The pairing of Australian Jane Drewett and American Adrian Guerrero, Plasma Chasms is an indie psych-rock outfit that straddles the sonic boundaries of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dope Lemon and Dead Kennedys.
Adrian brings years of experience playing in a host of alternative, grunge and metal acts in Los Angeles while Jane grew up playing a range of instruments but had never pursued music seriously till crossing paths with Adrian.A mutual love of similar music inspired the pair to plug in and create the kind of music they wanted to hear; they soon found they worked well together and recently released their debut, self-titled EP.
Who is Plasma Chasms... I'm Adrian Guerrero, one half of Plasma Chasms. Began writing and composing music at a young age. Took to playing shows and did the road warrior thing for several years until I burnout.
Didn't think about doing music in that scope again until I met Jane. Just seemed like there was something special in the way we worked together. That's when Plasma Chasms was born.
Jane Drewett: I originally grew up on the Mid North Coast playing piano and saxophone, and later guitar. I never had planned to be songwriting. I was spending some time working in the entertainment industry at one of the studios where we first met and found we had a love of the same music.
We wanted to make the type of music that we want to listen to, so we started working on some song ideas and writing a few demos together and we found, creatively, we worked really well together, so we started working on the EP that we just released.
We sound like... AG: The blending and mash up of all the music that's inspired us through our lives as it intertwines and creates a new universe of sound.
JD: I would describe it as a psychedelic indie Australian meets So-Cal vibe. With a retro twist. Definitely our influences from psychedelic and classic rock are in there, with some modern synths.
Our first gig was... AG: None as of yet but we are planning to do shows in the US and Australia. JD: COVID also really opened up new avenues for sharing music online. We have been talking about recording some live sessions as well so as to be able to share a live experience with anyone anywhere.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... AG: I've had the wonderful opportunity of naming several bands throughout my lifetime. With that comes the knowledge of how ridiculously hard it is to find a cool name that hasn't already been taken.
We threw out names for what seemed like ages. Ultimately, Jane came up with Plasma Chasms and we both liked the ring of it. It worked and wasn't taken.
JD: It took a couple of weeks to settle in a name. It's mind-blowing how many names have been used and taken over the decades of music. Any idea you have is usually taken by an obscure death medal band in Norway!
We both wanted something that stirs up an abstract, visual image and ended up both happily settling on Plasma Chasms.
In the studio we usually... AG: Refrain from shooting down ideas or limiting ourselves. We like to foster an energy of creativity and don't want to stifle it with negativity.
At some point we will edit out the stuff we deem not as interesting. It also helps taking frequent tea breaks followed by gaming sessions to clear the mind.
JD: We have different songs where we are the primary songwriter, and then we share our ideas and input on each. We like to give ourselves new challenges, or maybe I just like to set up challenges for us haha.
If we could tour with anyone... AG: Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Dude's on fire. JD: Agreed, Unknown Mortal Orchestra would be a big one. Pond. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. Tame Impala.
Social media is... AG: A great place for grandparents to share pictures of their grandkids. I hear it does heaps of other things too. JD: Definitely the only way to stay connected to everyone and it's a great medium for sharing information on art, projects and events. It has its pitfalls if you get too caught up in it.
My favourite app at the moment is... AG: Uber Eats. I feel special when I don't have to cook. JD: Any movie/ tv streaming app. I need to watch my shows.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... AG: Doing a live video streaming gig completely wasted, drunk out of my mind. I cringe every time I see it. Not my personal best. JD: A lady never tells.
Life on the road can be... AG: Gruelling and exhausting. Lots of great times and fun while equally as lonely. JD: I have yet to go on this adventure.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... AG: Adequate connections for my Switch. Can't miss out on my 'Legend Of Zelda' time. JD: Dogs allowed!
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... AG: Oh jeez, too many to count. The one that sticks out in my brain is the time I was involved in a spin-out crash that totalled our car in the middle of nowhere. I wasn't driving, but sitting in the middle in the back with no seatbelt.
JD: My family surfs and occasionally I go out with them, but one time I decided to take a paddle board out for some fun; the current was way too strong and I got stuck out as far as the point went. Past all the surfers and swimmers.
Exhausted myself trying to paddle across it to get in. I have a fear of the deep ocean. Thalassophobia they call it. That and the thought of dying or getting lost out there. Still gives me the creeps.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... AG: Paul Rudd. Need I explain further? JD: I second that. Paul could deliver our sensibilities in a way that no one else could.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose? AG: Brisbane. It's a beautiful city with beautiful people and would love to some day be included amongst them. JD: Amsterdam. It's definitely one of my favourite places. They have the chillest vibe there, lots of beautiful cafes. It is evidence to me that you can stay green but also integrate technology into your everyday life and not have to move away from that.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... AG: This is such a wild question. Alive or dead? Real or fictional? The choices are limitless. For the sake of sanity I'll choose current living. Hmmm ok: Dave Fridmann, Noam Chomsky and Paul McCartney.
JD: Living or dead? Jimi Hendrix, I'd love to absorb what makes that man tick. Johnny Depp; apart from all the drama I think he's a true artist at his craft. And Paul Rudd. He's my wild card. I think Paul would really make it a dinner party.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? AG: Probably some tacos. Your choice meat or vegetarian. JD: Something vegetarian. My cooking game is high level and I think vegetarian/ vegan food when done right has so much flavour because it doesn't just rely on meat to flavour it.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? AG: I love the fluffy bastards. Can't imagine a life without them. JD: Lover of animals. Always. No question.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... AG: Stone & Wood Ale. JD: I've been dying for some more blackcurrant Strongbow cider since I was in the UK.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... AG: Years ago. I prefer my home as a gym. JD: Pre-COVID. Keeping fit is good for Monday body and soul.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? AG: Folding laundry. JD: Ironing the laundry. My life is designed around not ironing.
Do you have any phobias... AG: I have an irrational fear of heights. JD: Thalassophobia. There's something about the deep ocean that instils me with fear.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? AG: Hmmm something like 'Wipeout' or 'Ninja Warrior'. I wouldn't get far but I'm down to try. JD: I've worked on a reality show! One of the ones where we make the fanciest looking cakes.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? AG: Jane, but I need ideas. Any suggestions?! JD: oh God, I'm terrible. I can't trick people, I'm too honest.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? AG: Tommy's chili cheese fries. It'll leave you with more than just a food coma. JD: Kebab shop.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? AG: Gandalf. Happy to chill alone but always down to bring the magic. JD: I think I'd have to say. . . Raven from 'Teen Titans'. She's sensitive but brooding and ass-kicking.
Last show you binge-watched? AG: 'The Boys'. The writing was fantastic and seeing heroes depicted as imperfect as mortals and more like villains was a great twist. Also the over the top scenes. So much blood. The poor whale.
JD: 'The Sandman'. Neil Gaiman brings incredible worlds to life, cleverly done. 'The Sandman' is a fascinating concept.
