Atari Pilot is an independent rock group that plays anthems that reflect the human condition. Their music is a distinctive fusion of classic rock and contemporary indie sensibilities, with influences like Bruce Springsteen, Daft Punk, and Oasis serving as sources of inspiration.
Atari Pilot’s “Train Of Life” is a dynamic and upbeat song with strong vocals, driving guitars, and a catchy melody that will get listeners singing along. The song is a great choice for playlists that emphasize self-discovery and personal growth because the lyrics are relatable and speak to the universal experience of seeking direction in life. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
ATARI PILOT: Hi, I’m Onze from Atari Pilot. I’ve been writing songs and in bands on and off for about 20 years now. I’ve not always been able to fully embrace being an artist, but I never let that part of me completely die, and ever since surviving cancer I have been slowly but surely moving towards finally letting things fly. I’m really blessed that I have 3 guys that form the rest of Atari Pilot. They are Andy on Drums, Frosty on Guitar and Paj on Bass. They are three of the best men and musicians you could hope to meet.
2. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘ATARI PILOT’?
ATARI PILOT: I’m a 90’s kid, so bands like Oasis, Radiohead & The Verve were I think formative influences, but I think in terms of shaping my songwriting, Bob Dylan was a big Influence and then later The more human and relatable story telling of Springsteen I would say took over as the single biggest influence. The Name Atari Pilot, I originally thought that Atari meant Fog in Japanese, and so the idea was that an Atari Pilot could make it through the fog of life and get to where there wanted to be. The first album was called Navigation of the world by sound, and it was all about how music can be a map for us and help make sense of things. Someone later told me on Twitter that Atari meant “hit the target” and that was quite too, especially as there’s a target emoji and a pilot emoji! 🙂
3. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
ATARI PILOT: I think the key element is the combination of strength and vulnerability. We want to connect with people in a way that makes them want to move and also be moved. There’s the influence of Springsteen style reflective story telling, some rhythmic influences from Random Access memories era Daft Punk. Finally, I think my voice provides a constant Element that people can identify.
4. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as INDIE?
ATARI PILOT: Yeah, I think you definitely have your heroes that inspire you to start, and you almost learn by that imitation, which makes sense. Over time, I think I’ve probably absorbed so many different influences but also As I’ve gotten older I have thought deeply about who I am, what I really stand for and where my musical home is. I write big-hearted songs that are meant to be sang loudly, and Indie sounds are natural to us, and we’re not trying to be anything we’re not.
5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
ATARI PILOT:
For me, Fulfillment comes from creating work that I’m proud of that I can leave behind as a legacy and for the music to be there for people in the way that music has been there for me. Anything and everything beyond that is a bonus. I have no expectations other than I know that I’m going to keep walking this path and be consistent.
6. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
ATARI PILOT: I am most proud that my best days are ahead and that I have 3 bandmates in Andy, Frosty and Paj who are just the best people you could ever wish to play music with, and they have always been there for me. It means a lot to them to play the songs I write, and I’m continually humbled by that.
7. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
ATARI PILOT: I think facing a battle with cancer where I thought I would leave my wife and children behind would be the most difficult thing, I had try to be brave and I did stay really positive, but at times in hospital on my own I of course confronted my own mortality for sure. I have to say I owe so much to so many people, particularly all the Nurses and The Professor’s who handled my treatment. I am grateful everyday to be here.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
ATARI PILOT: It really varies, but for Train of Life I had written the lyrics and then just sat down one day and came up with the riff, and then I was off. I had been working on my writing and producing for a good month and I had written a lot of songs, but I was still searching for a jumping off point. With that song it was like the theme / the sound and everything just came together, and I had finally found the first song for the Album.
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
ATARI PILOT: I love them both, creating something from nothing or gradually hearing the sound in your head come out the speakers is magical and so is being part of a live show, where there Is so much positive energy exchanged. I couldn’t have one without the other.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
ATARI PILOT: I think the important thing is that for our songs, there is always truth in them, and they can believe in them. Once the song is out there, I subscribe to the notion that the song can mean whatever people want it to mean for them because that is the magic Of us each having our own perspectives and connections to songs.
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