I first learned about The Black Atlas when their publicist, Meijin Bruttomesso at Effectively Immediately PR, sent out a press release announcing the band’s debut album, “Devils,” being celebrated at The Manderley Bar at The McKittrick Hotel. Certainly not a venue I often hear about for bands. Then on top of that, the press release noted that the group would be joined by “The Little Top Circus & Medicine Show.”
With my curiosity piqued, I went to The Black Atlas’ Soundcloud page and noticed that The Black Atlas was actually a solo project of Peter Koronios. Alas, I reached out to Peter’s rep and arranged to do a Q&A with him over e-mail.
I’ve heard The Black Atlas described as “ambient grunge-rock” — how do you feel about that tag?
The Black Atlas’ Peter Koronios: I think it’s fair on the part of the listener to assume that the music has been influenced by those things, because it has. I don’t think it will ultimately stick, though. The music has to evolve. It’s evolving as I progress.
At the “Devils” album release show at The McKittrick Hotel, you’ll be joined by The Little Top Circus & Medicine Show. What exactly will that entail?
P: They’re a really excellent troupe of performers. Their show is styled after a turn-of-the-century patent medicine/traveling sideshow act. I’ve asked for no spoilers for this particular show, so I’ll likely be just as surprised as everyone else. I do know there will be burlesque dancers.
What do you wish more people knew about The Black Atlas?
P: The Black Atlas is not gluten-free.
Was playing all of the instruments on your recordings a choice, or out of necessity?
P: It was definitely a deliberate choice. For me, it was part of the initial challenge I put to myself at the outset. I could have had any number of extremely talented musicians perform those parts, or create their own, but that would have completely defeated the purpose of this project. It is a very personal project for me. I am very glad, however, that [co-producer] Jesse [Clasen] contributed some piano to the recording. Working with him really made me focus on listening in order to hear what I needed to improve on in my playing.
As an artist, how do you measure success?
P: Do I feel like what I’m trying to say is an accurate statement in regards to myself? Does this feel right? Is this still fulfilling?
I noticed a Florence & The Machine cover on your Soundcloud page. Do you have a “bucket list” of sorts when it comes to artists you hope to collaborate with?
P: I’m open to pretty much any kind of collaboration with people that are in a similar mind-frame, artistically. I’ve been very fortunate to already be working with musicians and artists that have inspired me in some way, and I’ve learned a lot in a relatively short period of time. But I don’t usually go in for that kind of daydreaming. I try to focus on what I’m creating, and put myself to work in a practical way.
Finally, Pete, any last words for the kids?
P: Keep doin’ you.