Atmosphere ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ Faygoluvers.net Interview

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Atmosphere ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ Faygoluvers.net Interview

Sunday 16th April, 2023 by Chad T. Carsten | 4 Comments

For over 25 years, the influential Twin Cities, Minnesota hip-hop duo Atmosphere keep making waves in the rap world with their introspective rhymes, creative storytelling and classic production. The group, led by label heads Rhymesayers, is still the go-to source for those seeking an authentic indie hip-hop sound. As Atmosphere’s musical style combines elements of classic hip-hop production with live instrumentation, allowing their music to stand out from the rest. Their lyrics are deeply personal and thought-provoking, reflecting their passion for creating meaningful music that speaks to a wide audience. The group’s sound continues to be recognized by fans across multiple genres, earning them praise worldwide. Making the duo become a powerful force among the independent rap scene, through helping to raise awareness of important issues in the Twin Cities community while providing an example of what can be accomplished when talent and hard work come together.

Presently, Atmosphere are preparing to unleash their highly anticipated forthcoming album ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’.
This upcoming odyssey of an LP explores the many worlds and realities we live in. From deep introspection of life’s challenges to embracing joy and hope for the future, this work speaks directly to listeners’ hearts and minds. Once ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ is officially released, they’ll be able to relate to its raw emotionality as it touches on important life lessons. Please enjoy this informative Faygoluvers.net interview with Slug of Atmosphere below!

‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ is due out Friday, May 5th, 2023 via Ryhmesayers Entertainment. Preorder ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ here: https://rse.lnk.to/OtherRealities

Chad Thomas Carsten: Define hip-hop in your own words.

Slug: I can’t define it. It’s too big. But I give thanks to the people who taught the children how to build something beautiful out of love and very limited resources.

CTC: Are you able to recall the first poem (or lyrics) you wrote and what the subject matter focused on?

Slug: Eddie Murphy had a song called “Boogie In Your Butt”. I rewrote his song with new humorous rhymes. Please show me grace, I was 11. After that I rewrote La-Di-Da-Di by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick and changed all the words to fit my preteen persona. Soon after that I just started writing my own battle raps. I was never much for writing poetry. I’ve tried a few times over the years, but just didn’t find much enjoyment in poetry. Please show me grace, I’m 50.

CTC: What precisely occurred at the very first Atmosphere concert? How did that specific show help you improve your own hip-hop skills?

Slug: I don’t have much memory of the first one. Or the second. But at one of those early gigs, there was an older rapper there who showed me appreciation, and that informed me as to how it felt when someone you looked up to gave you a nod. I carry that and try to give nods to any artist who will accept my nods.

CTC: Which past “Battle Rap” competition do you feel was the most challenging and why?

Slug: Eyedea was always the most challenging because he was impossible to beat, but I kept trying. Him and I battled often, mostly for fun, but a few times on stages in front of audiences.

CTC: Within the “Day Before Halloween” album. You mention “I should’ve listened to Clarence” inside the track “Stardust”. Was that lyric in reference to Clarence Reid aka Blowfly?

Slug: That was in reference to Clarence Williams III, he was an actor. He portrayed Prince’s father in the movie “Purple Rain”.

CTC: Congratulations on landing a summer tour with Slightly Stoopid and Sublime with Rome. What are you looking forward to the most touring with both of them?

Slug: This will be my first experience touring with Sublime with Rome. Touring with Slightly Stoopid a decade ago was a special experience in the area of good vibes and smiles. Good vibes and smiles are as important to the human experience as songs about defunding the state violence industrial complex. I learn and take notes from every corner of this world I visit. I look forward to this summer.

CTC: Lyrically, what can fans expect from your forthcoming LP “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously”?

Slug: I say a lot of rhymes. Some of them are words you’ve never heard rhymed before. But it’s cool, I have enough flowers in my garden.

CTC: Is there a bigger hidden metaphor behind the title for “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously”?

Slug: Your experience and my experience are two different things, even when we are experiencing them in a shared space.

CTC: Production/lyric wise, how has the soundscape for “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously” challenged you differently than past Atmosphere material?

Slug: Anthony used some different noises, which created some different colours, which forced me to see the larger illustration a little differently.

CTC: Which track from “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously” would you say became the most personal to write lyrics for and why?

Slug: “Bigger Pictures”. The challenge was personal. The challenge was to write a song about the evolution of me through a lens broken into ten year periods of time. And to do it with a pattern that presented internal rhymes. I did my best.

CTC: Which song from “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously” are you the most excited for to debut live? Why?

Slug: “Okay”. The song has a feel good vibe, but the track almost makes it feel sarcastic, but it’s not sarcastic. I’m looking forward to the chance to gut that song on stage to see what that song’s personality is really made of.

CTC: Are there any behind the scene stories that you’d like to share in regards to being on site when filming the official music video for “Okay” or “Bigger Pictures”?

Slug: Nothing outside of another few days of following art down the street. Very fortunate to have days like those. Both shoots were fun and having them back to back, along with the “Sterling/Thanxiety” shoots, all on one weekend was a great experience. A whole lot of art.

CTC: Why should Atmosphere fans and other hip-hop fans alike be looking forward to listening to “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously” on full blast?

Slug: Because the production of the beats is cinematic.

CTC: Are you completely satisfied with the final outcome of what fully became “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously” LP?

Slug: Very much, thank you for asking.

CTC: Where do you see yourself career-wise in the next decade?

Slug: I have always dreamt about having a banana kiosk that sells everything banana. Banana bread, banana cake, banana shakes, banana pudding, banana seats, banana everything/anything.

Interviewer: Chad Thomas Carsten

Websites:

https://atmospheresucks.com/

Faygoluvers Comments

Mr. Fucker

Comment posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 02:39 am GMT -5 at 2:39 am

Chad “Thomas the Train Engine” Carsten
Noawareness

Comment posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 06:30 am GMT -5 at 6:30 am

Serious question. Does the format of this “interview” not allow you to follow up on answers he gives? Im only asking because he gives answers that I would expect you to dig deeper into but instead you just move on to the next question like you werent listening to him and just waiting for your next opportunity to ask a question.

For once, I’m not being a hater. Genuine question. Did you just send him all the question as a list and he answered them in reply?
Chad T. Carsten

Comment posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 08:17 am GMT -5 at 8:17 am

His publicist told me he wanted to do the interview by e-mail. So this is what I got back. I took what I could get.
Noawareness

Comment posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 04:36 pm GMT -5 at 4:36 pm

Shame. Would have like to see him elaborate some more. His answers, although polite enough, seem blunt.

I’ve met him a few times and he always makes time to talk. He’s an interesting guy.