Their debut single Hurricane propelled the two pals onto the world stage in 2012, thanks to its unforgettably haunting melody, and made way for the release of their first LP, Secondhand Rapture in 2013. Featuring tracks like Bones and Dark Doo Wop, this ambitious record cemented Ms Mr’s growing reputation as one of the breakout acts of the year.
“I think one of the reasons that we had the success and received the attention we did is because we both hadn’t made any music before Secondhand Rapture – so what people were hearing was the rawest, most visceral and emotional version of music that we could possibly make,” Plapinger explains. “It was really us lyrically bleeding in your ears.”
Ms Mr spent the next couple of years touring the world with frequent visits to Australia, a place they call their “home away from home.” “The first time we played Splendour was honestly one of the best nights of my entire life,” Plapinger says. “So when we were asked to do it a second time I was pretty emotional and excited and it was such a spectacular evening.
“What made it even better was that Tame Impala were headlining, so they played at the end of the night. To see them playing the festival that they grew up going to, in front of all their hometown fans, was so inspiring. I know their records intimately, so it was amazing – watching them is my favourite memory from last time we were in Australia.”
This time around Plapinger and Hershenow will weave their magic at Groovin the Moo. It will be the first time that Australian audiences have the chance to hear their latest LP How Does It Feel up close and personal. “What we learnt after the release of Secondhand Rapture was that people who listened to our music expected us to be quite different in person, because our first album was rather dark and gloomy. Then they’d meet Max and me, and we’re very bubbly, upbeat people – and there was a disconnect. So on this next one [How Does It Feel] we really wanted to marry the two worlds and create a rounder image and perspective of where we were in our lives, and who we were as people – and I think we did find a little bit more of a balance this time.”
As a co-founder of Neon Gold Records – the label instrumental in Gotye’s US success –Plapinger is also involved in the running of popular club nights in NYC, London and LA, and responsible for producing approximately 100 events a year, in addition to their flagship annual showcases at SXSW, CMJ and The Great Escape Festival, all of which gives Plapinger a unique insight into what festivalgoers really want. “We go to so many festivals and we hear our favourite bands all the time, so we know what it’s like. You want to hear the new songs, but I know you also want to hear the songs that you’ve grown accustomed to and that are close to your heart. So we would never deprive people of the songs that we know that they want to hear. We’re always thinking about it from the fans’ perspective.”
BY NATALIE ROGERS
