Unlike Pluto
Unlike Pluto, born Armond Arabshahi on June 3, 1991, is an American electronic music producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his eclectic fusion of electronic rock, jazz, R&B, pop, and dance elements.[1][2][3] Raised in Atlanta and now based in Los Angeles, he began teaching himself piano at age five and later mastered guitar, drums, and clarinet, playing in bands during his teenage years before transitioning to electronic production.[4][2][5] Influenced by artists like Skrillex, Justice, and Deadmau5, Unlike Pluto has built a distinctive sound that blends live instrumentation with electronic beats, earning recognition for tracks such as "Everything Black" featuring Mike Taylor, which became a standout hit in 2017.[2][3] His career gained momentum in the mid-2010s through self-released projects and remixes, including a notable rework of Diplo's "Revolution," before he established himself with albums such as We Are Plutonians (2013) and full-length releases like Cherry Blossom Nightmare (2022).[6][7][8] Unlike Pluto's discography spans multiple Pluto Tapes volumes, Ghost Gardens (2024), Kiss Collapse (2025), and singles like "No Scrubs" (a cover featuring Joanna Jones) and "Worst in Me," showcasing his versatility across electropop, alternative rock, and contemporary R&B.[9][3] He has collaborated with vocalists like Joanna Jones and released music through platforms including Monstercat and NoCopyrightSounds, with recent works such as the single "Night" (November 7, 2025) reflecting his ongoing evolution toward introspective, genre-blending themes.[10][11][12]Background
Early Life and Education
Armond Arabshahi, known professionally as Unlike Pluto, was born on June 3, 1991, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Iranian-American parents of Persian heritage.[13][14] Growing up in the Atlanta suburbs, he was raised in an environment that emphasized the importance of higher education, reflecting his family's cultural values.[15] From a young age, Arabshahi displayed a strong interest in music, teaching himself to play the piano at age five and later mastering the guitar, drums, and clarinet without formal instruction.[16] His family's background introduced him to a range of musical styles, including classical pieces through piano practice and global sounds tied to Persian traditions, which complemented the diverse genres he explored in local Atlanta scenes.[15] By age 13, he was actively creating music and performing in various bands spanning rock, metal, folk, and even country.[15] Arabshahi pursued formal education alongside his musical pursuits, attending Georgia State University as a freshman and later transferring to Emory University, where he studied microbiology as a pre-dental student.[17][14] He earned a biology degree from Emory in 2013, balancing rigorous coursework with late-night music production.[18] During his time at Georgia State, at age 18, he adopted the stage name "Unlike Pluto," inspired by the planet's demotion to dwarf status, symbolizing his sense of being an outsider.[17]Initial Musical Development
Armond Arabshahi, who performs under the stage name Unlike Pluto, began cultivating his musical talents in childhood, teaching himself piano at age five and subsequently mastering guitar, drums, and clarinet through self-directed practice.[18] By his early teens, he immersed himself in Georgia's local music scene, forming and playing in rock, metal, folk, and country bands, which exposed him to diverse sounds including heavy delay guitars from emo acts and mixtapes by Atlanta rappers.[15] His formative influences also encompassed jazz luminaries such as Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, and Nina Simone, alongside metal bands like Underoath and As I Lay Dying, and classic rock outfits including The Moody Blues, fostering an eclectic foundation that shaped his genre-blending approach.[15] Around 2009–2010, during his time as a freshman in a Georgia State University dorm, Arabshahi adopted the "Unlike Pluto" alias at age 18; the name drew from Pluto's recent demotion from planetary status, which resonated with his sense of alienation as an outcast, while evoking planetary themes tied to his childhood fascination with the dwarf planet as his favorite.[17] As he transitioned into electronic music production, inspired by artists like Skrillex, Justice, and deadmau5 following their impactful releases around 2009–2010, Arabshahi experimented with songwriting and production in modest home setups, often late at night while pursuing a microbiology degree at Emory University.[15] These early efforts involved layering his own vocals, piano, and guitar over beats, merging electronic elements with rock, emo, funk, soul, jazz, and swing to create a signature "organized dissonance" that defied strict genre boundaries.[17] This period marked a shift from traditional band performance to solo digital creation, allowing him to explore personal themes of isolation and experimentation without commercial pressures.[15] Prior to any professional releases, Unlike Pluto built an initial online presence by sharing non-commercial bootleg remixes and original tracks on platforms like Hypemachine and SoundCloud, where early uploads such as his remix of Lorde's "Glory & Gore" garnered attention within underground electronic communities.[15][17] These platforms served as low-stakes outlets for honing his hybrid sound, receiving organic feedback that encouraged further development of the persona before venturing into label-backed work.[17]Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Unlike Pluto began his professional music career in 2013 by independently releasing his debut album, We Are Plutonians, a 20-track project that blended electronic production with rock influences. The album was distributed via digital platforms and showcased his early experimentation with genre fusion, drawing from his background in electronic and alternative sounds.[19] In 2014, Unlike Pluto gained initial recognition through viral remixes shared on SoundCloud, notably his remix of Diplo's "Revolution" featuring Faustix & Imanos and Kai, which received an official release by Mad Decent and amassed significant streams.[20] This exposure helped build his online following and highlighted his production style, leading to further independent remixes that caught the attention of industry labels.[21] By 2016, Unlike Pluto signed with the electronic music label Monstercat, debuting with the single "Waiting for You" featuring Joanna Jones on March 25, as part of the compilation Monstercat 027 - Cataclysm. The following year, he released the single "Everything Black" featuring Mike Taylor on March 10, which became a breakthrough hit and later earned a gold certification from the RIAA in the United States for over 500,000 units on April 26, 2024.[22][23] During this period, Unlike Pluto expanded his live presence with global tours, including a performance at Tomorrowland Festival in Boom, Belgium, on July 21, 2017, and support slots on Krewella's New World Tour across North America in October 2017.[24] These appearances, alongside sets at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, solidified his rising status in the electronic music scene.[25]Mid-Career Transition (2018–2019)
In 2018, Unlike Pluto launched the Pluto Tapes series as a personal challenge to release new music weekly, allowing him to experiment freely with sounds blending electronic production and rock elements without overproduction.[26] This initiative began around late May, initially with tracks like "Look At Me" and "No Dreams," and evolved into monthly drops of multiple songs, marking a pivot from his earlier EDM-focused work toward more introspective, genre-blending compositions.[27] The success of his 2017 single "Everything Black," which amassed millions of streams by fusing emotional electronic beats with orchestral and rock influences, provided a foundation for this experimentation.[28] By early 2019, Unlike Pluto had affiliated with Heroic Recordings, which compiled and released the initial volumes of the Pluto Tapes series in a more structured format. Pluto Tapes: Volume 1 arrived on January 25, featuring 19 tracks such as "Dollar For Your Sadness" and "Canada," followed by Volume 2 on April 26 with 13 songs including "Riptide" and "Villain Of My Own Story," and Volume 3 on August 1 containing 10 tracks like "Oh Raven (Sing Me A Happy Song)" and "Revenge, And a Little More."[29][30][31] These volumes captured his evolving style, incorporating raw rock guitars and electronic textures to explore personal and surreal narratives. The year's output culminated in the EP Life in Minor, released on November 15 via Heroic Recordings, which delved deeper into emotional and introspective themes through seven tracks like "Sanity," "Stay And Decay," and "Crocodile Tears."[32] Unlike Pluto described the project as addressing relatable human experiences with a surreal lyrical twist, all composed in a single chord to emphasize vulnerability and emotional depth.[33] Following this release, he shifted toward independent production and distribution, self-releasing subsequent works to maintain creative control.[34]Recent Developments (2020–Present)
In 2020, Unlike Pluto returned to releasing new music with the single "Life in a Hole," dropped on March 6 amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-written and produced in an Airbnb in Atlanta with close collaborators, the track blends upbeat melodies with drum and bass influences, reflecting themes of emotional emptiness and the need for renewal.[35] Building on the creative autonomy gained from his 2019 independence, Unlike Pluto maintained a steady output of full-length albums throughout the decade. His eighth studio album, Cherry Blossom Nightmare, arrived on November 18, 2022, featuring 15 tracks that delve into introspective and atmospheric soundscapes. This was succeeded by Dizzy Bezerko on August 25, 2023, a 15-track collection emphasizing raw energy and personal introspection, followed by Ghost Gardens on June 14, 2024, with 15 songs exploring fragility and haunting motifs. Culminating the period, Kiss Collapse was released on August 22, 2025, comprising 17 tracks including the singles "Boom" and "Trance," which highlight his evolving fusion of electronic rock and emotional depth.[36][37][38][39] The year 2024 also saw the revival of Unlike Pluto's experimental Pluto Tapes series with Volume 4, issued on July 12 as an 11-track album of instrumentals and vocals that reconnect to his early, unpolished production style. This release reinvigorated the project's tradition of sharing raw, iterative content, including periodic instrumental drops to bridge gaps between major outputs.[40][41] In November 2025, he released the single "Night" featuring Joanna Jones via CloudKid, continuing his exploration of introspective, genre-blending themes.[42] Unlike Pluto has indicated plans for tours in 2025, aiming to expand his live presence internationally following limited prior performances. As an independent artist, he has operated his own label to oversee releases, while actively engaging fans through YouTube videos offering album commentaries and production insights, alongside social media updates that build a dedicated community around his work.[43]Side Projects
Why Mona
Why Mona is a collaborative duo formed in August 2017 by music producer Armond Arabshahi (known professionally as Unlike Pluto) and vocalist Joanna Jones, serving as a vocal-focused side project distinct from Arabshahi's primary work. The project emphasizes Jones's powerful, stage-trained vocals—honed through her Broadway performances—paired with Arabshahi's production expertise in crafting modern reinterpretations of classic tracks. Their style fuses pop, rock, and electronic elements, focusing on covers of iconic songs alongside original compositions that evoke nostalgic yet contemporary vibes.[44][45] The duo debuted with a cover of Queen's "We Will Rock You," released in August 2017, which showcased their approach to reimagining rock anthems with electronic flourishes and Jones's dynamic delivery. In 2018, they released a cover of Muse's "Time Is Running Out," a brooding electronic-pop song highlighting themes of emotional entanglement, where Jones's soaring vocals drive the narrative of obsession and release. Arabshahi's production, drawing from his experience in layered electronic soundscapes, provides the intricate beats and atmospheres that define the duo's sound.[46][47] A pivotal moment came with their 2017 cover of the Spice Girls' "Wannabe," which achieved viral traction on TikTok around 2020, inspiring widespread user-generated content and dance challenges that amplified its reach. The track has since amassed over 150 million streams on Spotify, underscoring its enduring appeal and the project's ability to bridge generational gaps through infectious, remix-friendly pop. Other notable covers include Britney Spears' "Oops!... I Did It Again," maintaining the duo's signature blend of retro hooks and modern production. In 2025, they released singles such as "With a Smile and a Song," "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and "Lady Jane Grey."[48][49][50] While primarily a studio-based endeavor, Why Mona has incorporated live elements through Jones's theatrical background, enabling occasional performances that highlight her live vocal prowess alongside Arabshahi's real-time production adjustments. Streaming milestones, such as the collective 214 million Spotify streams across their catalog as of November 2025, reflect the project's growing impact, with Jones's emotive singing and Arabshahi's polished arrangements at the core of their success.[51]Like Saturn
Like Saturn is a lo-fi chill side project launched by Unlike Pluto (Armond Arabshahi) in February 2020, serving as a relaxing counterpoint to his more energetic main releases through ambient electronic instrumentals designed for introspection and escape.[52] The project debuted with the track "All Alone," establishing a serene, atmospheric soundscape that contrasts with Arabshahi's primary work.[53] Drawing from the experimental roots of the Pluto Tapes series, Like Saturn adopted a consistent release model, issuing tracks and compilations regularly to build a steady flow of content.[54] Volumes emphasize lo-fi beats infused with jazz elements and planetary motifs, evoking the vast, orbiting isolation of Saturn through layered synths, soft percussion, and mellow melodies.[55] Key releases include the 2020 debut EP compiling early singles, followed by albums such as Fairy Sonata (2022), Nighttime Nostalgia (2023), Melancholy Fantasies (2024), and only the beginning (2025).[56] These works incorporate subtle nods to mental health themes, using calming soundscapes to convey emotional release and quiet resilience without overt lyrics.[57] Distribution occurs primarily via streaming platforms like Spotify, where the project maintains a low-key presence with royalty-free options available for select tracks on platforms such as ToneDen.[55] Minimal promotion aligns with the intentional vibe, relying on organic discovery through playlists and Arabshahi's existing fanbase rather than aggressive marketing.[57]Other Ventures
Visual and Multimedia Projects
Unlike Pluto has ventured into visual storytelling through the creation of the manga series Dada Immortal, which he co-developed over two years with artists Loseni Kromah and Manda Monteiro. Released in January 2024 as a free webtoon, the series draws inspiration from anime, music, movies, and television, reflecting the artist's personal experiences with escapism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative centers on surreal themes of resilience and otherworldly adventure, following protagonist Enio Stormgarden as he rebuilds his life by joining a team of mysterious monster fighters after a catastrophic event. Each chapter is accompanied by original music composed by Unlike Pluto, blending his musical background with visual narratives to create an immersive experience.[58][59][60] In parallel with his music releases, Unlike Pluto integrates custom visual art into album artwork and promotional materials, emphasizing thematic cohesion across his projects. For the 2024 album Ghost Gardens, the artwork features ethereal, garden-inspired motifs that evoke isolation and introspection, designed to complement the record's emotional depth. His music videos often incorporate animated elements and lyric visuals, enhancing the storytelling in tracks like "Everything Black," where dynamic graphics underscore the song's dystopian undertones. These visuals align with the outsider and planetary motifs inherent in his stage name, "Unlike Pluto," symbolizing alienation and cosmic exploration.[38][61][62] Looking toward expanded multimedia endeavors in 2025, Unlike Pluto released the album Kiss Collapse in August, accompanied by plans for live shows to bring his hybrid music-visual style to audiences. Through ongoing collaborations with animators and writers, such as those involved in Dada Immortal, he continues to explore blending musical narratives with graphic novel formats, aiming to develop interconnected stories that extend beyond audio. In November 2025, he released the single "Night," featuring a music video that further integrates visual elements with his genre-blending sound. These efforts highlight his commitment to multifaceted creativity, where visual media serves as an extension of his thematic universe.[39][63][58][64]Discography
Studio Albums
Unlike Pluto's studio albums represent his evolution from underground electronic experimentation to more polished fusions of alt-rock, electronic, and introspective pop elements. His debut full-length, We Are Plutonians, marked an early foray into dubstep-influenced electronic music, while later releases like Kiss Collapse delve into themes of emotional disintegration with broader production scope. These albums, self-released or via independent labels, have garnered a dedicated streaming audience, though they have not achieved major commercial chart success.| Title | Release Date | Label | No. of Tracks | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Are Plutonians | March 12, 2013 | Self-released | 20 | Digital |
| Cherry Blossom Nightmare | November 18, 2022 | Self-released | 15 | Digital, Vinyl |
| Dizzy Bezerko | August 25, 2023 | Self-released | 15 | Digital |
| Ghost Gardens | June 14, 2024 | Self-released | 15 | Digital |
| Kiss Collapse | August 22, 2025 | Self-released | 17 | Digital |