Last call for boarding on flight ZenZero to outer space with a layover in Berkley, California so we can pick up our Artist Pick of the Week, Jake Atlas aka Thriftworks. Atlas is a Pennsylvania native currently living in California and making some of the most unique and stimulating sounds in electronic music. Since his first album released in 2010, Atlas has played fests like Electric Forest, Lighting In A Bottle, and Counterpoint and has toured with Bassnectar and STS9 among others.
One of the main reasons we love Thriftworks is his distinct sound. While a lot of electronic music tends toward uniformity and repetitiveness, Thriftworks tracks vary while still maintaining cohesiveness. Although you may not be able to name each track individually, if you know Atlas’ music you can pick out one of his productions immediately.Not only has Atlas been able to craft this sound, but he has also continued to define and grow it throughout his career. This is something that we look for in artists yet is only achieved by a select few within the industry.
Distinction and cohesiveness are two characteristics that every artist strives for, and we believe Thriftworks has achieved it. Starting with the beats, he utilizes soft, natural percussive elements that root the track in “realness” giving the listener something earthly to subconsciously hold on to. His vocals vary from samples to originally recorded, either with an airiness that gently lifts your consciousness, or an eeriness like on “Feeding Time.” Although his music can be described as “celestial” he uses organic instruments like flute and chimes that lend toward his “out there” vision while keeping you grounding in reality. Synths play a huge role in his music, with ethereal melodies and ear pleasing effects being present throughout. The bass is gritty and full, giving you the feeling of being wrapped in a warm flour tortilla or blanket fresh out of the dryer.
Atlas’ music is cerebral and stimulating, coupling delicate melodies with grittiness in a way that hasn’t been observed before. Check out our favorite album Deviation below and if you like what you hear, head over to his Bandcamp for more music. He’ll also be playing one of our most anticipated festivals this summer Infrasound in Wisconsin you can still get tickets HERE. We hope to see you there!
Connect with Thriftworks:
http://jatlas.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Thriftworks
www.soundcloud.com/thriftworks
Share On
