We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ATUNE a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ATUNE, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
When I was much younger, maybe 15 years ago now, I was living in Washington state in a small city north of Seattle called Bellingham. I already knew I was drawn to music and couldn’t imagine another life. But, I didn’t have a clue how to make any money at it. All the stereotypical tropes were repeated to me in a small minded environment. People would say “when are you going to get a real job” or “that’s a cute hobby but how are you going to make any money?” I was going to a community college, casually studying music, trying to figure out my life. My mentor, the music teacher at the time, had pushed me into a position of being the president of the music club on campus. I became the person to talk to about organizing musical events and then a stroke of pure luck happened. The school was starting a brand new modern dance program and they needed someone to play the accompaniment. For a few months I sloughed off the responsibilty of finding someone, then all of a sudden the school said “the class starts tomorrow, do you have someone?”. Ofcourse, not having found someone for the position, I took it on myself. So here I was, gathering some hand drums from around the campus, and walking into this new dance program with nothing but apprehension that I was under qualified. It was the beginning of a fake it till you make it attitude that has carried me ever since. I was a success, the class was always fully booked. For the first time in my life I received a real check from a reputable institution and I felt a sense of becoming legitimate. The check was small but it gave me a confidence that I had something important to give to the world. That sense of purpose has been my fuel ever since.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I go by ATUNE. Its a name I chose for myself years ago but has evolved into its own meaning. Originally inspired from the word attunement, to attune your senses, in my case to attune yourself to music. As I was out playing shows on the road, everyone kept pronouncing it A-tune. It was in this happy accident I found the real meaning. A-tune meaning to be without tune. I am the conduit, or the vessel. I do not own the music coming through me. This identity keeps me grounded in my mission. I believe the world is a better place with music than without it. Music is real medicine we use everyday to regulate our moods and find strength to push on. Many times in my life, I believe music has saved me or healed me. I hope to give the inspiration back to my listeners just as it filled me from others artists before.
Over the past few years I’ve been playing bass for an incredible artist named Zee Machine. We are finally breaking into the festival scene and Im so grateful to be playing bigger crowds. That has been a specific dream for me for a long time.
Right now, I’m working with an artist named P$ssyBossQueen. We are doing some experimental electronic music with heavy effects on the vocals and lush synths. I’m really excited about this project because it has taken me out of my comfort zone as a writer and a producer. It has been rare for me to find musical partnership where the sum is greater than its parts. We have an Ep out now called “try me” and some tracks in the works that will be coming out soon. We have been workshopping our live show at a few small events and Im looking forward to getting on some bigger stages.
This year I officially started a recording studio and label that I’ve been working towards for awhile. Im calling it 77 Dragons. The name comes from both the street number and my housemate being trained in kung fu from one of bruce lee’s proteges back in the day. He has generously been putting up with me making a lot of noise for years so its a bit of an unspoken homage. This summer I started a backyard showcase for some musicians i’ve been working with. I’m moving towards building community and ultimately finding more artists to collaborate with.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
From a very early age I was told I can’t sing. I must have been creating some weird shape with my mouth not having an proper training. I didn’t sound good and everyone told me. At this point in my early teens, I had become fairly proficient at guitar and I was singing songs I wrote by myself and in bands. I specifically remember playing “Smells like teen spirit” by Nirvana at a school talent show. The entire school told me I should stop singing. It created such a stigma in my mind that I had a bad voice. But, I just hadn’t received any education about how to sing. A few years later I auditioned for the high school choir and I was so nervous. I stumbled my way through and made it in. Finally, with a good teacher, I started rebuilding my confidence. Ive been carrying that triumph to this day. I love my voice now. In my opinion, its very important to be careful who you let in your head. It is much easier to criticize than create.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I believe one of the first places people misunderstand each other is the choice to be a creative person professionally. It requires an element of craziness to push against the grain and follow your heart. Even more so if you’re family doesn’t understand and wants stability and prosperity for you. Before I became grateful for the way things are, I would envy others that seemed happy with simpler lives and jobs. Often in my life I have yearned for the security of a 9-5 job. But the reality, that took quite a bit of time to digest, is I’m not built like that. I don’t know how to do something else without feeling I’m wasting the obvious gifts I’ve been given. I wish it was easier to communicate that expressing myself through music is a need, not a want. A relief of a pressure inside that has often made life very uncomfortable. Artists help to absorb all the pain and intensity of existence and process it into something someone else can palate.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: atuneofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@atunemusic
Image Credits
Elizabeth McIrvin