INTERVIEW:
Atlantic Machine
___________
WITH a cracking new single out there for the people…
I have been chatting with Atlantic Machine about I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend. The duo of Jim Lowe and Tiffany Page talk about the song’s background and their upcoming album, Mosquito (out on 18th May). I ask how Atlantic Machine got together and the sort of music that compels them – they talk about gigs and plans going forward.
The duo talks about favourite new artists and an album that means a lot to each of them; what advice they would offer new musicians emerging; if they ever get chance to detach from music – they tell me what one can expect from one of their live sets.
___________
Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
Great, thanks. Been busy this week working on the video for the next single called Toronto - out April 27th.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
Atlantic Machine is a London-based duo fronted by vocalists Jim Lowe and Tiffany Page.
I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend is your latest cut. What is the story behind the song?
The story is fairly self-explanatory as read in the title but presented in a more tongue-in-cheek way.
A new album is out on 18th May called Mosquito. What can you reveal about the stories and inspirations that go into it? What was it like recording it?
The album has nine tracks inspired by many different themes, spanning from good and bad relationships; heartache and losing a friend, to feeling upbeat with some nostalgic moments. It was great fun to record the album and collaborate with talented musicians. It’s always exciting hearing the songs develop into their final form.
Is there a track from the album you would select as a highlight?
One of our favourite tracks is Automatic. It has some pretty special drum playing and string arrangements on it which capture a cinematic vibe.
How did Atlantic Machine find one another? Jim and Tiffany; how did you find one another?
As well as being the man behind Atlantic Machine, Jim is a Grammy Award-winning producer who works with many other artists. Jim met Tiffany whilst working on her Mercury-signed album in 2010.
How do you think your music has developed since your first sessions? Are you always learning and integrating new sounds?
The first, self-titled (Atlantic Machine) album was written, mixed and produced by Jim as a solo artist. Mosquito, however, sees Jim collaborating with Tiffany Page, which has brought a new flavour to the music. This album is slightly heavier than the first record and we’ve mixed vintage synths along with guitars and real strings.
Yes, we are always experimenting with new sounds and have no set boundaries with what we are laying on the tracks.
What sort of music were you raised on? Is there an artist you both gravitate towards?
Tiffany was raised on Neil Young, The Doors; Grateful Dead and anything '70s. Jim was raised on various things from the late-'70s and '80s, including David Bowie, Lou Reed; The Police, Japan and Iggy Pop. Both of us are pretty open-minded and into whatever has good vibes.
Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?
There are some gigs in the pipeline yet to be confirmed…
If we came and saw an Atlantic Machine show; what could we expect in terms of the sounds, set and sensation?
It would be a rocking, upbeat set with singalong tunes - including a few moody tracks.
If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?
For Jim, it would be Lou Reed – Transformer
Yes, a classic record. I was introduced to this at an early age and it just stuck with me. It just had a cool sound and great songs but, really I was drawn in by the album’s front cover!
For Tiff; her favourite would be Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York!
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
We hope to bring Mosquito to many live audiences and keep being creative.
Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
For Tiff; being on a plane with Brian May from Queen and experiencing Glastonbury 2010. For Jim; jamming with Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood and Kelly Jones - and also meeting Keith Richards backstage in L.A., 2003.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Just keep working hard, craft good songs and maintain an endless drive. Believe in yourself!
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Jim really likes Wolf Alice. Also, Jim worked with a guy called Leaone, who has a good baritone voice and thought-provoking songs.
IN THIS PHOTO: Leaone
Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
What’s really good fun is finding the inspiration for videos and artwork. It gives your ears a rest and lets your eyes do the work.
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
The Doors - The Spy
David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes
____________
Follow Atlantic Machine
