In a time when talent is constantly replaced by looks and
fashion, there are those rare few that can somehow assemble all of those
traits. Atlantic, Atlantic founder/ lead singer/ songwriter Bradley Lloyd York
is one of those rare few. Like many talented musicians before him, Brad possesses
that quality that draws people towards him and causes others to emulate him.
The kind of quality that allows him to go against the grain when everyone else
is trying to create an image and slice of music that fits what the particular movement
may be that month. The kind of quality that’s allowed him to stay true to his
way of music for the better part of a decade.
Think the melodic rock of early Weezer mixed with Bob
Dylan’s more intense moments by way of eccentric ‘80s indie rockers like The
Replacements and you’re on the right track. And if you have one conversation
with York, you’ll quickly realize the ideas and thoughts that run through his
mind could easily take him from local Bradley Beach, NJ, act to international
legend. But no matter how big Atlantic, Atlantic gets, York also has an honesty
about him that never wavers. The kind of honesty that most wish they could
exhibit, but never have the gall to.
ESM: You have a very
Bob Dylan-esque sound to your vocals. Where do you draw your inspirations?
Bradley Lloyd York: Well,
it’s just kinda how my voice is. Like Geddy Lee, I was born with a high
register. I get it a lot — “Man, you sound like Bob Dylan!” It’s funny.
But I never really liked Bob Dylan until a few years ago when I heard Nashville Skyline and was like, “Hey,
this guy’s rippin’ me off!” [Laughs]. Bob Dylan’s a sicko. I now love him.
ESM: Before
Atlantic, Atlantic, you were in a band, Sikamor Rooney, with some of your best
friends. Explain how you went from that original iteration to Atlantic,
Atlantic, and also what has changed.
BY: I started
Sikamor Rooney in 2004 during the Low Flying Jet days. I put out two EPs and
one album. Atlantic, Atlantic started in the summer of 2009 as a side project
with Sam Bey and Nick Villapiano. At that time, Sikamor Rooney was on hiatus
because we joined Nicole Atkins for a yearlong tour and helped record her new
album, Mondo Amore. Then at the start
of 2010, we regrouped as Sikamor Rooney. But I was bored with it after eight
years and wanted to move on to a fresh new project.
Like in baseball, some players are great players but not
playing for the right team. So as it went down, we did kind of a trade. Even
though we are all good friends, it didn’t go down as smoothly as it should
have. Nick parted ways with the Parlor Mob and Anthony Chick took his spot, which
in the end worked out great for everyone. And with that we officially started
Atlantic, Atlantic.
ESM: For the last
six months or so, you've been releasing a song here and there. When can we
expect a full-length Atlantic, Atlantic album?
BY: When we get
someone to pay for it [laughs]! But as of now my good friend and guitarist Jeff
Plate has been busting out these recordings. We just finished a six-song demo
EP. I have about 20 new songs ready to go, but it’s all about finding the money
and time to record them. So we’ll see what happens in the next few months. As
for now, I’m still writing and working on promos, live shows, and a new
animation.
ESM: You create
all the content for your videos yourself. Why animation vs. real-time video?
BY: Real-time
video requires people, and people are annoying. I can do an animation by myself
or with the help of one or two people. I can get exactly what I want with a lot
less stress. Also, in animation you can have anything imaginable happen. Try
getting a rabbit to fly across the desert in a rocket in real-time video.
ESM: Once the full-length
is completed, are you going to shop it to labels, or are labels pretty obsolete
at this point with all the other ways to get your music out there?
BY: I don’t know.
I see Atlantic, Atlantic as any other business. I’m just trying to get it out
there to as many people as possible through marketing and advertising. I’m
trying to make the best product and give it away for free. I’m tired of trying
to shop. If people want to help us out, that’s awesome, but for now we’re
chillin’ just trying to be the best band we can be. If labels want a consistent
hitter, constantly delivering great songs, live shows, and energy, then they
can find us. I see us as the Nick Swisher of music. Consistency is key.
ESM: So what can
we expect from Atlantic, Atlantic over the next few months?
BY: More live
shows. An animated video for the new unreleased song “The Break.” And who knows?
Maybe some other crazy shit no one knows about.
ESM: You've
worked with a wide variety of musicians. What have you taken away from these
experiences?
BY: Parlor Mob,
The 66, Nicole Atkins… they’re all great bands that really inspire me. They all
work so hard and create such awesome music. Being on tour with Nicole and the
Avett Brothers really gave me a taste of the major leagues. Once you taste it,
you gotta have more. Music is what I am meant to do.
ESM: Being an
artist that splits his time between two East Coast musical hotbeds (New York City
and Asbury Park), what are the pros and cons of each place?
BY: God, New
York. There are so many bands I don’t think I’ve ever seen the same band listed
twice! It’s ridiculous. When you play New York, you just hope the other bands
bring people. And I know they’re hoping the same. There are a hundred shows
going on at the same time all around you — and it’s a Monday night. Until
you get some hype behind you, New York is hard as hell. Unless of course you’re
a new hip Brooklyn band, which seems to be workin’ out OK these days. Maybe I
should move there. The city is the city — filled with inspiration and the
arts. Asbury Park has the arts and the ocean; it’s filled with the origins of
life. I love both places. But the music business is hard no matter where you
go.
ESM: What’s your
take on the current state of music and what seems to be successful these days?
BY: Ah, man. I
don’t know. When I listen to what’s out there these days it makes me depressed
and really happy at the same time. I’m like, ‘If people want to hear this shit,
then I’m screwed.’ But on the other hand, it’s like, ‘Well, if bands are
getting deals and making money off this shit, then we’re gonna be fine!’”
ESM: What bands
are you currently listening to at the moment?
BY: Mainly
Atlantic, Atlantic. I mean, I write music for myself first. So, it’s my
favorite band. Just being honest. What songwriter doesn’t? But also my friends’
bands, and classics like Pavement, old Metallica, The Libertines, The Kinks,
and Television. I listen to whatever.
ESM: Do you feel as
though most bands today are in it for the image and aren’t focused on the
actual integrity of making good music and performing well live?
BY: Yes. How many
albums a year come out that are filled with crap with one hit on ‘em? When was
the last time you heard an OK Computer or a Pet Sounds released? Never.
Bands. It’s crazy business.
ESM: Where do you
place your emphasis? On writing great songs or making sure you’re performing
well live?
BY: Well, first come
the songs. If you don’t have the songs, then it doesn’t matter what song and
dance you do on stage. If you’re a great performer, you don’t think about how
you perform. You just perform — and that’s that.
ATLANTIC, ATLANTIC TOUR DATES:
1/27 Live on the Jeff Raspe Show
90.5……………………….. Lincroft, NJ
1/29 Nick Of Time Benefit Show
@ Asbury Lanes…………… Asbury Park, NJ
2/8 The
Watermark……………………………………………... Asbury Park, NJ
3/3 Asbury
Lanes……………………………………………….. Asbury Park, NJ
For all things Atlantic, Atlantic, visit www.AtlanticAtlanticMusic.com
