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
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IPSWICH, Mass. — Nov. 10, 2026 – For composer, producer, and musician Chris Florio, making music has always been a process of exploration. More than four decades into his career, the Ipswich, Massachusetts-based artist continues to approach each project with the curiosity of someone discovering new possibilities. His contemporary track “Twinkle” reflects that outlook, bringing together spontaneous songwriting, distinct musical backgrounds, and a collaborative recording process that allowed the song to develop organically.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in composition, Florio has built a diverse body of work spanning orchestral music, improvisation, and contemporary forms. His career includes more than 40 orchestral compositions, multimedia collaborations, and 12 albums released through Passion Records. While his formal education helped shape his musicianship, he credits a much wider range of experiences with informing his work.
“Every gig, every musician that you play with, you learn things from,” Florio explained. “I try and play with the best musicians I can, so basically everybody I play with is my teacher.”
That willingness to learn from others was central to the creation of “Twinkle.” The project began with five musicians entering the studio and improvising together throughout the day. During the session, vocalist Aliel and violinist Rob began developing lyrics after discussing a person they both had in mind. They brought their ideas back to the group, and the musicians built the music around the words.
The result brings together Florio's rock influences, Rob's classically trained violin playing, and the rhythmic foundation laid down by Ken and Wes. A violin solo with a rock sensibility adds another dimension to the arrangement, while the song gradually moves from a quiet, stripped-back opening into a fuller, more electric sound.
Rather than having that progression mapped out from the beginning, the musicians found it as the song took shape. As Florio put it, “We started with nothing, and then we improvised and developed it.”
For Florio, the value of working with other musicians lies in what they bring that he might not have imagined on his own. “The joy of making music is interacting with other people,” he said. “I want to hear what they bring to it.”
That philosophy extends beyond familiar musical styles. Florio recently worked with Cambodian musicians and dancers in Ipswich, adapting to different approaches to rhythm, performance, and communication. A trip to China is also in the works for the coming spring to collaborate with local musicians and participate in workshops at music schools in Beijing and Qingdao.
Even after decades of composing and performing, Florio says his appetite for discovery has only grown. “The more music I learn, the more I feel like, 'Wow, I don't know anything,' and there's so much to learn,” he said. “And it gets more exciting, not less exciting.”
Originally conceived as a one-off studio project, the group behind “Twinkle” has since performed and toured together, with hopes of continuing to make music as a band. For Florio, the experience is another reminder of what can happen when musicians bring their individual perspectives into the same room.
Listen to “Twinkle,” which received promotional support from Starlight PR.
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About Chris Florio
Chris Florio is an adventurous and imaginative composer, producer, and musician based in Ipswich, Massachusetts. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has explored orchestral composition, improvisation, and contemporary musical forms. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in composition, Florio has written more than 40 orchestral compositions, participated in multimedia collaborations, and released 12 albums through Passion Records. His work reflects an ongoing interest in bringing different musical traditions and artistic perspectives together.
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