Hailing from Poland, Pjos makes the sort of dreamy, new wave and lo-fi music we passionately love. ‘Atlas’ is the strongest evidence of that: a hazy, nostalgic and melancholic gem that wraps the listeners in mysterious tones and smokey sonic goo. The result is a vibrant, unforgettable sonic experience, one that feels cathartic and nuanced.
Born in Brazil but based in Poland, Pjos defines himself as a dream pop artist – a definition that perhaps fails to include the magnitude of the scope of his artistry. Essentially, the talented creative is an explorer of everything retro, taking it to the contemporary in a quirky and unique fashion.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Pjos to learn more about his artistry and future goals… interview below!
Hey PJOS, hope you are well! We loved listening to ‘Atlas’. It’s got a strong dreamy character but with a certain retro edge to it, almost ethereal. What would you say is your biggest influence, and are there any others acts and bands that inspire you in doing the music you do?
I’m glad you like it! My music is deeply influenced by the dreampop, shoegaze, and post-rock genres. I have a strong connection to dreamy and ethereal sounds, so creating music in this style feels natural to me. Bands like Slowdive, Beach House, Sigur Rós, and The Cure are my main references. These bands have a unique way of blending dreamy soundscapes with emotional depth, which I find very captivating.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
Music has been a part of my life since I was born. My father was a professional singer in the ‘seresta’ genre, which was very popular in Brazil in the mid-20th century. Being immersed in this environment had a profound influence on me. As I grew older, I dreamed of creating my own music, but I didn’t take any action until very recently. I had to overcome fears and mental blocks to finally find my own voice, express myself through music, and start creating.
Going back to ‘Atlas’ – I have to say, the record is very nostalgic, and melancholic. we love it, it’s so easy to get lost in it. Quite a vaporwave-like effect, if you will. Do you love experimenting with reverbs, guitar sounds and retro synths?
I absolutely love experimenting with reverbs, guitar sounds, and retro synths! These elements are essential in creating the dreamy and immersive soundscapes that characterise my music. I enjoy layering different textures and effects to craft a sound that evokes strong emotions and transports listeners to a different place. Retro synths and swirling guitar sounds are integral to this process, adding to the vaporwave-like effect that you mentioned. It’s all about finding the right balance and combination to create that perfect dreamy atmosphere.
From a lyrical and artistic standpoint, what does ‘Atlas’ mean to you?
“Atlas” is an expression of a difficult but important time in my life. It describes how I turned to atlas books as an escape from a violent home environment, which ultimately developed into a passion for astronomy. That’s why all the “Atlas” artworks are cosmos-oriented. The song also explores how the scars from childhood trauma are carried throughout life. It’s the first song I wrote myself, making it a personal breakthrough and a symbol that I’m able to do what I dreamt about for so long.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I started writing music just a year ago, and so far, I’ve only had opportunities to do it alone. Managing all aspects of my music by myself — from writing and recording to production and promotion — has allowed me to learn a lot about the whole process, and it’s been incredibly valuable. I’m comfortable working this way, but I’m definitely open to writing within a team in the future!
We don’t get a lot of artists from Poland, how would you consider the music scene over there (in your city, at least.) Is there an audience for the genre you do?
Absolutely! There are quite a few exciting dreampop, shoegaze, and post-rock bands in Poland right now, and we have a dedicated and growing audience for these genres. Bands like Strangers in My House, Isles of Goto, Strumień Świadomości, Coals, and Stella Star are creating unique and impressive music.
We are writing this interview while listening to ‘Atlas’, btw… wow, it’s so vibrant and spacious, honestly it’s a fantastic record. There are a few stuff like that coming out from Eastern Europe; are you open to the idea of being part of the sovietwave scene? 🙂
Thank you for the kind words! While my music is deeply rooted in dreampop and post-rock, I’m open to exploring new influences and scenes. The sovietwave scene has its unique blend of nostalgia and modernity, and I can see how my sound might fit within that aesthetic. I believe that blending different styles and influences to create something truly unique is very powerful. It’s all about pushing boundaries and connecting with listeners in new and meaningful ways.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
In a few weeks, I’ll be releasing an EP with alternate versions of “Atlas.” This will provide a full picture of the Atlas universe, offering closure to the main story. Additionally, I’m currently working on a new song! Playing concerts is a bit too far in the future for me, but it’s something I really look forward to. My main plan is to keep releasing songs and remain open to opportunities to grow my career.
