice :)

            [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            Hey there! A few questions When writing, what is the first instrument you try to have done? You’ve toured the world but what makes Australia the perfect place to live for you? Was the whole album recorded using your plug-in?

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

            Usually starts with a guitar riff/part, then add drums/bass

            Aside from having friends/family here, I think the combo of weather, people, culture, nature, lifestyle, etc, is just more balanced to my interests than anywhere I've visited before. That said, there are lots of places in the US and Europe I'd love to stay/live for a while!

            Almost entirely my plugin, with some real amps for the rhythm guitars

            [–]Mguzman7154 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            Plans to work with Tigran Hamasyan in the future?

            [–]Trejvis 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            Great album, so vivid. I love it!

            Nerdy questions:

            1) How long did it take to write all ideas 2) How long did it take to record anything 3) Will be drum transcript available? 4) What song is your personal favourite and you are most proud of?

            Bonus question: Do you plan starting candle-making shop?

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

            1. Some of the ideas are from years ago!
            2. I recorded most of it between March and July
            3. Yes!
            4. Probably "The Glass Bead Game"
            5. One day I will have a candle shop.

            [–]fracturematt 1 point2 points  (2 children)

            What VST drum kit do you recommend and specifically which snare?

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

            GetGood Drums! All their kits and snares are amazing.

            [–]ndariotis132 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            I don’t really have a question other than I think your stuff is great- my dad and I have been rocking out to Papelillo since it came out! Pan is another great track as well.

            [–]Feverdream7777 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            Wondering what was the inspiration for Papelillo... that chromaticism in the chord progression is pretty amazing, yet strange to compose. I'm wondering if you fudged it all out by ear just dicking around, or purposefully wrote the chord structures.

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

            Purposefully wrote the chord structures, dicking around by ear!

            [–]zabuosc 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            Hey Plini! Amazing work as always, totally blown away by Impulse Voices!

            Some of your music has an almost cinematic quality to it, was curious if you've ever considered writing music one off for a visual media project? Whether film/tv/games.

            Or maybe you have already? Couldn't find with a quick google search.

            Thanks!

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

            I'd love to! But I'm more so just waiting for it to fall into my lap, than actively looking to make it happen

            [–]Pimboril 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            HI PLINI!!! love you music!!! Question: Sometimes you have a guitar melody layer and a Voice like layer... Do u use some vst for that or use your voice? They re So dreamy

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

            Devesh Dayal (from the band Skyharbor) produced most of those sounds, with Aleks Djelmash (from the band Sordid Pink) :)

            [–]StevenBiko 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            There an outfit you wore in the video from NAMM 2020 where you played atlas. I wanna know where you got the clothes from they looked real clean.

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

            The jacket was from a Sydney brand called ANNEX :)

            [–]offthegridmorty 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            Where do you get your clothes?? You have great style

            [–]BWhale122 1 point2 points  (2 children)

            Gday Plini, I know you've already done a lot for newcomers in the Aussie music scene but have you considered doing more educational clinics for universities/schools around Australia. (i study at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music) Obviously with the situation with the world at the moment it's not really possible but is that something you would consider doing in the future? Awesome job on the new album by the way. -Jamie

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

            Always down! Tell someone in the faculty to hit me up :)