PLASTIQ

Electronic alt-pop surrealists Quartz Pistol and Moses Carr come together for the newly experimental project ‘Plastiq’. Under the new moniker the duo are set to release their debut single ‘Killer,’ an avant-garde experience that discusses the dichotomy between the human desire for power or purpose.

Plastiq first came together through their shared love of apocalyptic sci-fi, modern art, and an appreciation of natures intelligence and complexity.. Through these elements born was their unique aesthetic that is emulated throughout their musical style.

With previous experience making visual art and music videos, Quartz and Moses have shaped the unique foundation of Plastiq off the back of visual art forms. Where they have both esteemed/disciplined artists performed prior to this project, Plastiq is where they are able to unleash their artistic range and theatrical sensibilities. Moses’ proficient technical skills and musicianship form the solid sonic bed that allows Quartz Pistol to vocalise and embody the various archetypes present in each song.

Coming off the back of their first live performance supporting Empress, Plastiq received astronomical praise. Creating a unique and thrilling show that not only engaged the audience but took them on an otherworldly journey through their careful curation of each song, which were interwoven into each other. Their live performance encapsulates all facets of the project through their multidisciplinary world including fashion and styling as well as visual art.

Forged out of lockdown, ‘Killer’ began with Moses’ concepts of stardust, the cosmos and tiny particles forming monolithic structures; then combined with Quartz’ real world experience out in nature. A back and forth convergence brought all their core ingredients of the song to life. Moses’ signature accordion, lush synth melodies then combined with heavy thumping drums. The vocals are electronically processed, resampled and effected in many ways throughout the song to convey different meanings and to give a unique feeling of different perspectives all communicating with one another. The melodies are instantly infectious and the subject matter is considered and important, allowing for deeper contemplation.

‘Killer’ bends the expectations of the listener, through unexpected textures colliding with the ingredients of a good pop tune, and undeniably strong hooks that carry a deeper underlying message. Through the eclectic sounds of Hyper-pop, Hiphop and Dance Music, Plastiq are able to articulate a song that touches on the broad spectrum of the natural worlds beauty, complexity and ultimately its collapse in all its musical essence.

The project is heavily reliant on a captivating visual world born out of discussions around how the key musical properties could be expressed. The visual content surrounding ‘Killer’ was created by Adelaide based cinematographer and visual artist CAPITAL WASTE. Plastiq are fascinated by the intersections of old and new technology. CAPITAL WASTE encapsulates this by the use of media tools such as photogrammetry, visual production, motion capture and analogue video art.

Through the video clip Moses and Quartz explore their shared grief for biodiversity loss and pain inflicted on this planet in recent times. As Capitalism distracts us from custodianship and responsibility, Plastiq imagines possible futures, urging the powers at play to see the importance of being part of Earth's ecology. This ideal serves as the underlying premise in creating their world visually and musically.