Metronome #067: Unlike Pluto

Insomniac’s Metronome series features mixes from some of today’s fastest-rising electronic stars, as well as championed legends. It takes listeners deep across a wide range of genres, movements, cultures, producers, artists and sounds that make up the diverse world of electronic music.

If you’re just discovering Unlike Pluto, you’ve come at the perfect time. The Atlanta-born, Los Angeles–based producer, born Armond Arabshahi, has spent the past few years warming up on the sidelines with a building arsenal of wide-spanning remixes in both the pop world (Twenty One Pilots, Jason Derulo, Adam Lambert) and the dance circuit (Lost Kings, Diplo, Tritonal). He now sets his aim for the prime time with his debut single, “Waiting for You,” which is highlighted by a booming beat and unorthodox production sounds and is nicely woven together by the jazz-inspired vocals of Joanna Jones.

While Unlike Pluto already claims a number of originals in his growing discography, “Waiting for You” marks a new era for him. Essentially, it’s a reintroduction to the electronic world following a recent rebrand in focus and sound. It’s evident now that Arabshahi is comfortable in his own skin as a newfound artist ready to command the stage, with “Waiting for You” as his battle song.

For those just tuning in, Arabshahi offers a crash course to the world of Unlike Pluto via his Metronome mix, a place where big beats and beautiful melodies are one and the same.

You recently released your debut single, “Waiting for You,” via Monstercat. How many songs did you have to weed through to decide this to be your debut single? What makes the track so special to serve this standout purpose?
I knew the moment Joanna and I sat down to make “Waiting for You” that this would be the one. I love every track I work on with different vocalists, but this one really stood out. We had such a great time making it! The track means a lot to me because I feel like it is a great representation of the new direction [I’ve been taking with my music]. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with discovering new jazz musicians and deeply exploring the genre, and “Waiting for You” has a lot of that influence layered in it.

Now that your debut single is out, do you feel any different? Has the pressure associated with being an artist increased?
I had no idea how people would receive it, because the track is so different than anything I’ve released before. But the response has been great! I am so happy that what I love to make is something that people actually want to listen to. As far as the pressure—yes! The pressure has definitely increased, but in a great way, as it pushes me to work harder and to keep creating.

Your earliest days as an artist are largely defined by your numerous, wide-ranging remixes. How did you know you were ready to release new music? How did you get over any fears or feelings of uncertainties prior to sharing your original sound to the world?
Remixes are really fun. It’s crazy to see a song transform into a completely different vibe, just by changing the production. But I’ve always been committed to writing and producing my own original tracks. I released a few originals here and there, but I think what really kept me from sharing my original sound was that it kept changing so often. Now that I have been working on it for so many years, I feel that there is more consistency in my work—something fans can both expect and enjoy.

How did you rebrand yourself? And what did you learn in that process?
I’ve grown up a lot since I started releasing music. I had no idea how the industry worked, not to mention all these social media platforms completely changing the way artists interact and connect with their fans. Rebranding was a smooth experience because I’m supported by an incredibly talented and knowledgeable team. I knew what type of music I wanted to put out, and they believed in me.

You also majored in biology at Emory University. Do you ever approach music production with the scientific method?
What is the scientific method? Kidding. I do have a process that I go into sessions with; it doesn’t always work out, but it’s there.

You once posted on your Tumblr page about following your dreams, no matter the hardships and challenges. It seems your generation is better able to attempt to reach their dreams than any other generation before, given the access to online opportunities and self-teaching resources. Why do you feel it necessary for today’s youth to pursue their passions and dreams?
I could go on and on, but the simple answer is that life is fragile and precious. You can’t waste it trying to live up to expectations others have built for you, whether that be society, your friends or your parents. I was headed to dental school, thinking that was the “right” thing to do. Instead, I packed up my bags and moved out to L.A. to make this music thing happen. Pursuing your passions can be terrifying, but if you are committed and hard-working, you will make it through.

Track List:: Kanye West “I Love Kanye” (Digitalphunk Remix)
Flosstradamus & Ricky Remedy “BYB”
Jaykode & Party Thieves “Origin”
Jack Ü “To Ü” (Unlike Pluto remix)
Dr. Dre “The Next Episode” (Caked Up Remix)
Hoodie “Mecanico” (Corrupted Data Remix)
Rydall & Crystaliz “Clapper”
Missy Elliot “Get Ur Freak On” (Peep This Remix)
Kronic ft. Raven Felix “Feel That”
Party Favor & Fly Boi Ken “Booty Loose”
Rihanna “Bitch Better Have My Money” (Diplo & Grandtheft Remix)
GTA “Red Lips” (Dillon Francis & Skrillex Rebirth)
Kill the Noise ft. Feed Me “I Do Coke”
Big Sean “Blessings”
Drez “Heaven”
NightOwls & Sam F “SUS”
BURNS “Beauty Queen”
Grandtheft & Sleepy Tom “Hold on 2.0”
D.O.D “Taking You Back” (Afrojack Edit)
Rob Pix & Barry Tones “Jack That” (Tom Budin Remix)
Shiba San “Okay” (Dave Winnel Mix)
Congorock “Babylon” (4B Remix)
DJ Snake “Propaganda” (TJR & Nom De Strip Remix)
NGHTMRE “Get Back”
Promise Land “X-Press”
Unlike Pluto ft. Joanna Jones “Waiting for You”
OutKast “So Fresh So Clean” (Sporty - O & Kisskaya Bootleg)
NGHTMRE & Slander “Gud Vibrations”
RL Grime “Core”
2Pac “Fuck Friendz”
Jack Ü “Take Ü There” (Trilluminati Remix)
Ricky Remedy “Make Me”
G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha “Me, Myself & I” (Chips & Ahoy Remix)
Unlike Pluto - ID