Plastic: The Electro-Pop Visionary
Plastic is the stage name of electronic music producer and vocalist Liam Vance, an artist who emerged from the vibrant Melbourne scene to achieve international recognition. His 2018 debut album, Synthetic Heart, charted in several European territories and was certified gold in his home country of Australia.
Early career
Liam Vance formed the initial concept for Plastic in 2012 while studying sound design. His early work, a series of self-released digital EPs including 2014's Circuitry, blended indie-pop sensibilities with glitchy, DIY production. These tracks garnered a cult following on online music platforms, leading to a development deal with the independent label Modular Echo in 2015.
Breakthrough
Plastic's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Neon Pulse. The song became a sleeper hit, receiving heavy rotation on alternative radio and climbing to number 12 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. This success directly fueled the release of his debut album, Synthetic Heart, the following year on Modular Echo.
Key tracks
Neon Pulse — This breakthrough single defined his signature sound of melancholic vocals over driving synth-pop rhythms.
Static Love — A key album track that achieved platinum certification for streaming, showcasing his knack for infectious electro-pop hooks.
Fade Out (feat. GLO) — This 2020 collaboration with fellow Australian producer GLO expanded his audience within the future bass scene.
Digital Ghost — The lead single from his 2021 sophomore album Render, noted for its more atmospheric and experimental production.
Echo Chamber — A recent track highlighting his continued evolution, incorporating elements of industrial electronica.
Following the success of Synthetic Heart, Plastic embarked on extensive touring, including support slots for major international acts. His 2021 album, Render, saw him experiment with darker textures and complex song structures, receiving critical praise for its artistic ambition. He has since collaborated with visual artists for immersive live shows, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking performer in the electronic genre.
Fans of Plastic's brand of emotive, synth-driven pop often appreciate the work of similar Australian artists. Explore Flume for more innovative electronic production from Australia. Listen to Rüfüs Du Sol for another Australian act blending deep house with atmospheric pop. Discover The Presets for a more aggressive, dance-punk influenced take on the Australian electro sound. Check out Client Liaison for a different, retro-themed approach to Australian synth-pop.
The music of Plastic is a staple on many modern radio formats, particularly alternative rock radio stations with an electronic focus and dedicated online synth-pop streams. His hits are frequently featured on independent music radio stations that champion forward-thinking pop and electronic artists from around the globe.
Listeners can explore the dynamic catalog of Plastic, from his early indie-electronica to his recent complex productions, through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his defining tracks and latest releases across a curated selection of stations playing the best in electronic and alternative pop music.
