INTERVIEW: Steven Gillies – Atlas : Empire

Having brought out three well-received EPs, toured extensively across the UK, continental Europe, and eastern Canada, as well as impressing critics and fans alike with an alternative/progressive rock sound, Glaswegian trio ATLAS : EMPIRE recently made the jump towards producing their first full-length album, The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (read our review here), and the band’s frontman Steven Gillies spoke to us about its recording process, lyrical content, and much more.

Shortly, you will be bringing out your debut album, The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet. Where did the initial idea come from?

Steven: The concept behind the album actually started with a song called Long Live The New Flesh, which appeared on our last EP (For The Satellites, 2015). That track explored what would happen if humanity became entirely reliant on technology/automation in every aspect of their lives – and more importantly what happens when that system fails? Jamie and I got so deep into that concept whilst we were writing the lyrics, that it became necessary to explore different aspects of that possible future – so although we draw from personal experiences as well, each song is centred around that theme. Although not in chronological order, each song takes place before, during or after a mass technological collapse – from the perspective of a different “character”.

And how did the title come about?

Steven: The title is actually a lyric from the opening song of our first EP, To The Astronaut. It’s also the closing lyric of the album, which we felt bookended this chapter of our writing really well.

How was the recording process for the album? Was it a different experience, in any way, to when you were putting together your three previous EPs?

Steven: Our EPs have always been either self-recorded, or specific parts engineered by friends – then sent to be mixed & mastered by a producer. With TSBOF, we worked start to finish with producer Chris Marshall, at 7 West Studios in Glasgow. Jamie & I have known Chris for years, but had never recorded with him. Chris works with a lot of indie bands, when we approached him about making a prog record, he was really into it. He was amazing to work with, taking time to experiment with odd mic placements, blending live amp & analogue pedal sounds with Impulse Response & plug-in technology, re-amping and generally being out of his comfort zone with a band like us.

Lyrically, the album is centred on humanity’s growing reliance on technology. Have you personally found yourself in a similar situation?

Steven: Not to the degree explored in our songs, thankfully! But yes, we’re all guilty of being sucked into the social media vortex…it’s addictive, whether its browsing gear on Reverb or falling into YouTube black holes, I think modern society is intertwined with technology. That’s what we found so intriguing about centralising the album around this narrative – it’s not that unbelievable.

How will the upcoming album differ stylistically to the EPs?

Steven: Having the freedom to write a full-length, combined with how long Jamie & I have been writing music together now, has resulted in our most diverse body of work to date. Over the course of 10 songs, you’ll hear our heaviest riffs, our most ambient & cinematic progressions, our most angular, math rock-influenced parts and our most anthemic alt-rock moments.

This album showcases every element of ATLAS : EMPIRE, from 2011 til now.

Are you planning to promote the new release with some live shows?

Steven: We will be playing a handful of UK shows in December to support the album…

13/12/18 – Headlining @ Subside, Birmingham.

15/12/18 – Underground Xmas Party @ Underground, Plymouth. Featuring Steve Strong, DATURA & more TBC.

18/01/19 – Supporting DAYSEEKER @ The Slaughter Lamb, London.

Finally, what have you got planned once the album is released?

Steven: We’re going to be touring loads throughout 2019 – we’re currently booking our third tour in Canada as well as making plans to tour the US. We’ve also got tonnes of new material in various stages of writing…so album number two will be with you before you know it!

The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet is out now via self-release. 

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