Australian progressive guitarist Plini spoke with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips ahead of his appearance at the Sydney Guitar Show (March 7 & 8 at Sydney Showgrounds), offering insight into what fans can expect from his performance and a broader look at his creative life. At the show, Plini will perform a set of around seven or eight songs alongside his live guitarist Jake, opting for a dual-guitar format to suit the event’s gear-focused audience. While details like meet-and-greets are still being finalised, he expects the performance to include moments of improvisation and a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW
Reflecting on his career, Plini explained that he finds equal fulfilment in writing, recording, and touring, each offering a different kind of reward. The past year has been largely studio-focused as he completed a new album, reconnecting with the creative curiosity that first drew him to music. Touring, by contrast, provides the excitement of performing with bandmates and connecting with audiences worldwide, an experience he describes as invigorating.
He also discussed the unique pressure of performing at trade shows compared with traditional concerts, noting that bright, open environments can feel more intimidating than dark venues filled with fans. Bringing another guitarist helps ease that pressure and creates a more engaging musical experience.
Looking ahead, Plini confirmed a European tour beginning in Warsaw in late April and an album release timed around those dates, though he won’t preview new material at the guitar show. Instead, Australian audiences can expect to hear the new songs when he tours locally later in the year.
Elsewhere in the conversation, he touched on his long-standing relationship with Strandberg guitars, the joy of travel while touring, and the supportive global prog-guitar community. He also expressed interest in future collaborations, working with vocalists, and potentially composing for film, emphasising that creative partnerships with friends tend to shape his next steps.
Overall, the interview paints a picture of an artist balancing technical mastery with curiosity and humility, focused on delivering a memorable performance at the Sydney Guitar Show while continuing to expand his musical horizons.
MORE ABOUT THE SYDNEY GUITAR SHOW
The Sydney Guitar Show will spread its wings at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March, with two super-sized days of guitar gear, performances, workshops and experiences. Since its inception in 2015, the Melbourne Guitar Show has become a mecca for guitar-lovers, a flagship gathering for the industry, and a totally unique experience. This year’s Sydney event brings the same sights, sounds and excitement to Sydney for the first time. An extensive celebration of the versatility and endless possibility of the world’s most popular instrument, this all ages, all levels event is guaranteed to inspire and delight axe-slingers from all walks of life. And today, the full 2026 program for the Sydney Guitar Show has arrived, featuring performances, workshops and conversations with some of country’s most exciting and innovative guitarists, including Diesel, Plini, Hussy Hicks, Tash Wolf, as well as international guest Larry Mitchell (US).
The multi-purpose and expansive Sydney Showground Hall 5 at Olympic Park offers easy access to public transport, parking, accessibility from all parts of the city, and the perfect meeting place to check out over 120 brands, performance and workshop stages, interactive displays and other surprises.