INTERVIEW: Pleasure Victim discuss origins and influences alongside new single ‘Sweet Nothings’

Emerging from the shadows with their first new music since 2023, dark-wave duo Pleasure Victim are back to stir the soul and soundtrack your solitude. Their latest single ‘Sweet Nothings’ offers a thrilling glimpse into what’s to come, teasing the band’s long-awaited new album with a potent dose of eerie atmosphere, brooding romance, and shimmering synth-pop precision.

Led by the haunting interplay between Taylor and Alison Hill, Pleasure Victim once again find their sweet spot between the icy cool of OMD and the aching pulse of New Order, all while retaining their signature dark theatricality. Built on foreboding basslines, melancholic vocals, and punchy new-wave production, ‘Sweet Nothings’ is a love letter to those moments where intimacy and illusion blur.

From the West Coast goth/industrial scene to the quiet mountains of Appalachia, Pleasure Victim have carved out a unique corner of the underground, a world where gloom is gorgeous, and pop wears a velvet mask. As they prepare for a full return before the year is out, we caught up with the enigmatic pair to talk creative rebirth and what else has inspired them over the years.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you? 

I got Nirvana’s Nevermind when I was about 8. I don’t think my mom knew what kind of  lyrical content was on that album, but 8 year old me loved every track. It was the first CD I  ever owned. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

T-Rex, Bauhaus, David Bowie, Type O Negative. Most things goth or glam. 

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

We love all genres! The energy behind the music is the most important part. Songs in  different languages can still have a deep impact even if I don’t know the lyrics, or sad songs  can make me feel happy, it’s all in the energy. 

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music? 

Getting in tune with the spirit and feeling like I’m flowing in it. The rest seems to come on it’s  own. 

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live  performance experiences you’d like to share? 

Our first show was opening for Twin Tribes. It was back in ’21 and Portland OR was coming  out of some serious lockdowns. The show was sold out and it was the first time a lot of  people had been out of their houses in like a year and half. The crowd was pretty crazy to  say the least. It was exhilarating.  

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Seeing Peter Murphy solo was inspiring. Just him and a guitarist. I had seen Bauhaus a few  times and my expectations for Pete solo were a little low but he was amazing! Bowie had  just died and he did some covers and it was so great. I aspire to be that talented one day. 

How would you define success as a musician? 

It probably looks different for everyone but I suppose finding the right audience is the biggest  part. I’m still figuring that out. 

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Listen to Pleasure Victim’s new single ‘Sweet Nothings’ below.