The enigmatic and elusive Plain Mister Smith returned on the 3rd of November with a new single in ‘El Presidente’, featuring singer-songwriter and producer Findlay Brown on vocals. Based between Vancouver and London, this musician is mysterious and only occasionally visible, concealing his features underneath a globular headpiece and pinstripe suit. Plain Mister Smith has carved out his own niche in the indie-folk genre with his witty songwriting and incredible musicality. A former guitarist for Canadian Electronic band Moev, he also currently has his hands full playing the cello in the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. Accelerating his momentum, the track has already premiered and received support from NOCTIS Mag.
Read our interview with him below:
Walk us through your creative process?
Meander around on the guitar until a riff/collection of chords sparks my ear; develop this and see if I can turn it something strong, then throw a kitchen sink of drums/cello/bass/baritone and analog synths in there to soup it up. Usually the vocal melody and lyrics come last.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Smiths/Jarvis Cocker/Air.
What instruments do you play?
Cello/guitar/drums/bass/synths.
What would you like to work with if you weren’t a musician?
I have huge admiration for great dancers.
Whats one piece of gear you can’t live without? What equipment are you using?
Cello.
Tell us something unrelated to music. What are your hobbies?
Trying to learn languages like Japanese…it’s so complex that as I remember some letters I forget the ones initially learned…I’m therefore caught in a never ending learning cycle…
If you could meet one performer/artist who would it be?
Bryce Dressner of the National – amazing musician and composer in his own right.
What does the future hold for you as an artist?
Hoping lots of great collaborations and having fun supporting the music with cool visuals!
Stream ‘El Presidente’ below:
Follow Plain Mister Smith:
Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
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