Rock Monsters Romania

The quarantine was a really hard period for bands and artist. We talked to some bands from all over the world to see the real effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in music.

Today we talk to Elina Pasok, the artistic director of alt indie duo Plastic Barricades. Romantic and honest, gloomy and curious, melodic and melancholic, Plastic Barricades chronicle life in the troubled yet fascinating XXI century, asking questions and trying to find answers. Based between London and Paris, Plastic Barricades are Dan Kert on guitars and vocals and Paul Love on drums and production. Inspired and influenced by almighty Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Coldplay, Muse, Death Cab for Cutie, Placebo, Snow Patrol, The Shins, Nirvana and many others, the band loves to experiment with styles, sound and approach.

How can you describe the changes generated by the pandemic in the band’s activity?

The good news is that our new album release date is on the 23-d of November. “Self-Theories” is an album about despair and hope, anxiety and optimism, lack of self-esteem and active search for it, maladies of the modern world, our responsibilities and reinventing ourselves for the sake of a brighter future.

Dan and I are based in London and Paul is in Paris. Creatively, there’s a lot of texting and fresh idea file transfers, and definitely not enough jam sessions. We’ve started a new video-call tradition of having weekend pancake breakfasts together when we discuss all the things the album is about.

What daily activity did you miss the most during quarantine?

I still miss the theatre and art shows. I miss going on tour and hearing PB live. The little things: a sense of adventure, exploring new cities and playing silly games in the tour van. As much as I love movies, I definitely miss the gigs and shows where you can feel raw energy on stage, even if it’s in an old smelly pub with a sticky floor.

Were there any pluses for this period without concerts?

We had unique online-experiences that couldn’t have happened otherwise. For example, Bed Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, was livestreaming from the other side of the world. It was a very intimate experience even though thousands of people were watching with us. He’d tell us bed-time stories (it was night-time in UK), sing to us and we all knew we’ll be alright. We felt better and we felt connected.

How does it feel to return to some normalcy?

When your world is turning upside down – step outside, change your perspective and have a look from a distance. This is the message I tried to convey with the album artwork. The protagonist’s world is flipped and he’s looking at the madness from afar. We have the potential to become kinder, smarter and more creative.
I recommend listening to two previously released tracks “Tunnel” and “Optimist”. I trust we can find solutions for the most difficult situations, there’s always a way.

I hope we all had a chance to reflect on our lives and on our cities. We’ve been doing things in a certain way for decades, but it doesn’t mean it was the best way. We had a hard push towards growing trends in remote learning, working at home and sustainable shopping. I find it inspiring there’s a surge in online classes and a drop in air pollution and in fast-fashion retail.
I root for “better”, not “normal”.

What plans have you got for the rest of 2020?

I like autumn, there are fewer temptations to go outside and more motivation to brew fragrant coffee and make something tangible. The plan is to start working on a new music video. It will probably be for “Weightless”, my favourite track on the album. As for the rest of the year, our studio is never quiet – Dan is working on new songs as we speak.

Do you have any message for the bands or artists who are still in lockdown/quarantine?

What was the one thing that people were drawn to during the lockdown? It was Art. Everyone needed music, tv shows, movies, games. People needed solace and entertainment.
When things get tough, be brave and make art. Write music and show it to people, there is an audience, I’m sure. The more we create, the luckier we get.

What message do you have for the people who are going to read this interview?

If you’re not a musician, try it! Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument? There’s never a better time than now. Learn a couple of chords on a ukulele or get yourself a beautiful roadworn Strat. It’s fun, great for your soul and playing an instrument builds new neuron pathways in the brain.
Then show support for your musician friends. Start small by hitting “like and subscribe”, or buy a t-shirt from their webpage. Musicians all around the world are struggling without gigs, show that you care.

Interview by Radu Mihai