Following the release of their brand-new single On & On, Byron Bay’s PLTS (Pilots) have unveiled a run of summer dates.
Backing up their recent performances, PLTS will be returning for a set of special co-headline shows with Brisbane rock band Pro Vita. Coming fresh from their performance at Originals Festival, Pro Vita will be launching a new single and road-testing their recently released track Not Gonna Lie. Drummer Harry Deacon spoke with The Echo about the burgeoning career of this Byron band.
Hi. Tell me about your new single On &On – what is it about? What was the feel you were going for in the studio?
On & On is the first taste of music we’ve released in more than a year. Lyrically, the track evokes a strong sense of nostalgia as it draws inspiration from transitions in life – new places/people/relationships. Sonically, it’s a massive rock-banger, aimed to make you feel good. Instrumentally, it shows the natural progression this band has made over the years. Credit goes to Sydney-based producer JP Fung (Josh Pyke, Last Dinosaurs) who produced, engineered and mixed the track, while maintaining our original vision.
On & On has been called anthemic. What makes a song anthemic, do you think?
I’ve heard that a few times now, and it’s pretty rewarding to hear the connection people are making with the song.
Throughout the writing process we naturally gravitated towards sounds and lyrics that created an uplifting vibe. When I think anthemic I think uplifting, so I guess we ticked that box!
How did you all come to be playing together?
Byron (guitar), Eli (bass) and I grew up in the Byron area and had been playing/touring together in various bands for years. Kit (vocals) was originally from a beautiful coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand before moving to Byron. Somehow (back in 2012) by fate and a mutual love for aircraft and aviation we met, we jammed, and became great friends through music. We’ve since spent a lot of time getting to know each other musically, and it has been amazing to see how far each band member has come in terms of their own personal development.
How does living in Byron shape the kind of music that you play?
This area is a hub for creative/free-thinking people. It seems that a large portion of the population can manage to sustain and thrive doing what they love. Maybe there’s something in the water, or maybe it’s the shit they DON’T put in our water, but there’s something special about this part of the world and the people who are lucky enough to call it home.
As for the music we play… I guess growing up listening to punk/hardcore and being lucky enough to have a really strong music scene here in Byron. Attending events from an early age seems to have embedded a lot of positive attributes in us, as well as allowing us to gain valuable experience. We’ve taken a lot of those DIY ethics and basic elements and applied them to our own music, the result of which you could say has manifested in a DIY approach to the indie/rock music we make.
Who are the acts that have most influenced you?
Between the four of us, there’s a huge number of artists/sounds we take influence from. The list could well fill this entire interview page, so I’ll narrow it down to two main qualities: We take influence from anyone/anything that makes us feel good inside, and inspires us to push ourselves and to do what we do.
What should we expect for your upcoming show at the Hotel Great Northern?
It will be a big step up, and a fresh experience even for those who have seen us live recently. New sounds, good vibes and quality banter. Our Sunshine Coast bros Pro Vita are supporting and will blow you away, if you haven’t seen or heard of them yet. The gig is free, so make sure you come and support local, live music.
Hotel Great Northern Friday 22 January. Free entry.
