Electronic artist Atlas Franklin Alexander follows up last year's release 'Valis' with a new single called 'Sonder'.
Lyrically centred around a sense of disconnection from the vapidity of the modern world, 'Sonder' is accompanied by a video featuring Atlas' vision of a dystopian world. In the film Atlas plays the character of Alaska, a being sent to save Earth by shapeshifting men into women.
Inspired by and written during Atlas' nomadic travels that find him creating music in some truly obscure places, 'Sonder' is the next chapter in this artist's vivid story.
How did the concept of 'Sonder' inspire the song?
The song was inspired by the concept of sonder, and it went from there. The word sonder basically means that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and as complex as your own. I wrote the lyrics looking through the eyes of someone who sees the bigger picture and has an appreciation that we are all connected in one way or another. I swear I feel like I’m actually going crazy sometimes seeing how sh.tty we treat each other, animals and our planet.
What is the story behind 'Sonder' ie. the one you're trying to tell in the video clip?
Basically, it’s the struggle that all people are going through on all different levels, in all different walks of life, and to appreciate that we are all connected in some way or another. It shows the journey through the streets of France, of a shapeshifting enigma [called] Alaska who is sent to save the world by shapeshifting men into women. Paris-based film collective Bardos directed the video.
How did the character of Alaska come to be? What is their purpose?
Alaska represents new beginnings and transformation. I like to see Alaska as something that lives in all of us, that exists in our past and pushes us to our future.
The songs you've released so far, are they a good indication of what to expect from your forthcoming debut album?
All of the songs in the album were born at the same time, fuelled from the same ignition. I can’t say they are all the same, but ‘Sonder’ is a great indication of how this story goes.
When will the album be released?
Around mid-2019.
Where are some of the more obscure locations you have written and recorded music?
Location wise, I’ve been to some beautiful places around the world. But my best inspiration comes from limbo – that space in-between. Park benches, mates’ couches, living in ashrams, meditation centres, at beaches, in garages, in my car and just pretty much on the road. I think I’ve always felt more purpose when I’m not set in one place.
How has travelling the world over the past five years impacted the way you write music and what you write about?
I guess that’s where the character Alaska comes back into it. Travelling for me represents new beginnings and transformation.
How have you developed as a live performer since your debut at BIGSOUND last year?
My band and I have been rehearsing a lot and we are really excited to start playing shows.
Apart from the album, what's coming next for you over the next few months?
I have some videos in the pipeline that will be coming out over the next couple of months, and also I'm playing lots of live shows.
