An Interview with Ben Plant of Miami Horror: we talk new album, the secret to kickass collaborations, Grand Theft Auto

It’s been too long, yes too damn long! Five long years to be exact since Aussie electronic group Miami Horror released their hot debut, 2010’s Illumination, and while it has stood the test of time we are stoked to hear new music from them. Their follow up full-length All Possible Futures just dropped via Haven Sounds/Dine Alone Records on April 21, 2015. The new album keeps things eclectic and electrifying – featuring serious synth-funk, post-disco, dance-pop chops, across 15 tracks, that has caught our ears and attention. From the moment you wake and bake (cue “Real Slow”) to when your feet hit the dance floor (cue “Wild Motion”) or when you get your after hours drink on and stumble these LA streets (cue “Into the Night”), Miami Horror’s new album, All Possible Futures has a perfect song to suit your mood or get you into the groove of this simultaneously laid-back yet fast paced LA life. The soundtrack of the summer has surely arrived.

To find out more about the magic behind All Possible Futures we chatted with Ben Plant Of Miami Horror on why Los Angeles was a key component to the success of the new album, Grand Theft Auto, the secret to kickass musical collaborations and more. Read on!

GG: How did the writing/recording process differ on your second album, All Possible Futures, versus your debut album, Illumination?

BP: Well, we felt like we had production down so we decided to focus a lot more on learning about songwriting. We learnt a lot about our favorite classic songs, chord progressions, structure, the stories behind them, etc. Then we used that knowledge to write from a new angle. We also wrote from a more introspective place – from our personal experiences as opposed to external concepts, like the first album. Stylistically we’ve gone for more of a group sound as opposed to dance production too.

GG: You guys record APF in Los Angeles and Melbourne. Several reviews of the new single, “Love Like Mine,” pick up on some serious Summer-time vibes – conjuring up images of palm trees, pool parties, etc. Do you feel this is a direct result of recording in LA and Melbourne? Tell us about how the various recording locations influenced the sound on APF.

BP: I definitely think LA had an influence on the sound of the album. A lot of our favorite artists from the ’70s and ’80s had written albums here that have a certain sound to them, and a lot of similar artists in this genre who live here also have that sound to them. I find the constant sun and visual style of LA makes you more laid back in general, whereas Melbourne keeps you in check. Heading back to Melbourne four months a year let me see the record from another perspective.

GG: What would you say are some similarities and differences between LA and Melbourne?

BP: I don’t really think LA and Melbourne have many similarities. Both cities are pretty cultured and cosmopolitan, otherwise, they are pretty opposite. Melbourne is a lot darker and critical. LA is a little more carefree and colorful. LA is quite huge too, so it’s almost like five small cities in one.

GG: You guys featured some very successful collaborations on your first album with Kimbra and Neon Indian. APF features guest spots from Sarah Chernoff and Cleopold. What would you say is the secret to a fruitful and kickass collaboration?

BP: I personally like to get people to work out of their comfort zone – there is more likeliness of something really original and special occurring.

GG: You guys mention the importance of making something permanent in this day and age of throwaway consumption and one-off hits, which was a key focus when it came to the production process on this album. What album(s)/band(s), from your personal music collections, have had the effect, where they have grown on you over time and you find yourselves going back to it again and again?

BP: Originally it was albums like Discovery by Daft Punk but these days bands like Tame Impala would be a good example. Their albums are more important than any individual song. They tell the story and aren’t based on trends so much.

GG: “Sometimes” was a track that was part of the Grand Theft Auto V Soundtrack. Do you have anything up your sleeve for the sixth installment?

BP: Yes we were super stoked to get on GTA, it was one of my favorite games growing up. Whether we’re on the next one is all up to Rockstar Games!

Words/Interview: Emily Saex

Miami Horror – “Love Like Mine” feat. Cleopold

All Possible Futures Track Listing:
1. American Dream
2. Real Slow (featuring Sarah Chernoff)
3. Love Like Mine
4. Cellophane (So Cruel)
5. Wild Motion
6. (Into the Night)
7. Colours in the Sky
8. All It Ever Was
9. (Maybe I Need You)
10. Out of Sight
11. Stranger
12. Who Is Gonna Save Us
13. (Happy Without You)
14. Another Rise, Another Fall
15. Forever Ever

Miami Horror North American Tour Dates:
5/23 – Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ
5/24 – Neon Desert Festival – El Paso, TX
5/26 – Larimer – Denver, CO
5/29 – Crocodile – Seattle, WA
5/30 – Electric Owl – Vancouver, BC
5/31 – Holocene – Portland, OR
6/03 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA
6/04 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
6/05 – The Roxy – Los Angeles, CA – GET TICKETS!
6/19 – U Hall – Washington, DC
6/20 – The Dolphin (DJ Set) – Philadelphia, PA
6/23 – Rough Trade – Brooklyn, NY
6/24 – The Sinclair – Boston, MA
6/25 – Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC
6/26 – Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
6/28 – Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI
6/30 – Schubas – Chicago, IL