Having treated us to his warm and uplifting single 'Remember' earlier this year, half-Swedish, half-Greek songwriter, musician and producer Plàsi has now returned to deliver his highly-anticipated third EP 'Where I Belong'.
Blending intricate layers of production with his own beautiful and wistful vocals, this new collection looks to unveil a brighter and more uplifting side to his direction. Bold and vibrant throughout, 'Where I Belong' makes for a truly gorgeous listen, filled with euphoria and whimsy from start to finish.
So with his new release now in our hands, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what led him to this point in time.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The drums were the first instrument that caught my attention. I started taking classes at the age of ten and did that continuously for five years.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
If I look at music that has inspired me it’s very hard to pick one artist or band as it’s an ongoing process. Artists such as Asgeir, Passenger, Blanco White, Sufjan Stevens - the list is long. Looking back on my lyrics though, I would say that I am inspired by memories and shared experiences. I love to reminisce and add melodies to lived moments rather than basing it on fantasies about the future. Perhaps I should try to be more forward looking, but so far the past has been a prominent inspiration.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Like most kids I went through phases of radical change, which was reflected in my music taste. My taste shifted from boy bands such as Five to becoming a big fan of rappers like Eminem. After that I went through a more punk rock phase when I would constantly put on a CD of Sum 41 or Green Day. The next shift was toward soul music such as Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and John Legend. Singer/songwriters caught my attention when I started to put more value in lyrics, and I began to listen to a lot of Swedish artists such as Lars Winnerbäck.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
After attending a specialised music program during my teenage years, I took a five year break to pursue other interests at university. One song that reignited my passion again was “Me In You” by Kings of Convenience. It was on repeat during my last semester and made me realise that the easiest way to engage with people’s emotions was to just stay as close as possible and connect. No need for overdone production. Yourself, a guitar, and a microphone might just be enough.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Acoustic Indie Folk. Especially at the start of the day I love to stay down to earth with stripped back production that enhances the pure taste of my morning coffee.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
If I define people in my life as only the ones I know in person, then at least 18 of the 26 songs that I’ve released so far are about them specifically. The rest of the songs are about specific feelings, a phenomena or groups of people I often think of but don’t know in person.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
There have been many invaluable moments while being on the road, supporting acts such as Henry Jamison, José Gonzáles, and Hollow Coves. However, if I had to choose one moment, the feeling of seeing a queue for my first headline gig in Berlin is something I will never forget.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I really enjoy football, and follow a few teams actively around Europe.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
l think I would have taken more of an entrepreneurial path, thinking of ideas that could help others in the world. I don’t believe that you can only pursue one thing in your life, so who knows - maybe one day I will find a way to explore this interest!
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
Don’t forget to socialise or pursue other interests outside of music. With the lack of social contact, it can be hard to get into the flow of writing again. I normally find inspiration in unexpected moments and chance encounters. Now I don’t have that I’ve had to challenge myself to find beauty elsewhere, whether that’s been through conversations with friends and family or researching new topics. I’ve put more value on all the small things I have around me.
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Plàsi's new EP 'Where I Belong' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.