For over half his life, James Plotkin has been involved in making music. Whether writing, performing, or producing, his recordings have been invariably unique and extreme. Each release is usually a complete departure from the last, satisfying the need to explore different and sometimes uncharted avenues of sound and composition. More recent projects display a return to the aggressive, intense style that had originally drawn listeners to his music.
Plotkin's body of work to this date consists of over 80 releases across many formats. He has been lucky enough to work with many of his peers including Franz Treichler, Michael Gira, Mick Harris, and John Zorn among others, and has been an integral part of groups including Scorn, Old, Khanate, Atomsmasher (now Phantomsmasher), and Death ambient. Many record labels that he has admired have in turn released recordings of his, validating his existence as an artist in the process. Such labels include Kranky, Ant-Zen, Hydra Head, Asphodel, Fat Cat, Earache, and now Ipecac. Plotkin continues to form new groups and create exciting sounds with musicians and friends alike, making the experience one not only of artistic merit but also of life affirmation and personal gratification as well.

Without these beneficial factors, the sounds need not exist.
Few things are for certain, but one of these things is that James Plotkin will always live for music. It is and always was the main driving force in his life. He also believes that the importance of sound as art and recreation is immeasurable. In this light, he creates music that sounds like nothing else.
Phantomsmasher is:

Dave Witte (Drums)
DJ Speedranch (AudioMulch Vocals)
James Plotkin (Bass, Guitar, Synthi, Wave Editing).

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