ATO - Muscle Twitch (Official Video) + 10 Questions
ATO is a Leeds-based, British-Ghanaian-Danish artist making experimental rap and hip-hop. He started to gather serious attention with his 2019 feature 'fallin' with Vic Mensa, and has had support from FADER, Complex, Trench and more previously.
ATO drop’s ‘Muscle Twitch’ - with a gritty video shot mainly on the streets of London and a boxing ring, with more intimate personal moments of reflection. The video has with an underlying political message pointing to damaging Tory rule, and is a candid, evocative reflection on his experience with abrupt, anxious thoughts and difficult feelings after his parents were both diagnosed with serious illnesses at the same time.
ATO sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
In the beginning, it was more about the writing than the music. I always enjoyed writing, and I found writing lyrics as a means of therapy from a young age. I found it helpful to put my experiences on paper.
The Slim Shady LP, Get Rich or Die Tryin, and the 2001 Gorillaz album were the first CD’s I got my hands on when I was a kid, and I’d have the three of them on repeat. They ignited a love for getting more into the music side, and I still refer back to them now when I’m working on new stuff.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Blood Orange has been a big influence for me over the years. I’d love to work with Dev Hynes.
I love A. G cook, I like to think we could make some cool shit
I learnt a lot from Little Simz in the early days when I first moved down to London. She’s such an important artist of this era, and it would be nice to make something!
Headie One is up there too!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
If anything, I’d say it was the same as everyone else. Trying to find a healthy routine was a test in the beginning. My first experience touring was cut short because of the pandemic, so it was a matter of reorganising my expectations and letting go. There were so many practical pros to being forced to stay home and work on music, but I found a big part of the creative process was also going for long walks every day and being in nature.
4. How would you describe your sound?
future r&b / art rap
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I’d have to say performing in front of my parents and my little brother at Manchester Albert Hall. It’s not very often I get to see them all together, so it felt really special.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
If I could give any advice from the time
I’ve spent making music; I’d say work with your mates where possible and enjoy the journey. Always try to stay in touch with why you started making music!
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
454
Otta
Graft (an artist from Leeds)
Noah Carter
Brother May
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On
The Game - The Documentary
And Drake - So Far Gone
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Mostly just the little things you know,
I love to play ball with my mates
Hang out with my little brother
Watching the football (although I’m not sure watching arsenal is something I like doing at the moment)
Walk, I like to get a long walk in every day.
Spend time with my dog Millie!
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I’d say a pen and paper. Where I can, I like to keep it old school and write on paper.
My friends, I find it real helpful to have a second opinion I can trust in the studio.
Sounds funny but good lighting. The guys will tell you; I’m very sensitive to how the room is lit when we record.