Miami Horror

Miami Horror

Miami Horror are an electronic group from Melbourne, Australia. The project begins in 2007 as the work of producer Ben Plant, who starts it under that name and first builds attention through a run of remixes. The act later develops into a four-piece live band centred on Plant.

Formation and lineup

The live version of Miami Horror includes Josh Moriarty on guitars, Aaron Shanahan on drums, and Daniel Whitechurch on bass, keyboards and guitars, alongside Benjamin Plant. Moriarty is also associated with Peacocks and formerly Young & Restless. The group’s name refers both to Plant and to this four-piece live incarnation.

Releases and musical style

Miami Horror’s first release is the five-track Bravado EP, issued in 2008 on Virgin Records. The group’s debut album, Illumination, follows after a long period of development and establishes the project’s full live-band sound. Their music is described as indie-electronic, with links to dance, disco, electro, electronic, house and indietronica, and Plant’s early work draws on Roland keyboards and French house.

Career and performance history

Plant’s early remixes bring interest from Pitchfork and lead to remix requests from Datarock, PNAU and The Presets. As the project evolves, Miami Horror shifts away from being seen only as a dance or electro act and becomes a full live group. They play major Australian festivals and support acts including Phoenix, Friendly Fires and La Roux, as well as appearing on a support bill for Lily Allen.