ON THE RISE
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Australian-born musician James Atlas is shaking up the music scene with a sound that uniquely blends intricate rhythms, introspective lyrics, and catchy melodies. His latest single, "Retail Therapy," captures the essence of his artistic evolution, reflecting a fascinating interplay between personal experiences and broader themes.
"Retail Therapy" was inspired by Atlas's visit to the Dubai Mall, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. "I was sent the arrangement after leaving that huge shopping mall, and I’d just never seen anything like it," he recalls. The grandeur of the mall influenced the music's feel, leading him to create a song that intertwines his observations about shopping with a commentary on his own "shopping addiction." He describes the song as a "hit of dopamine," emphasizing its upbeat and lively nature.
Writing "Retail Therapy" proved to be a cathartic experience for Atlas. He envisioned the song as an anthem, picturing how people might interact and chant it in a club setting. "It kind of became like an anthem" he explains, highlighting the fun he had during the creative process.
Collaboration was key in bringing this song to life, as Atlas worked closely with producer DJ Server. While Atlas contributed ideas, DJ Server handled the full arrangement. "You can hear the sound of credit card swiping and cash registers as little hidden Easter eggs," Atlas notes, illustrating the thoughtful details embedded in the track.
Atlas's influences are as diverse as his musical background. Having spent ten years as a drummer while studying jazz and playing in various genres, he draws from a wide array of inspirations. "I can draw from everything now," he states, emphasizing how his eclectic experiences shape his music.
The essence of "Retail Therapy" extends beyond mere entertainment. Atlas hopes listeners take away a sense of enjoyment from life, even when it comes to material possessions. He encourages a nuanced view: "You can kind of see it in two different ways," he explains. The song can be interpreted as a critique of consumerism or as a celebration of the joy found in treating oneself.
Since its release, "Retail Therapy" has garnered positive reactions, with interest from record labels and listeners alike. "People have said it's like a hit of pure dopamine," he shares, reflecting the song's vibrant energy and production quality.
Atlas's life experiences across different continents have also played a significant role in shaping his sound. "I lived in San Francisco for 10 years, and that’s definitely influenced me," he mentions. The city's diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere have broadened his artistic perspective.
As an artist, Atlas describes himself as "ever evolving," always open to trying different styles. His fascination with space also informs his music, as he incorporates space samples and effects into his songwriting. "I just became really interested in more of a lush soundscape," he explains, showcasing his desire to experiment with different tonalities.
Before meeting the producer who would help him refine his sound, Atlas's journey was marked by personal exploration. He started writing songs on the acoustic guitar after a break from music, rediscovering his passion. "I just started writing songs, and then all these songs started coming out of me," he recalls.
Support from fans, friends, and family has been incredible for Atlas, boosting his confidence and affirming that he is heading in the right direction. "Some of the reviews have been really insanely good," he says, reflecting on the positive feedback he has received.
Looking ahead, "Retail Therapy" is just the beginning. It will be the first single from his self-titled album, set to drop next year, with plans to release a single every month leading up to the album's full release. For Atlas, the highlight of his music career thus far has been the creation of this album, marking a significant milestone in his evolving journey as an artist.
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ON THE RISE
Blossoms caught up with NME to discuss competing with The Beatles and Johnny Marr for this week’s Number One album. With ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’ in the running, the band also explained why making things themselves remains such an important part of their work as AI becomes more common.
The Stockport group put out their sixth album last Friday, October 2. By the midweek update, it was sitting at Number Two, between The Beatles’ expanded edition of ‘Rubber Soul’ and Johnny Marr’s latest solo album, ‘The Age Of Everything’.
“It’s mad, to be honest,” singer Tom Ogden said to NME about the chart race. “Liverpool on one side, Manchester on the other and Stockport in the middle. If you’d told us this 10 years ago, when we were releasing our debut, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I mean, we’re in good company aren’t we?”
Discussing the stories behind the album, Ogden described ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’ as “about being married and all the everyday stuff that comes with it”. He married Katie Donovan, the sister of Blossoms drummer Joe, in 2021. Married life has since given him a new appreciation for what he describes as “the extraordinary ordinary”.
“Saying the wrong thing in an argument, losing your wife’s no claims bonus, crying at the Kardashians, it’s all in there,” he explained. “The album is named after Stockport Town Hall, which everyone round where we live calls the Wedding Cake, and it’s where I got married, so it couldn’t be much closer to home.
“The last album [‘Gary’, 2024] had a song about a stolen fibreglass gorilla, which everyone loved, and that gave us the confidence to bring the same playfulness to this one, just with more personal subject matter this time.”
Alongside tracks that came out of writing sessions with Declan McKenna in a hot tub, the album reflects the band’s desire to stay involved in every part of the creative process.
“It started with the recording,” Ogden explained. “We made the album with Shawn Lee, playing live straight to tape, and once you’ve done it that way you can’t really go and fake everything else. We sat down as a band and picked the colour palette, and everything visual followed from that. We had body scans taken of ourselves and cake toppers of the five of us 3D printed, put them on a real cake and photographed it. I’ve directed and edited the videos, and the sets are all built by hand, no green screen. For the pop-up shop on launch weekend, a local artist hand-painted the album cover for the sign outside.
“It’s more work, but you end up with a world that’s yours, and I think people can tell when a band’s had its hands on everything.”
With AI tools and digital effects becoming increasingly widespread, that approach feels particularly relevant. For Blossoms, though, the motivation is simple: “the fun is in the making”.
“Tape doesn’t let you cheat and neither does a real cake,” Ogden said. “If a set’s a bit wonky, it’s because one of us or our mates built it. I think the more stuff gets generated, the more people want to know a human being actually did it. We’ve been in this band together for over 10 years, five lads from Stockport, and that isn’t something you can ‘prompt’.”
Maya Jama also appeared in the video for the album’s first single, ‘Meet Me In Love’. Her appearance came shortly before the UK launch of Celebrity Traitors, where she took on the role of a traitor alongside a cast that included Richard E Grant and James Acaster.
“She was brilliant,” Ogden recalled of working with Jama. “We’d met her at the MTV EMAs in Manchester a couple of years ago, so we took a chance and sent her a DM …and she said yes. Next thing she’s in a theatre in Cheadle miming my vocals while a load of people dressed as me serenade her. She got the idea straight away and was a proper laugh about it.”
The conversation then turned to whether he thought Jama could take home the win on Celebrity Traitors.
Ogden joked: “As for Traitors, she spent a whole day pretending to sing my song and I almost believed her, so I’d say she’s got every chance.”
Fans can listen to ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’ now. In November, Blossoms head out on a UK arena tour with The Royston Club. Tickets and further details are available here.
Before the tour begins, the group is also scheduled to appear on SNL UK on Saturday, October 24.
