Pluto are a successful Pop-Rock band from Auckland.
They look like rock stars. They act like rock stars. They sound like rock stars. So it's no surprise that brilliant new Auckland band Pluto are a bunch of boys who have star written all over them.- Pavement 2000
History
Early Days
Pluto began in New Zealand in 1994. But after two years the band left for London, and as Johnny Custard they attempted to find fame in Germany. A disastrous tour ensued, a tour from which the band did not survive. Key members, Milan Borich and Tim Arnold went back to London and continued writing together. It was during this period that many of the songs, which now appear on Redlight Syndrome, were written.
Tim and Milan worked acoustically during their remaining time in London, writing and discovering.
Returning to New Zealand in 1999, Milan and Tim began recording some of the great tracks that would eventually become Redlight Syndrome. The next year was spent touting these recordings to local record companies and completing a lineup.
Antenna Records
After signing to Antenna Recordings, Pluto released their debut EP A1A2, in September 2000. The EP was a stand-alone success as Pluto enjoyed continued success on student radio and Channel Z.
Candy Arse is my favourite of this bunch, standing out like a thistle among the flowers with it?s twisted samples and raw vocal cacophony. Pavement 2000
While recording, they met Matthias Jordan whose work as a jazz pianist is quite phenomenal. The addition of Matt's keyboards to Pluto's music has helped make it the distinctive sound we hear today. Matt brought a new level of musicianship to what Milan and I were trying to do says Tim.
The talented trio then saw the addition of Michael Franklin Brown who had previously been drummer with New Zealand rock band Head Like A Hole. Then, completing the line up was Mike Hall, of Balance and Brunettes fame.
With this stylish and experienced team there was nothing to stop them taking New Zealand by storm and New Zealand musicians Neil Finn and Bic Runga have been quick to recognise this. Pluto played with Finn on his provincial tour earlier this year.
It's the beginning of something huge, says Tim,
Trivia
Incomplete Section
Members
Michael Franklin Brown - Drums
Mike Hall - Bass / Double Bass
Milan Borich - Guitar / Vocals
Tim Arnold - Guitar / Vocals
Matthias Jordan - Keyboards
Discography
Albums
EP's
Singles
Compilation Appearances
- 2000 - If Licks Could Kill (Antenna Music Compilation) - Moscow Song & Field 11 Cows
- 2001 - Live At Helen's (Compilation) - Hey Little
- 2004 - State Of The Nation (Compilation) - Perfectly Evil
- 2006 - Broken Dreams II (Compilation) - Long White Cross
- 2006 - Rippon 06 (Loop Recordings Compilation) - Dance Stamina
- 2006 - Unleashed 2006 - Dance Stamina
- Triumph - NZ Music Supports The Breast Cancer Research Trust (Compilation) - Hey Little
- Coleman Sessions - Stick With It
Incomplete Section
Relevant Links
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Jan 1994
