A Quick Chat with Plastiq

Can you tell us a bit about your new single 'doubt (wow)'
‘doubt (wow)’ was born from a moment of personal betrayal, quickly expanding into a powerful critique of global leadership and the relentless spin of politicians and media. The song’s raw lyricism is a rallying cry, inspired by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the failure of so-called global “guardians” to enact meaningful change. “There is ‘No competence amongst our gods’, but the people are becoming more aware: ‘We form a crowd, now we’re so loud. Can’t shut us down, they’re feeling our power’,” Plastiq share. The title itself is a double-edged sword: “Doubt” in the intentions of world leaders and “wow”, a stunned, visceral response to the chaos and atrocities playing out on the world stage.

The soundscape of ‘doubt (wow)’ is classic bombastic portal-hopping Plastiq. With bold 2000s drums paired with growly bass lines creating the world for Quartz Pistol’s lush vocal layers to create a choral experience mixed with ballad-like auto-tune vocals. The production grows to a cinematic, larger-than-life climax, with Quartz Pistol’s chant joined by epic second-line drums, 808s and rave-inspired synths. The sounds and lyrics encapsulate a genre-bending anthem built for a world in flux.

Your project has expanded from a duo to a trio, how did that come about?
Our initial formation as a duo (Moses Carr and Quartz Pistol) was an experiment during covid to generate music and send files back and forth in 2020. We soon realised this was its own project with its own identity and we both wanted to present our music with a distinct visual language. CAPITAL WASTE has been quintessential to helping us realise this vision. His enthusiasm and support was immense from the start and he has played a crucial role in the project by creating the digital realms in Unreal Engine, forming our digital doubles, crafting all the music videos in virtual space and getting behind the lens for all of the photoshoots (certainly makes it a bit tricky now that he has to be in the photos too!). It was a natural progression integrating him into the project officially as he is very much a core component. We are now excited to have him perform on stage with us as ‘Time Being’ the all-seeing enlightened time traveller.

Let's dive into the music video. The clip for 'doubt (wow)' is incredible. How was it created?
We received in-kind use of the studios at Immersive Light and Art (ILA) in Adelaide as part of their Artist Fund Quick Response Program. ILA is a multi-purpose experimental space with a massive LED virtual production studio which we used to shoot the music video. We wanted to put a spin on the classic 2000s sexy music video; think cars, wind, singing to camera and self-assured rizz. The virtual backdrop takes place in the 3D Plastiq World created in Unreal Engine by CAPITAL WASTE. During the shoot someone would operate the 3D world with a joystick while filming would take place.

All of your videos are in what appears to be an apocalyptic world. Can you describe what it'd be like to inhabit this place?
Ssticky, lonely, lifeless, quiet – This world is an imagined future if we were to continue on the path we are on today. Biodiversity and all its integrated, complex life – lost to the reign of corporations.

What is the message you're hoping people will get out of this track?
The colonial authorities that run this world are incompetent!
The people are sick of destruction – the constant attacks on all life forms!
We are rising up and they are feeling our power, shaking in their little boots.

And last question, what have you got planned next?
Supersonic – We are so excited to perform at Tarntanya (Adelaide’s) Light and Art Festival ‘Illuminate’ on July 19 as part of Supersonic
Plastiq World Event – An intimate full production Plastiq performance with all the hand-made merch, costumes and props on display, even a bespoke Plastiq cocktail
Abs n Liam lookin after their chooks (ongoing) Haberdashery is in respite
We are working on a concept album, which will also be a live show – an apocalyptic fairytale from the Anthropocene.