Atlas Franklin Alexander wear’s all the hats
Tasmanian-based psych pop artist Atlas Franklin Alexander has shared his brand-new single ‘Dolphins’, which was produced, mixed, engineered and mastered by AFA himself and has been officially launched with a run of shows in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and one still to come in Wollongong. We got to chat with Atlas so we asked him about ‘Dolphins’, the track’s music video and the Psych pop scene in Tassie.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe the Atlas Franklin Alexander sound?
I’d say it’s like stepping into a dream you’re not entirely sure you’ve had before. It’s fluid, nostalgic, and kind of hovers between being soothing and a little unsettling.
You have just released your latest single ‘Dolphins’. Where did the inspiration for this one come from?
Dolphins came from that eerie, rare feeling where you meet someone and feel like you’ve known them forever — like longer than time should logically allow. I was exploring this idea of past timelines, borrowed identities, déjà vu. It’s a song about a kind of connection that doesn’t make sense, like remembering someone else's memory.
‘Dolphins’ is delivered with an accompanying visualiser. Who came up with the concept for the video? Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
I directed it myself, and I worked with my good friends Harri Gilbert (DOP) and David Fulham (gaffer) they’ve been part of this world with me from the start. The concept was to create a visual equivalent to the song: fragmented, familiar-but-off, like watching a dream you half-remember. One memorable moment? The whole thing was impossible to do and almost didn't see the light of day
“The EP is like a shifting mirror, it plays with memory, identity, technology, and emotional residue.”
‘Dolphins’ features on your EP ‘Flexible New Replica’. What else can listeners expect from this body of work?
The EP is like a shifting mirror, it plays with memory, identity, technology, and emotional residue. Every track kind of folds into the next. There’s a sense of reaching for something, a version of yourself, or a moment that’s slipping away. Sonically, it jumps from hazy dreamscapes to tightly wound grooves. It’s modern and nostalgic at the same time, kinda like future pop seen through a dusty lens.
You have 4 official single launch shows happening in October. Are you excited to perform the song live and see how it’s received?
I really am. Dolphins has always felt like one of those intangible songs that lives in its own little weather system, so bringing it into a live context has been this beautiful challenge. We’re building the live shows to be immersive,like you’re walking into the universe of the songs. I’m curious to see how people connect with it in real time.
“I sometimes disappear down rabbit holes I maybe don’t need to be in. But those rabbit holes are also where the weird magic happens. ”
All your music you engineer, produce, mix, master and create yourself — does that make the process easier or more difficult? Do you ever see a time where you might bring others into your creative process?
It’s both. It gives me complete control, which is amazing, but it also means I sometimes disappear down rabbit holes I maybe don’t need to be in. But those rabbit holes are also where the weird magic happens. I love the solitude of the process, but I’m also open to collaboration, when it’s the right person and it feels natural. I think the best collaborations are like conversations, not transactions.
As a DIY musician, what advice do you have for those who want to give it a crack?
Start before you think you’re ready. You’ll never feel "ready," and you don’t need permission.
“You’ll never feel “ready,” and you don’t need permission. ”
Atlas, you’re a Tasmanian-based psych pop artist. What’s the psych pop scene like in Tassie?
I think just me
Does being on the other side of the Strait pose any challenges or hurdles that mainland artists don’t encounter?
Everything costs more — getting gear over, flying, even just being part of the national music conversation. But Tassie rules, so it’s worth it
Festival Season is almost upon us in Australia. Will we see AFA on any of the summer festival lineups? Is playing festivals something you’d like to do, or do you prefer the intimacy of a concert venue?
Festivals are definitely on the wishlist (fingers crossed)
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or a flop?
My first real gig was terrible haha
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
All of them <3
What’s next for Atlas Franklin Alexander? What can fans look forward to with 2026 rapidly approaching?
Third Ep release, bunch of shows, bunch of vids, business as usual xo
ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
Tickets available from http://www.instagram.com/atlasfranklinalexander
31/10 TBH FRIDAYS TOWRADGI HOTEL, WOLLONGONG NSW
