$atori Zoom – ATTICA!

By starrymag | December 30, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) It’s really difficult for me to put it into a few words or any genre. I love to experiment with so many different sounds. Generally, what I’m most known for is making hype and aggressive rap that is heavily associated with car culture. I call it “Drift music.” But there’s also a side of me that experiments heavy with melody and alternative rock influences. I make music for all my emotions.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) As far as rap goes, XXXTENTACION, Lil Peep, Xavier Wulf and a ton of other artists from the Soundcloud era. But I’d say I’m much more influenced by alternative acts like Radiohead, Zero 7 and Fog Lake just to name a few.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Kathryn V.”

A) “Kathryn V” is part of a series that goes back to the first “Kathryn” that dropped in 2017. I haven’t dropped anything melodic in a long while, so I think many of my supporters would really enjoy me revisiting this style a lot more often. The “Kathryn” singles are really anthems for heartbreak to put it simply. It’s just me expressing intimate and romantic thoughts I have.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it’s the raw and unfiltered emotion. I sort of let my mind run rampant when I write. I don’t stay stuck on one specific topic or idea. I carry all these distinct lyrics into a myriad of melodies. I think it’s maybe something they can resonate and identify with.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I like most of my videos to be very subliminal in their concept, themes, messages and symbolism. This one’s no different. I like to leave the viewer guessing and coming up with their own ideas as to how the music relates to the visuals.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I love sifting through beats until I come across “the one.” My ears know when I hear it. It’s easy for me to map out the entire melody, flows and conceptualize how I’m gonna execute the recording process as well as writing the lyrics. The music makes itself at that point. After that, it’s just about aligning my mind with the aesthetics to make sure my delivery is just the way I want it.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) For the most part, I’ve been staying away from it. I like being surprised by the beats that producers make for me with no clue what I’m about to get into. I mean somewhere down the line, I definitely wanna self-produce a project of mine and see how far I can take my capabilities as an artist. But for now, I’m definitely enjoying this method.

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new album ATTICA!?

A) Hedonism at its finest. I’m honestly just talking my shit on that project while giving my own spin on the emerging phonk genre that’s been brewing in the underground rap sphere. Visually, I also catered to my car culture audience. It’s an anthem for chaos and community.

Q) What tracks on the album were a challenge for you?

A) I wouldn’t say any track was particularly “challenging” per say. If anything, it was the process of putting all these tracks in one cohesive body of work that was a serious task for me. I wanted to take my listener on a journey that brought them into my world a bit.

Q) Which songs mean a lot to you and hold a special significance for you?

A) On ATTICA! the title track means a lot to me. I’m very thankful that DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia wanted to support my vision for the album and record an interlude for it. “LOS ANGELES” is special to me in the fact that I was able to incorporate some of my spoken word poetry into the track’s outro.

Q) With ATTICA! out now, will there be a tour in the works or some live performances coming up?

A) We’re definitely working on setting up some shows for this upcoming year. One of my goals is definitely to tour the world and make that personal connection with my supporters around the globe.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) The Catch One is definitely my favorite by far. I’ve been going there since I was a youth. There’s definitely an atmosphere there that is irreplicable with any other venue. It’s also got such a storied history which a lot more people should be aware of.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Either Xavier Wulf or $NOT. I think they bring a lot of energy to their art. Lacing our styles together could definitely make for some interesting and explosive music in my opinion.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I’m going back and listening to Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures. It’s always been an album I’ve admired but never delved deep into past the surface. Getting familiar with their story has me drawing parallels to my own life and art. I find Ian Curtis’ journey and mind so fascinating. Their music has definitely been in heavy rotation for me lately.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s an easy and efficient way to connect with my supporters at my disposal. I can share some of my life with them and keep them updated with all things music wise. Discord is a big one for me. I love the sense of community it brings.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I really appreciate everyone for their patience. There was a point where the stats, money and clout meant a lot to me. And although those are nice things to have, it’s insignificant compared to my love for the art. I just wanna continue pushing the envelope musically. I live, breathe and die music. That’s what’s most important to me so I wanna make sure every time I release anything, it’s quality – not just a soulless weekly cash grab. Thanks to everyone for their undying support. It means the world to me.