There is a certain kind of album that doesn’t just capture a moment—it survives one. „Pluto’s Ghost„, the latest release from State of Illusion, carries the weight of creative burnout, isolation, and the quiet fear that the music might stop altogether. What emerged instead is something far more compelling: a turning point.
Photos by: by Nick Wood (@nick_wood14)
„Pluto’s Ghost” feels like a record that closes a chapter—there’s a lot of exhaustion, reflection, and self-reckoning in it. Do you see this album as an ending, or the beginning of something new?
Jacob Porter: That’s a good question. At the time, it felt a lot like an ending. I didn’t have anyone else in the band with me and was fighting writer’s block. I thought that the gift of writing music had left me and it seemed like „Pluto’s Ghost” would be the end for me as a musician. I am so thankful to have been wrong as, just before release, Shandon and Byrce (guitar and drums) joined me, which, after some twists and turns, led us to our bassist Gunnar and our rhythm guitarist Cody (who recently took over for me on guitar). These guys have allowed me to continue this project that I love and have allowed us to continue to play live and free my mind up to write new music. So ultimately, what I thought was an ending was actually a new beginning.
You’ve worked largely independently on this project. Going forward, are you planning to keep that level of control, or are you open to more collaboration—either within a stable lineup or with outside producers?
Jacob Porter: I would love to work with outside producers at some point, but that is a bit cost-prohibitive. That said, our next release, which is probably 80% written, has had input from everyone in the band. We’re constantly sending ideas back and forth and everyone has had some level of influence. While I still bring most of the ideas to the table and have an overall vision for every song, I think I’m pretty open to letting everyone express themselves on their instrument and the guys are very good about adding their unique flare to their parts.
How do you see State of Illusion evolving sonically on the next release? Are there specific influences or ideas you’re already exploring?
Jacob Porter: As of now, the next album is much darker, moodier, and heavier, both musically and thematically, than „Pluto’s Ghost.” That’s all I will share at the moment.
With „Pluto’s Ghost„, you leaned into atmosphere and conceptual cohesion. Do you plan to expand that into a more explicit concept album format in the future?
Jacob Porter: Yes, the follow-up to „Pluto’s Ghost” is a concept album.
Looking ahead, what matters more to you right now—refining your identity on record, or taking the material onto the stage and building a stronger live presence?
Jacob Porter: That’s another good question. I think identity is the most important thing but I believe we have really refined and established our sonic identity, though we have always grown from record to record and will continue to do so. So, I guess at the moment it would be building a stronger live presence.
Do you have any plans to tour Europe in the future?
Jacob Porter: We don’t have any plans at the moment but we would absolutely love to tour Europe. If you know any promoters or talent buyers that could set a tour up for us, have them reach out!
Thank you, Jacob.
Jacob Porter: Thank you.
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