Tim Atlas
“We were each in our own studios, but it felt like an unfamiliar creative space at the time. I think that situation forced me to be a little out of my comfort zone as a writer & this song is a result of that."
- Tim Atlas
I don't often write about this type of music. Not that I don't listen to tasteful music, on the contrary, I am absolutely here for it! It's just that I've always been too self-conscious when talking about top-tier sound as I worry too much about judgment from friends and acquaintances in the music industry. When writing about music that is generally favored, I tend to be more careful. When I talk about music like this, I think about the likes of Filipino-American artists such as Tim Atlas.
Tim Atlas, an Oakland native who is now based in Los Angeles, his music evokes a listening experience akin to that of Majestic Casual. Tim has a sound aesthetic that comes with the recording techniques which exemplify the musicianship he brings to the table. If you watch a lot of COLORXSTUDIOS on YouTube, you would probably get the same vibe I get whenever I sound scan his tracks. I hear different grooves of downtempo R&B mixed with a Neo-Soul approach reminiscent of the sounds of Toro y Moi or Rex Orange County. It’s a dreamy open canvas and every color used creates a widely elegant and cohesive sound palette.
His latest effort, “focus” is a collaboration with Californian-dream Pop duo slenderbodies comprised of Max Vehuni and Benji Cormack who are known for their indie-electronic influences and their obsession with guitars and falsetto.
"Can I focus? Can't seem to keep myself from falling off track, I notice all the weight I hold on my back I've broken promises, I know that, I know that."
“focus” is the first remote session Tim Atlas recorded, and he understandably felt like he was in unfamiliar territory which forced him out of his comfort zone. An experience that was refreshing for overall creativity nonetheless. “slenderbodies are two guys I really admire as artists and people”, he explains. “We were each in our own studios, but it felt like an unfamiliar creative space at the time. I think that situation forced me to be a little out of my comfort zone as a writer and this song is a result of that."
A multi-faceted creative, Tim Atlas is also a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer, known for his unique brand. Initially making waves with his 2018 EP entitled All Talk! with notable tracks like “Compromised” and “Unwind”, the EP garnered close to 40 million streams with his listenership steadily growing. Tim Atlas picked up significant support along the way, with radio and press media tastemakers including Zane Lowe (Beats 1), Arielle Free (Radio One), and publications such as Paste, Complex, Notion, EARMILK, and many more.
I found myself enjoying his 2019 album Together Only. I highly recommend the tracks “Tangerine”, “Sidestep”, and the funky synth-bass single called “Hold Up” which he also performed live on Audiotree. Another personal favorite of mine is his previous collaboration with LA-based duo Honeywhip entitled “Peace at Last”.
I don't think I'm alone when I say I'm excited for what Tim Atlas has in store for all of us. Make sure to listen to his latest collab single “focus” with pop phenomenon slenderbodies on all major streaming platforms.
About The Author
Alex “Phat Boy” Lim started Beat This ON AIR on terrestrial radio back in 2017. His goal was to hold space for Filipino-made music on a global stage. This was a passion project he held onto from the beginning until the present day. Alex believes that Filipino Global is the next wave that will shape the standards of the music industry in the Philippines.
