Ryan Silva,[1] known by his stage name Plato III, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer. He is the first rap artist to be signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.[2] Silva's work has been profiled in BrooklynVegan,[3]The Deli,[4] The Daily Texan, Complex, The Austin Chronicle, KUTX,[5] and Earmilk.[6]
Plato III | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ryan Silva |
| Born | Port Arthur, Texas, United States |
| Genres | hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, producer, songwriter |
| Years active | 2015–present |
Early life
editSilva was raised in Abilene, Texas [3] in a single parent home by his mother, who helped spark his love for music by introducing him to artists she grew up on such as Prince, Michael Jackson and N.W.A.[1] He started making music with a Wal-Mart microphone and putting songs on Myspace as part of the group Native Strangers. They eventually signed to a local label.[1]
Music career
editLife Before Death
edit"Natalie Portman", Silva's first single under the name Plato III was released on April 4, 2015,[7] with co-production by Brockhampton's JOBA. It was featured on Complex's Pigeons & Planes.[1] His second single "Only Rapper Alive" was released on June 20, 2015,[8] with production by Eric Dingus and was once again featured on Pigeons & Planes. His debut album Life Before Death was released on May 14, 2016,[9] and his song "Womankind" was named KUTX's "Song of the Day".[10]
My First Word Was Juice
editOn November 21, 2016, "No Luv", the first single from his follow-up record was released.[11] In November 2017, he released his sophomore album My First Word Was Juice.[12] On May 31, 2019, his song "Illuminate" featuring Remi Lekun was included on the soundtrack for Netflix's Always Be My Maybe.[13][14][15][16]
9 Love Songs
editGarnered comparisons to Kanye West's critically acclaimed 808s & Heartbreak by The Austin Chronicle, who noted "Where the Love Go?" as the standout track on a "dreamy" album.[17]"Love Is Free" was used prominently in the Tubi film Cons and Cougars.
The Devil Has Texas
editReleased June 17, 2022 by Polyvinyl Records, marking Plato II as the first rapper to be signed by the label. [18] The album features a sample of Modest Mouse's "Trailer Trash" [19] and features from Lil B and Mike Kinsella. Plato III debuted songs at SXSW prior to the release.
Influences
editPlato III has cited Kanye West as his favorite artist.[12] He also has named Common, Mos Def, & Talib Kweli as influences.[1][10]
Let Me Be Frank
editLet Me Be Frank is a micro-budget feature film written, directed, scored, produced, and starred in by Ryan Silva. It was released on streaming services on September 24, 2021. Silva detailed the filmmaking process in an essay for NoFilmSchool[20] and an interview with ScriptMag[21].
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Life Before Death (2016)
- My First Word Was Juice (2017)
- 9 Love Songs (2019)
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "UT rapper Plato III prepares to drop first album" Daily Texan.
- ^ "Polyvinyl Record Co. Signs Plato III".
- ^ a b "Plato III blends rap, indie & a Daniel Johnston cover on debut single for Polyvinyl ft. Mike Kinsella".
- ^ "Plato III". The Deli Magazine | philadelphia.thedelimagazine.com/. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "Plato III: "Womankind"". KTUX. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ Clerkin, Tyler (22 November 2016). "Plato III releases powerful new track "No Luv"". EARMILK. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "The Process" Complex.
- ^ "Reflect On Technique" Complex.
- ^ "Keeping the Faith" Complex.
- ^ a b "Plato III: Womankind" KUTX.
- ^ "Plato III Releases Powerful New Track and Video For No Luv Earmilk.
- ^ a b "Abilene Cooper alum Ryan Silva's song included in Netflix movie 'Always Be My Maybe'" Abilene Reporter News.
- ^ "Always Be My Maybe" IMDb.
- ^ "Every Song Featured In Netflix Romcom Always Be My Maybe" Radio Times.
- ^ "Always Be My Maybe Soundtrack" PopSugar.
- ^ "Abilene Native Has Song Featured In Netflix Movie" KTAB/KRBC.
- ^ "Summer Fun Playlist: “Summa, Summa, Summertime!” Hip-Hop & Soul The Austin Chronicle.
- ^ "Plato III Brings His Past with Him on The Devil Has Texas" Flood Magazine.
- ^ "Texas rapper Plato III interpolates Modest Mouse's "Trailer Trash" on new single (listen)" BrooklynVegan.
- ^ "How We Made a $5,000 Film and Got It on Amazon Prime" No Film School.
- ^ "SELLING YOUR SCREENPLAY: Ep 407 - From Rapper To Filmmaker" Script Magazine.