PIERA is the name of the singer and collaboration of the dark electronic-synth pop duo Piera Klein and Micah Plissner, residing in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Piera just released the new hit single “Cosmic Reaction.”
Their sound is informed by the combination of their diverse backgrounds: Micah a multi-instrumentalist and producer originally from New York City and Piera, singer, songwriter, composer, and California native with a globe-trotting history, their sound is electronic, underground, beat-driven, synth pop, with psychedelic undertones and haunting vocals.
Follow Piera @piera.music
Hi Piera, please tell us a little about you?
I’m very complex, cerebral and sensitive. I’m also a book worm and am obsessed with art and spirituality.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Bold. Mystical. Creative.
How did you get started in the business?
Since childhood I have been creating my own music, poetry and art, and eventually found my raison d’être in bringing them together. At five years old I sang on a children’s record and got my first taste of the music business. At 7 I started writing music on my dad’s acoustic guitar and any piano I could get my hands on — at first playing completely by ear. By junior high I had started playing in a local band, etc. Fast forward a decade and I went on to work with an Emmy Award nominated songwriting team needing a singer for placements. After the success of every song being placed, I decided that it was time to launch out on my own as an artist — as a songwriter/producer, singer and performer. Inspired by truly independent musicians and artists, I decided to venture out into the uncharted waters of experimental sound design, lyricism and performance.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Micah and I have created a very hypnotic, psychedelic, beat-driven, synth-drenched sound. That’s 4 words, but each is crucial to understanding our cosmic soup.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My influences are broad and varied ranging from all the decades of electronic and alternative Avant Garde: Tangerine Dream, Broadcast, Radiohead, Eno, Bjork, Moby, Bowie, The Knife, Boy Harsher, Zappa, space jazz and many of the artists produced by Nigel Godrich. Also, a fan of the Kraut Rock Electronic Movement – Kraftwerk, Neu!, etc.
Do you play any instrument?
I am a self-taught musician – I play acoustic and electric guitar, as well as piano and synths.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes. Welcome to life. In my opinion, creating or achieving anything with lasting value whether creative or not, puts your heart, mind, and talent to the test and I’m not only a servant to my own intense inner critic, but I’m also putting myself out there on a stage on public display. Yet, when I’m in the zone, fear leaves my body, and ecstasy takes over.
Tell us about your new single “Cosmic Reaction?”
Micah and I wear different hats in the production of different songs on the album. This is song really was his concept and projection of me as a cosmic oracle which fits nicely with the overarching theme of the album. We wanted to create an otherworldly experience that catapults the listener into a state of feeling the unconditional love in the wastelands of humanity and into the story of PIERA’s origins.
How was working with Micah in the project?
Micah is the other half of my brain that I didn’t know existed before I met him.
Our musical collaboration couldn’t be met with more grace and ease. We literally have the dream dynamic one would wish and hope for when working in a full capacity 50/50 creative collaboration. We bring different song ideas and sounds within our palate to the table – and yet they work. This is to me, the definition of true alchemy.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Creating something full of deep inspiration and meaning, and knowing it brings a special kind of enjoyment to others.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Fearlessly pursue your instincts, curiosities, and desires, and always remain a student of life. Work with what you’ve got, the rest will take shape at the right time.
How would your best friend describe you?
Intense. Creative. Brave. Empathetic.
What’s next for PIERA in 2021?
We are performing live on August 7th at the Canyon Club in Montclair with BERLIN and are also preparing to release a new single. In the Fall we will be performing a series of live shows and then getting ready for a big 2022.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Kombucha. Sushi. Omg – that sounds so L.A.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chips and guacamole — and fries! Who doesn’t love French fries? But I have to have an aioli dipping sauce as ketchup is not my thing.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Bold. Modern. Mystic.
What is your own definition of happiness?
A life lived of conscious kindness, beauty and peace.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Picasso.
Georgio Moroder.
Sia.
Salvador Dali.
Jodorowsky.
Chopin.
Marina Abramovic.
Best advice ever given?
Say yes to what you want and figure out “how” later.
Do you support any charity?
I’ve been very active in several non-profits throughout my life. Giving back is part of the circle of life and deeply important to me. Right now all my energy in that sphere is directed towards a women’s non-profit in Los Angeles called Visionary Women.
We support initiatives that empower women and girls worldwide. To learn more: www.visionarywomen.com
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Inspiring others through my creativity and vision to make the world a more healed, kind and beautiful place to live.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is part of the ethos of our data obsessed world, but it’s also a unique way to engage with people you wouldn’t meet in your daily life. I’m not a super social media maven like some are, but I do enjoy some of the authentic human connections I’ve made with others through various platforms. I think the problem with social media is when people stop engaging with others in real life, and just do things for show.
Where we can follow you?
Please follow me on my new Instagram and on YouTube
You can also keep up to date on all things – shows and new releases PIERA on our website: www.pieramusic.net
