So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously is out now!
Image: Dan Monick.
Hip-hop duo Atmosphere have released their thirteenth studio album, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. We caught up with rapper Slug (Sean Daley) to chat about the release, their decades long career and slipping dad jokes into their lyricism.
Your new album So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously has arrived! You’ve been releasing music for over two decades, how do you think your artistry has evolved into what we hear on this new record?
We pick up new techniques as we go. Like a painter who has been painting professionally for 30 years. Old dogs with new tricks.
Could you unpack the themes explored throughout the album and what drew you to documenting them within your music?
Optimism, Loss, Addiction, Intentionality, Separation. Death, Rebirth.
There’s more, but these seem to be the main colors I paint with. I’ve been drawn to these colors my whole life. Likely tied to my childhood.
How did you craft the dynamic hip-hop-leaning sonic realm the album exists within?
Anthony did that, and I can’t speak for him, but I love that you said “dynamic”. He really knows how to create a cinematic scape for me to attempt to write my stories to.
How did So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously evolve throughout its creation, from its initial inception to what we hear today?
What you hear is exactly what we made. This is the initial inception. We created and curated these songs in the same sequence you hear when listening to the album.
What are your thoughts listening to the album now as a finished body of work?
I think it’s as good as we can do in this moment of our existence. This is who we are and were right now (last 3 years). But also, I haven’t actually heard the album since sometime in 2022 when it was turned in for manufacturing. Once we reach that point, I move on to the next task, whether tour prepping or making another project.
Which three songs from the record would you play to someone who had never heard your music that you think would make them an instant die-hard fan and why?
{I don’t now about “die hard fandom”, or if anyone else would like these songs, but I have an affinity for: Okay, In My Head [and] Portraits.
Is there a particular line, lyric or musical motif from the album that you find gets stuck in your head, or one that you’re most proud of?
ATMOSPHERE:
That’s a good question. I’m not really sure. I like the line about the Anti-Fax(Facts) Machine? Dad Jokes!!!
When it comes to writing and creating, do you find you have a distinct creative process or does each song and project take on its own form?
Everything always takes its own form, but also, there’s always a familiarity within my ritual. Coffee is a big part of that.
You have some live shows coming up, what can audiences expect when you hit the stage?
Smiles and cries.
How important is live music to you, not only in terms of showcasing your art but also creating an in-person connection with the audiences who do resonate with your music?
On a scale of 1-10, it’s a 10. But that’s just from my perspective. I can’t speak for the listener. I love finding humanity in a crowd. But also, I like to be alone a lot. Not sure what that means.
Who are some artists from Minneapolis you think everyone should be listening to?
Prince
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
The Replacements
Hüsker Dü
GET TO KNOW ATMOSPHERE
Biggest influences?
Prince, LL Cool J, KRS One
Dream collaboration?
The Fat Boys.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Prince - Sign O’ The Times.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Coffee
Dad Jokes
Cadillacs
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Heathers.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Winona Ryder
What was the first song you loved to sing?
New Edition - Candy Girl.
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Pearl Jam - Jeremy.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
X-Clan - To The East, Blackwards.
First concert you went to?
Not including the concerts I was dragged to as a child, the first concert I went to as a fan of an artist and their music was Prince.
Best concert you have been to?
Also, Prince
First album you ever bought?
My first record was a 7” single of 30 Days by Run DMC. My first album was Ice Cream Castles by The Time
An artist you would love to see cover one of your songs?
The Chromatics.
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice Girl.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Old Spice
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
The last one. Answer continuously evolves, it’s always whatever the last one was.
Go-to karaoke song?
Alanis Morrisette - You Oughta Know.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
If we are speaking about audio aesthetics - Dr. Dre
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Make an appointment for your next routine checkup.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
I’m still not entirely sure what I want to be.
So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously is out now!
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