Tramps Like Us Interview with Cole Plante
To say that Cole Plante is one of the next young bright stars for the future of EDM would be an understatement. The 17 year-old producer and DJ, a native of Los Angeles, already boasts a resume most people could only dream of having. He’s already played with some of the biggest names in the league such as: Porter Robinson, Avicii, and Steve Angello. He was performing at Lollapalooza at 16 years old, the youngest DJ ever to grace the renowed music festival in Chicago. The following summer “Lie To Me” was released, and a short time later was crowned the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Charts. Since then, Cole Plante has released another hit track “If I Fall”, with Myon & Shane 54, and has continued as producer to create in other realms outside of EDM. Cole has already collaborated with composers such as Alex Wurman, and Joe Trapanese on TV, film, and video game projects. The sky is the limit for the young producer, and we can only guess at what his seemingly unbounded potential takes him next.
Q: You’ve grown up surrounded by musically inclined family and friends, who was your biggest influencer to help establish what you consider your signature sound?
A: 80s synth pop hands down as a whole is my biggest influence.
Q: As a youngster in high school, you were involved in a range of extracurriculars such as band, track and field, on top of a load of honors classes. How have these activities in the past influence you today or for your future career path?
A: This being my senior year is really incredible. I love every minute of being in high school and balancing it with my career. Both marching band and track have taught me discipline and the ability to stay focused.
Q: Of all the venues and clubs you’ve played for in the past, which set was the most memorable for you and why?
A: I would have to say Lollapalooza because all my musical influences from New Order, The Killers, Two Door Cinema Club, Skrillex, Dillon Francis, Diplo and Steve Angello among others, were there that weekend. These are all artists/bands I admire and respect musically, and it was the largest crowd I played for (20K). Also, last' year's OMFG! NYE was unforgettable from production to artists and it was extra special because it was my first NYE event & I have LED to thank for that. San Diego fans have also been hugely supportive ever since my first event there a couple years ago during the IDentity Festival tour and it's one of my favorite cities to visit & play.
Q: You’ve explored several musical genres and instruments including piano, the trombone, and the presence of ‘80s and ‘90s synth pop. Which of these, or combination thereof would you say influenced your style the most today?
A: It's a combination of everything really. I'm always pulling from classical instruments and electronic as well. I try to incorporate influences from everything such as soundtracks and movie scores, rock bands and electronic artists. I'm a strong believer that the best music grabs influences from many different things and that's how it is for my music.
Q: You say that one day you would like to be a composer, while still DJing. Did you always have this vision of yourself as a composer? Or did it grow on you during your path, and if so, how?
A: My interest in film composing started ever since joining orchestra class in 7th grade. Through the many different projects (via Disney), this led to collaborating with film composers Joe Trapanese, Alex Wurman, and John Swihart. That pretty much sealed the deal on my decision to continue to work within the film composing community & I'm currently working on a new exciting film project that will be released in the coming months.
Q: You’ve released two singles from Disney’s Hollywood Records label last year, how do you feel working with them and your together plan to further your career path?
A: It's been amazing. The company as a whole are connected to many different facets that I love such as film, TV & the gaming world. They've allowed total freedom in my musical creativity and have been fully supportive of all my projects even outside of the company. They've also helped me set-up my own label imprint Teknicole which has been a dream of mine following the footsteps of my peers Skrillex, Axwell & Avicii who've all collaborated with Disney.
Q: Your collaboration with Myon & Shane 54, titled ‘If I Fall’, has been a huge hit. Do you have any more plans to work with the dance maestros again in the future?
A: It was our 2nd collaboration following "Lie To Me" and it's been amazing playing top clubs / festivals across the U.S. & with them covering overseas. Seeing the crowd sing our song and going off during the drops, you can't ask for anything more. Also, fans posting pics of radio stations playing our music is surreal as well! We're both concentrating on our own singles / album at the moment so hopefully our schedules allow it in the coming future!
