Public Library Commute Interview Does A Private Interview During His Commute
The year was any year before 2019. I used to visit the public library closest to my house frequently to check out books and study. I remember vividly on the drives heading there, I would debate what genre I wanted to check out next or critique to myself on what I didn’t like about the books I was returning. Fast forward to 2021 and “public library commute” has a new definition for me personally. Entering not only my ears but my life, is Conrad Hsiang, aka Public Library Commute (PLC). Everyone expected 2021 to be huge for music in general with concerts back in the mix and some artists capitalising by dropping projects and going on tour. Add PLC’s name to the list of artists who made waves this year with the release of his EP, 1000 Summers. That’s not all though. Not only is he opening up on tour for Surfaces but he’s also playing in their backing band as well. Want to know more about his music, his past outside of music, and how he met Liam Neeson. Keep reading to find out.
At the ripe age of 16, PLC was hustling and bustling. Only seeing music as a side project while he aimed to go to college, he started to gain traction with his collab with Healy called “$150 / roll widdit”. PLC continued to pursue making music even when he went to school at Hamilton College. He even took it a step further by switching majors from economics to a degree closely resembling music business. When asked about if he was inspired to major in economics in the first place by his grandfather who was an actuary, he stated how his grandfather and even father had jobs in the financial world and he was leaning towards that direction to until he decided to focus more on his music. Has his decision made dividends for him? The answer might surprise you. There is no actual surprise though since the answer is yes.
With his college career in the past, PLC packed his bags and went coast to coast. With the knowledge of him having a change of scenery from moving from the east coast to LA, I asked him if Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.a.a.d city inspired his move at all. “Believe it or not, it has. After listening to the album, I’ve romanticized LA.” .
With only his voice and a guitar strapped to him, Public Library Commute is basically a one man band. He’s not the only thing on stage however, thanks to him being accompanied by his computer and a treasure trove of hip-hop beats. He wasn’t alone for much long though. He talked about how starting from the music festival, Austin City Limits, his brother will be flying down to Texas to perform with him during the week. His brother also makes music underneath the moniker Couchsleepers and the two of them should make a nutty combo to listen to live.
When PLC first toured with Surfaces, the tour got postponed because of the pandemic but they’re now back and better than ever. When asked about if touring has taken a toll on him, he talked about how he’s still enjoying going on tour, especially performing. He talked about how he’s nervous about his performance until he’s actually on stage performing. It’s only a matter of time when he’s headlining his own official tour.
With three projects out already, PLC already proved he has an array of different talents when it comes to instrumentals, lyrics, and an ear for good beats. Ranging from his first EP, Siena 1999, to his latest EP, 1000 Summers, PLC provided bangers and songs that bump in the whip. Each EP was cinematic in a way where the songs are basically soundtracks to periods of his life. With Siena 1999, it was reminiscent of his childhood and high school when he drove his family’s Toyota Sienna. With 1000 Summers, it was like he was painting a picture to us of the summers he would spend at his home town.
To end the interview, I wanted to ask him a fun question. With all his travelling and through his music, I asked him if he’s met any celebrities. Immediately, he eagerly told me the story of the time he met Liam Neeson in New York City. He and his friends were going to a bathroom nearby a church and while PLC is peeing, someone was peeing next to him. He left the restroom and his friends were exasperated and frantically telling him if he saw who was in there. His friends told him Liam Neeson was in there and right away, PLC went back in the restroom to “Wash his hands” as an excuse to double check to see if it truly was the the actor that played Qui-Gon Jinn in the infamous Stars Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and it was indeed him. When Liam Neeson walked out, PLC and the rest of his friends straight up asked if it really was him. Liam Neeson’s response? “He pointed a finger gun at us!”, a callback to his popular role in Taken franchise, PLC excitingly told me.
As I wrapped up the interview, I had to ask him one last question that myself and all his fans wanted to know. When are you dropping a new project? He happily told us how he had released a new single called “Brand New” just a month ago, a new song dropping sometime this year, and finally an album in the near future. If you’re a fan of Public Library Commute hungry for new music then get ready because he’s getting ready to dish out a three course meal.
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