James Dalton (Pink Plates)

Where are you from?

‍Auckland, NZ.

Was there music around you when you were growing up? How?

There was lots of music around me growing up, a strange mix. Dad was a big Bruce Springsteen fan so that was constantly on repeat. Mum was a kindy teacher so she would always play me kindy songs on the guitar and piano.

When did you start making music?

How has the music you make changed over time? I started making music when I was 8 or so, I picked up guitar and was rubbish at it. Mum then tried to teach me piano and I was equally bad. I then picked up bass lessons in intermediate and something clicked - from there I came back to those other instruments and found they made sense to me.

The music I make has changed quite a bit over the years. I used to play old school rock and punk exclusively. Over the years I’ve played in pop bands, death metal bands, DJ groups, etc. Currently, I’ve come full circle and now sing in a punk band.

Did you participate in Smokefreerockquest? If so, how was that experience for you?

I came in the top 20 nationwide in 2011 with a metal core band. Rockquest was incredible as our school invested a tonne of resources into helping us (time off school to practice, recording at Roundhead, etc.) which were all opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. Rockquest really gave me a great load of confidence in my music-making which has carried over well after high school.

You have played on some major stages and had some great media coverage of projects you've been involved in... is there any part of your musical journey that stands out as particularly special / a favorite moment?

This is honestly quite a hard question; every year I’m making music brings with it some really special moments. My first wall of death and stage dives as a singer were very special moments that I’ll cherish forever though.

When you're writing, what do you start with? What is your process from beginning to end?

Completely depends on the song! Sometimes I’ll have a catchy wee lyrical hook that will blossom into a song, other times it’s a fun riff that’s begging to be explored. I’ve always viewed music as a series of ‘moments’ that capture/move people; a moment can be musical, lyrical, or even just a conceptual idea - but I think starting with those impactful moments helps make impactful music.

How do you choose what songs to release?

I work full time in a non-musical field so it really is just whichever song has me buzzing to share it at the time.

What are two things you have learned along your journey, that you would tell yourself if you could go back in time?

The best art comes from the best process and the best process is whatever connects with you. Don’t focus on the end result. The creative process, at the end of the day, should be enjoyable, cathartic, and connect with you deeply. Don’t commodify this process, just let it take you on the journey and make great art!

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