Songwriter and Producer Rob Banks Introduces New Solo Artist Project: Pluto Saffron

Laury Verdoux /Melodic Magazine / August 11, 2023

Renowned songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Rob Banks has unveiled his latest solo artist endeavor, Pluto Saffron. The project comes to life with its debut single and music video, titled “Clouds”. The track, a golden-era indie rock narrative of loss and despair, is artfully masked beneath vibrant guitars and a sun-kissed production.

Reflecting on the origins of “Clouds”, Banks shares, “Years ago when I was struggling with heroin, I witnessed the loss of 2 close friends. I decided to work through the pain of losing them by starting to write this song. My entire life kept flashing before me as if to say ‘take it or leave it.’ Fate was forcing me to acknowledge that life can pass by quickly and your dreams can dissolve into the sudden reality that love, friends, family and feelings could disappear at any moment. I realized that now was the time I had always been waiting for. ‘Clouds’ is about harnessing the ever fleeting glimmer of hope that we all need to hold onto when things feel hopeless.”

Pluto Saffron embarks on a sonic voyage, seamlessly blending indie and new-wave rock, electronic soundscapes, and dreamy pop melodies. The music envelops profound themes of the human experience—introspective tales of love, loss, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Pulp to Cocteau Twins to Ty Segal, Pluto Saffron pioneers a distinctive genre-defying alternative musical encounter.

Rob Banks boasts an impressive background, having written, recorded, and toured with acclaimed bands including Beach Party, White Arrows, and Palm Springsteen, with notable appearances at Coachella and Sasquatch. His live performances have supported rock legends like Weezer, Tame Impala, MGMT, The Neighborhood, Foster the People, Black Lips, Ty Segal, and Chromeo, among others. Beyond music, he has made his mark as a film director, writer, editor, and documentarian, even gracing the screen in his acting debut on HBO’s series Big Little Lies, and collaborating on various commercials and indie films.

Expect a consistent flow of new music from Pluto Saffron throughout the upcoming fall and into early 2024.

Source: Melodic Magazine