Plasmic
Plasmic recently released her latest single “Ghosted You” and wow, what a record. I’m obsessed with the production. The combination of modern pop and 80’s new wave got me excited and inspired. The drums and the synths are absolutely brilliant. The more you listen to it, the more you love it.
Plasmic is not only an amazing songwriter and vocalist, she’s also a brilliant Artist who truly has a vision and who’s not afraid to break the norm. An incredible talent.
“Ghosted You” is phenomenal. Go stream it now !!
Photo credit: Scott Free
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I'm Plasmic, a Producer, songwriter and vocalist from Los Angeles CA,
I was always enamored with piano and creating melodies from the age of 6. I started producing with the DAW Studio One at 15 and never looked back.
What did you grow up listening to?
I loved stealing my parents' tapes and CD's. One of those was Tango In the Night by Fleetwood mac. I was also obsessed with Britney Spears. I never really liked what my peers were listening to. My music taste has always been weird and still is. I loved Kiss, Rob Zombie, Olivia Newton-Jon, Daft Punk, Devo, Iron Maiden and Enya to name a few...
As I entered high school I discovered artists like Bjork, The Prodigy, Gorillaz, MGMT, and so many more that inspired and shaped my music creation.
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music? What was the biggest challenge when you first started?
I was fortunate to have gained some experience singing in bands at the Music Factory Ran by Danny Thompson from Face To Face. I enjoyed singing in bands. We played a lot of Rock & Metal covers but I still felt something was missing. Seeing artists like Grimes control a stage like a full band really inspired me to take the plunge and start playing gigs as Plasmic. I craved full power and creativity over my art, and I figured I couldn't do that being a conventional band. Being the "rocker girl" singer was too easy.
When did you know you were good at what you were doing?
I always felt like people were lying to me when I played in band recitals. They'd tell me my voice was incredible and that I would be a star, typical praise. I didn't start to believe that until I played my own shows as Plasmic, because for the first time I was using MY voice singing MY songs. I still struggle with imposter syndrome from time to time, but then I'm like "Bitch you opened for Soft Cell and Missing Persons! Shut up"
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents are both musical and met working at Guitar Center Hollywood. They have always been my biggest supporters even though my Dad made me learn everything on my own, (laughs). Thank god for Youtube. My mom who knows 0 music theory was the first to teach me a song on Piano with online tutorials. Both their parenting methods taught me to be independent and figure shit out. My dad drove me to all my shows and did my sound when I was 17. My parents are great, not sure why I'm so messed up in the head.
"Ghosted You" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this record?
It's not your average Love song. I tend to hate love songs, so I wrote my version. I really wanted to tell both sides of being ghosted and paint a picture of unrequited queer love. I was heavily inspired by Kate Bush and wanted to do something that mixed modern day pop with 80's new wave.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song ? Who helped you create it?
I had originally created the song myself using my daw and Omnisphere, then lost it to a hard drive malfunction. I was depressed AF! Finaly, a song that my mgmt really liked and I fucking lost it. They suggested I work with Martin Cooke, A producer and mixing engineer who had worked with Death Cab For Cutie and Of Mice & Men. I'll be honest, I was so hesitant. I had never let anyone into my songwriting process. It was a big deal for me to just say "I know I'm good, but I'm allowed to ask for help. My biggest insecurity has always been that people don't take me seriously and that being independent was all I had to back that up. I couldn't be happier recreating this track with Martin. He brought all my ideas to life and made invaluable suggestions based on his years of experience. We had a blast collaborating, and I'm so lucky to have worked with him.
What did you feel when writing "Ghosted You"?
Freshly ghosted and angry at the world, I Too was browsing dating apps and doing what had just been done to me. I'm not proud of ghosting the cutest girls ever but we all do shitty things to cope. This song is my apology and accountability, but I hope it also frames the feelings of not being liked back. My favorite line is "Go live your life, while I try to sleep" I'm just a depressed loser begging you to forget about me like a ghost.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
I hope people find closure or power in being single. Whether you've ghosted someone or have been ghosted, you can't let it stop you. Being in a healthy relationship now, I feel like I was just as powerful before. We all die alone so get comfortable with yourself.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The inner saboteur really fucks with my head. Scrolling Instagram sucks too. I think it gets to a point where you’ve been rejected so many times that you question yourself. A lot of artists tend to change what they’re doing to get accepted and that’s when you make the shittiest songs.
The best feeling is finding people who connect with what you’re doing and celebrate you for just being yourself. When I get on that stage I forget about all the bullshit. Performing truly is my therapy.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What message do you want to give to women out there?
It’s super weird. I’m either seen as a joke or some promoters opportunity to seem progressive. I feel like I’m often underestimated, and it’s like…fuck you only I get to be mean to me!
Thankfully I have found my community. When I first moved to LA I found this artist named Belly Belt and have been obsessed since. I started out as just a fan and It still blows my mind that we play shows together now and have a friendship. Grateful for all the amazing women I have met along the way like Celeste X and Nastya Valentine. This industry wants us all to kill each other for the male gaze but I prefer banding together and stomping it out with my friends. My advice is stick together and never compete.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think the best thing to happen will be when the old gatekeepers in the Industry get replaced. I’m seeing a lot of my friends get radio and media jobs and I’m actually pretty hopeful for the future. I think change is happening and if people would give the underground attention, they’d see it’s 100% better on our side. But if industry plots are your thing, go off I guess.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I’m turning 27 this year and been playing shows since I was 17. I feel like the greatest thing I have learned is to not compare myself to anyone and that almost every artist feels just as shitty as you. Social media is fake and the ones that are making it have money to back it up so if you aren’t able to finance it be proud of yourself for backing it up with just being good. It’s all a luck and numbers game so try not to get sucked into it and just enjoy making the music that’s important to you.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Everyone needs more empathy and kindness. If you put your self in someone else’s shoes chances are any of your prejudice will fade.
What message do you want to give to the queer community?
There's no right or wrong way to be yourself. If you don't fit into your community then it's their problem. You'll find your people by being authentic and true to yourself. The weirder, the better.
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