PLGRMS, the collaboration between Sydney-based artists Jonathan Bowden and Jacob Pearson, have produced some of the most consistently premium indie electronica in Australia, racking up millions of spins across streaming services and international radio stations.
Pearson’s struggles with chronic back pain sadly forced the duo into a brief hiatus, but they’re back in 2020 with “Disappear”, a fantastically dreamy new single that shows none of their magic has been lost during their absence.
We spoke to Pearson, the voice of PLGRMS, about their latest track and why it’s just a hint of even greater things to come from the project.
Best Before: “Disappear” is a beautiful track accompanied by an equally beautiful music video. It’s exquisitely shot – very evocative and even a bit haunting. What inspired its direction?
PLGRMS: For visuals, we were pretty set on the theme of submersion — something very simple and minimal to depict the act of disappearing and reappearing as a metaphor. But by the time we saw the final cut, we were blown away by a real cinematic experience. So we owe that praise to the production team.
You’ve described “Disappear” as being about the struggle towards self-actualisation, that “almost drowning is what it takes for us to learn how to swim.” Does that have any parallels with your 2019 experience with chronic pain?
It does. But I find new meanings in my own words all the time. It’s really surprising how lyrics are the result of subconscious feelings and how prophetic that process can become.
“Disappear” was brought to life with the help of some real industry heavyweights: Ross James, Dan Grech and Luke Davison. What a dream team! What was the production process like?
It was probably the blueprint for how all PLGRMS songs should be made. Everything seemed to coincide with chance. The whole process was just the right amount of chaos and control.
COVID-19 has been particularly devastating for musicians in Australia. What’s the first thing you wanna do once things ease up?
Live shows. Releasing music is just not the same without that experience.
Anything new from PLGRMS on the horizon?
We have a new song on the boil and it will be out even sooner than we anticipated.
Watch the cathartic visuals for “Disappear” here: