The ATMA offers an edgy, inventive, charismatic, soulful breed of rock music; totally identifiable and diverse as its colorful members. Each song sports uncannily well-crafted lyrics supported by melodic, dynamic, and surprisingly sophisticated music.

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Named the 6th Best Critiqued New Artists of 2008 by MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE (12/2008)

The ATMA

THE ATMA www.theatma.com / www.myspace.com/theatma

The ATMA offers an edgy, inventive, charismatic, soulful breed of rock music; totally identifiable and diverse as its colorful members. Each song sports uncannily well-crafted lyrics supported by melodic, dynamic, and surprisingly sophisticated music. Sean "The Oblivious Driver" Allen (24) is both The ATMA's sole guitarist and lead singer, as well as the lyricist on all the material.

Wade Ryff (21) is a schooled musician who brings skilled flavors and colors to his bass and occasional keyboard playing. Perhaps most unique are his mind-bending bass solos, which often take on characteristics of other instruments without ever detracting from the well-rehearsed material.

Lookas Ventura (26) may very well be the most animated drummer since Keith Moon, offering up an always exciting and very descriptive back beat augmented by frequent stints on stage with a tambourine and hand claps… something their audiences rave about. Rocking the LA underground music scene since 2002,

The ATMA can be found regularly playing the biggest clubs on LA's famed Sunset Strip such as The Roxy, Whiskey a Go Go, as well as legendary clubs The Troubadour and The Derby. They have played at Hard Rock Café @ Universal Studios; The Mint, the LA Knitting Factory, and many more. They are also the founders of a growing underground music n' art event, The Merry Japester's Ball which gathers every six-weeks or so to show off the talents of multiple local bands and features raffles, costumes, and art in a unique, non-club environment.

The ATMA have recorded several CDs, as well as 2006's 'On My Artichoke.', co-produced by well-known engineer/producer Niko Bolas (Neil Young/Fiona Apple/Rachel Yamagata) and Erich Gobel. The album, which was recorded in just two days, is a dynamic 15-song powerhouse featuring a wide variety of sound and attitude. Among the featured tracks, the lighthearted 'Pheremones' showcases the band's funkier side, while tracks such as 'The Weight' reflect the band's grittier side. Throughout, tasty traces of reggae, jazz, blues, swing, punk, and '60's Psychedelia are evident in this ambitious collection, which CD Review called:
"… an unconventional and advanced debut".