Left Circles, the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta, offers a dynamic journey through various rock styles in his hook-laden album, available for pre-order. Pluta, known as the live guitarist for Space Cadet, showcases his versatility as he effortlessly navigates from ‘90s lo-fi to Brit pop to ‘50s folk. With mixing by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and drumming contributions from Kellii Scott (Failure) and Harrison, the album also boasts guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion). Pluta, who also graces the stage as a guitarist for Miserable Neighbor labelmates Space Cadet, shares insights into his single "Bleed It Out," describing its accidental genesis and its role as a beacon of positivity amidst the prevailing negativity of modern times.
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
Left Circles is my solo project, which began in earnest (along with sessions for this album) way back in 2013.
The band name is a tribute to Maggie, my sweet dog who would run in left circles when excited. Her forehead somehow smelled like artificial grape.
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
Several bands, all lost to time and hard drives. I currently play guitar in Space Cadet's live band.
I was in my first band in high school, called Without Warning. One night I got grounded for coming home at 2am, my parents being convinced I'd been partying. But really we'd been recording our 4-track demo, and I'd completely lost track of time.
First concert that you ever went to?
The Monkees! Weird Al opened! So, one of the first things I ever saw in the way of live music was a man singing "Addicted to Spuds" between a pair of dancing Mrs. Potato Heads. My life was changed.
What's your writing process like?
I'm blessed/cursed with an overactive subconscious. Often it feels like I just need to prod it a little by opening my mouth and singing whatever comes out, and a song idea will start to form. I occasionally hear songs in my dreams and, if the timing is right, I wake up right after and take dictation. Once I have the idea, I just follow my instincts with arrangement and words, whatever my id spits out. It's an innate sensibility I feel very lucky to have. Then I craft, craft, craft.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
Jimi Goodwin, "Didsbury Girl"
You can hear the influence of his great band Doves on my song "Our Last Resort." This song is from his wildly varied solo record, which taught me that that was allowed.
Space Cadet, "Forever for a While"
I was a fanboy before I even joined the live band. Matt Hock and Dave Walsh (both also from The Explosion) are incredible songwriters. Matt lent his amazing vocals and clever insights to my record, and it wouldn't exist with him.
The Upstanders, "Dear Daphne (live)"
These guys were the Philly-area band to see circa 2000. I've always been in awe of their energy, their craft, their Charlie Brown-esque affability. They were early supporters of my music, and I'll be forever grateful.
Elbow, "Grounds for Divorce"
Guy Garvey might be the best lyricist on the planet. To drape language across a song so perfectly while painting such vivid pictures is such a gift.
Guided By Voices, "Serene King"
Their excellent, latest song here stands for their enormous influence on me. My album's Side 1 collage approach is pretty much an Alien Lanes ripoff. These days, their better-than-ever albums are produced by Travis Harrison, whom I'm so fortunate to say mixed my record.
They Might Be Giants, "Dead"
Embrace the weird.
Failure, "Pillowhead"
I love this band so much, and Kellii Scott has long been one of my absolute favorite drummers. He'll play on your record for not much money! He drummed on five tracks of mine, and supercharged the album by 1000000%.
Juliana Hatfield, "What Do I Care"
She deliberately avoided any overthinking while making this album. Think it, make it, next song.
Pearl Jam, "In Hiding"
The loose concept of my album all stems from this song.
Tracy Chapman, "Be and Be Not Afraid"
My vocal style has always been a poor imitation of hers. No one's voice can break and lift your heart so gently and fully.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be its own thing?
Shows have been solo up to this point. I like the J Mascis/Bob Mould approach, that a solo show doesn't need to be timid. Whatever a song calls for.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?worst shows?
A fun show I played was at a pop-up gallery to celebrate Daniel Efram's great book about Steve Keene, one of my favorite artists. Steve painted the cover of Pavement's Wowee Zowee. Great space, even better friends. There was a swanky gala happening in the area at the same time, and some people caught A-listers like Paul Rudd passing by. The night was like a weird, cool dream.
What's up next for the band?
Album #2. It's going to be all over the place (again). It should be out much, much sooner than 11 years this time. In the meantime, I'll maybe play some shows…