This time, we get to know Plummy. His track "Stop" is now featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
𝟭. Where are you from and what is your hobby?
Born and raised in Minnesota. I've lived here my whole life (except for a brief stint at North Dakota State University). I would say music is probably my biggest hobby, but it almost feels like something more. I love listening to new music, old music, discussing music with anyone willing to, playing guitar, writing, arranging, and producing. I've also been trying to learn more about music theory, which has been really fun and interesting, because it explains the "why?" behind a lot of how music works. It adds a whole new layer to my love for music. I'm also a huge baseball fan (Minnesota Twins) and really miss going to the ballpark on a warm summer afternoon. Hope that the pandemic settles down enough at some point this summer so I can go again.
𝟮. How did your get into music?
My love for music started when I was very young. My mom had all of the Queen, The Who and Beatles albums on cassette tapes (remember those?). They were so cool, because they had these little booklets inside with all of the lyrics to each song, which band member wrote each track, artwork, etc... She would play them all the time and pointed out little nuances of songs, like, "Listen to how hard he hits the drums here, listen to the guitar harmonies here, listen to his voice in the background singing this." I think that she helped me listen to music in a whole new way, where I would play a song the whole way through and only listen to the bass, or drums, or whatever. Not the "main stuff."
I did make a few silly little songs on the computer when I was younger, but with no sense of timing or key or structure. Just silly improv with a guitar and my voice. In 2019, I decided to try actually writing a song, and producing as professionally as I could. That's when I really gained an appreciation for the engineering side of things. I realized how much work goes into making music sound great.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
Definitely all of those big classic rock bands. Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd. I listened to nothing but those guys for way too long. Then I discovered Radiohead, and that expanded my musical tastes for the better. I also love Frank Ocean, alt-j, Kanye West, and the modern psychedelic sounds of Tame Impala, Grizzly Bear, MGMT, and that kind of stuff.
4. What are you goals in the music industry?
Right now, I just want to get to the point where I can grow my skills as a producer, engineer, and writer to put out an album that a few people enjoy. Obviously, it would be really sweet to have a song blow up and have everyone in the world know Plummy. But I don't really want the pressures and lifestyle of constant touring or anything like that.
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
Madison Square Garden would be an amazing place. A lot of great concerts happened there, I think the energy would be incredible. Red Rocks Amphitheatre would be really cool too. And then there's Target Field, in my hometown. Either of those places would be a life changing experience for me.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
Well, that is a really difficult choice, because it realistically changes every couple of days. But if I had to pick, I would say Dogs by Pink Floyd. Everything about it is so good - the lyrics are sad but true (especially the older I get and more I experience life), the music is incredible, and it has what is probably my favorite guitar solo ever (it's the third one if you're wondering). It's also pretty incredible how they can keep a 17 minute song changing while flowing perfectly and not get boring at all.
7. Most embarrassing moment?
I remember being in 2nd grade or something, and we were taking turns reading a book out loud. I read ahead a little and saw the word "embracing" and wanted to look cool and smart for knowing how to pronounce such a big word. So I raised my hand to volunteer my voice for the next section, and proudly read "it was such an embracing moment for me." Of course the teacher says "It's pronounced 'embarrassing'" and the whole class laughs. The irony was delicious. I still think about this at night.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
I would say my wife and kids, and the family and life that we've built so far. I struggled in college early on. I might have been too young or immature. My my wife (girlfriend at the time) stuck by me through everything and helped me find something to study that I actually enjoyed. And I was able to turn things around and succeed. Now we have a very comfortable life and amazing family that I wouldn't trade for anything.
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
I have pretty low confidence in myself. When I put out music, or meet new people, I get afraid of what they might think. I was a lot more shy back in the day, but I have learned to push past it. I get really nervous doing the New Artist Spotlight Podcast each week, but doing it also helps me by getting me out of my comfort zone. Same with my job, where I'm pretty much constantly talking to people in our organization.
𝟭𝟬. What is your dream collaboration?
Pretty much any of my influences I listed above. But if I had to pick one, I would say Kanye West. I feel like we could make an absolute BANGER together. We'd get super famous too. Kanye, if you're reading this (which you likely are), please message me on instagram. Thank you.
Stream "Stop" now
and follow his socials
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plummymusic
Instagram: instagram.com/plummymusic
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