Music Q&A with PLEXXAGLASS
Photo courtesy of PLEXXAGLASS
On-the-rise nonbinary artist, PLEXXAGLASS, recently announced details of their debut album, WHERE IS YOUR GOD, KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW? The dark, haunting, and ethereal pop music will be listened to by fans across the musical spectrum, once they give ANY song a listen because that’s how good these songs are! PLEXXAGLASS recently took some time to answer some questions about their latest singles, their experience working with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, when they decided to create music, and more! PLEXXAGLASS’ debut album, WHERE IS YOUR GOD, KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW? will be out on October 28th!
Congratulations on the release of “Tall”! While delivering an important message, lyrically, it seems like many people could relate to it. When you started working on that song, what was that day like? How long did it take to write the lyrics?
I remember starting “Tall” while I was still on the clock at my day job. I would hide under the receptionist desk and record quick voice memos as it came to me. Once I finally got out of work, I started to expand on the snippets I came up with under the desk. I was so excited about this song, that I just started riffing it in my car (where a lot of my songs are born). A lot of “Tall” came from my job reopening some of my trauma wounds with abusive, narcissistic leadership attempting to gaslight me at every turn, and push me out of the role I had built for myself. Once I sat down at my piano to do the bulk of the initial demo, it became a catharsis for my deepest trauma.
You released another single prior to “Tall” titled “Lilith”. Mike Shinoda is a legend for a lot of people that grew up with Linkin Park. What was it like being able to collaborate with him on this song?
To be honest, it was a bit scary! It’s not a unique experience, most artists put themselves in their work, but my music is super personal, and because of that, a lot of trust has been earned from the folks who are apart of my team on this project. Kevin Billingslea, who has produced every other song besides “Lilith”, earned this trust from me rather quickly, but it’s been 5 years of history between us. Of course, I’m a huge fan of Mike, and it was incredibly flattering, not to mention, validating to have him want to work with me, but I was nervous. I sat on an unfinished version of the song for years because I was intimidated to write a song that carried so much power in its storytelling. It’s really up there in terms of writing, with my favorite works of mine, for me. That being said, I could not be more thrilled with Mike’s producing of the song! He is such a musician’s musician, and I truly believe he has no limitations as far as style/genre. He’s incredible and the song is everything I could have hoped. It’s perfect.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My mom is a big musical theater buff, so singing was a huge part of my upbringing. I was likely around 3 years old, watching Disney movies and old musicals, and singing along to every word.
When did you realize you wanted to create music?
I definitely was, regretfully so, late to my real start at writing my own music. I started toying with the idea at around 21/22, but didn’t actually start to educate myself on the ins and outs of how to make it a career until several years later. I honestly think I always wanted to do it, but was unfortunately discouraged by mentors who likely thought I was too sensitive for such a cut-throat career. I pursued acting right out of high school instead, but obviously found my way back to music when I realized that the acting world wasn’t the right fit for me.
Who has been your favorite band/artist to see live?
I’m a huge fan of Regina Spektor and have seen her several times. I’m going to see Bon Iver for a second time this weekend. I also think fondly of seeing Pink on tour when I was a teenager— I’m pretty sure that show started planting seeds of wanting to do this.
If you were to do a cover set of one artist at a show, who would it be?
Wow— what a great question. Probably James Blake. I’m really obsessed with his artistry.
If you were an instrument, what would you be and why?
This is such an abstract question— I love it! I’ve always been fascinated with the harp.
What is your favorite thing about making music?
It’s really hard to pick, but now that I actually have a listenership compromising of people other than my close friends and family, I’ve enjoyed connecting with my listeners (my aliens) so much. Other than that, being in the studio is an indescribably euphoric part of what I do. I even think I prefer the recording process to live shows, if I’m being honest.
How do you stay positive? What helps you?
If I’m keeping it 100%— I normally don’t stay positive… lol. I’m a pretty innately gloom and doom person, being mentally ill, being trans and queer… it’s really tough, but this year has brought me an actual listenership, and that has helped keep me going. Knowing that my music is actually cherished by people I’ve never met before is amazing. Whatever happens next, I’ll keep that with me for my darkest days.
Any last words or final message for the readers?
The entire genesis of PLEXXAGLASS came from a feeling of not belonging within the norms of society. That feeling of “other”, and I know there are a lot of artists, who are far more well-known, that offer a safe place for us. I know that you have many choices when it comes to music that makes you feel less alone. If you happen to stumble upon mine, know that you are cherished. Know that you are loved beyond measure. Know that you are accepted exactly as you are. You are a perfect alien.