INTERVIEW: Psychology releases debut record

At the crossroads where shoegaze fuzz, waves of distortion and reflective vocal musings converge, Psychology stands as an intriguing newcomer. The project led by John Atkinson, an artist who not only serves as the vocalist but also wields multiple instruments and takes on the role of producer. Atkinson’s journey into music was catalysed by his studies in Educational Psychology, where he discovered the profound impact of music on the human mind, from its potential to stave off Alzheimer’s to its ability to stimulate cognitive faculties. Inspired by this revelation, Atkinson made a bold choice; quitting his job, relearning the guitar, and venturing into the world of music. Thus, Psychology was born, with Dave Richman joining on drums to complete the lineup.

Following the release of their impressive debut single, “First Contact,” and the follow-up sophomore track “The Economy,” Psychology has now unveiled their first full-length release with the eponymous debut record Psychology. This 11-track collection dives into the intricacies of love, relationships and the myriad challenges of everyday existence, all within the framework of cerebral rock that defines their signature sound.

The album opens with the resounding twang of a guitar intro on “Spatial Relations,” a driving instrumental rock piece that sets the stage for the musical journey ahead. Immediately following is “First Contact,” a track that captures Psychology’s penchant for crunching rock. Here, Atkinson’s soaring vocals dance gracefully above fuzzy guitar riffs, underpinned by dynamic, splashing drums.

Among the standout tracks is “Blue,” where a drum-led arrangement provides the backdrop for John’s poignant writing on the passage of time. The delicate acoustic guitar accompaniment creates an intimate ambiance, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the emotion-laden lyrics. The latest single, “Our Broken Heart,” opens with gentle acoustic guitar plucks that gradually intensify as the drums enter. Atkinson’s vocals rise and fall, conveying the profound pain that often accompanies love’s journey.

One of the album’s notable moments is the guitar-driven epic, “Rings,” which stretches close to nine minutes in length. It’s a heartfelt celebration of marriage and the enduring power of love. The track weaves a captivating narrative, commencing with soft, clean guitar tones and smooth vocal leads that gradually evolve into a crescendo of uptempo energy and lightly gritty guitars.

Closing out the album is the band’s sophomore single, “The Economy,” a track that revolves around the transformative power of love. It explores the idea that meeting someone who opens your eyes and shifts your perspective can lead to newfound attentiveness and awareness of aspects of life that were previously overlooked. With its bright guitar work, bouncy rhythm and instantly catchy vocal leads, “The Economy” serves as a superb conclusion to this impressive debut album.

Recorded at Nuthouse Recording in New Jersey, Psychology bears the unmistakable touch of producer Tom Beaujour, known for his work with Nada Surf and The Juliana Hatfield Three, and engineer Tim Foljahn, whose credits include Townes Van Zandt and Sonic Youth. With this album, Psychology confidently establishes itself as an emerging force in the world of alternative rock, inviting listeners to join them on a journey of sonic exploration.

We caught up with Psychology’s John Atkinson to find out more about the new project, their debut album Psychology and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Psychology below.

Hey Psychology, how’s things?

Going well. Happy that the album is finally out. Waiting for all the money to roll in.

How did you get together as a band?

Through my daily loitering around Guitar Bar in Hoboken, owned by Jim Mastro. Tim Foljahn was working there and I played him some of the little demos I had recorded on my phone. To my surprise he was into them and we discussed recording at Nuthouse with Tom Beaujour (Tim also engineered and recorded there). But they’re not officially the “band” but more a huge part of the project as a whole in making it possible besides producing and engineering. Those guys found and hired Dave Richman to play drums as a session guy and now Dave is definitely the band. It’s crazy to think back on how it worked out because obviously in a rock band you’re a mess without the right drummer, but immediately Dave was the guy. He understood my primitive musical language and we worked really well together.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

I’m always listening to new music, but it’s just new to me. I’m not very on top of what’s actually new to everyone else. Likewise I watch a lot of old movies, and miss a lot of new ones. So it’s hard to address the “today” part of your question but those are my two favourite art forms and I obsess over them. That said, I really like the latest Yo La Tengo album and I just saw Shin Godzilla which was like Godzilla on Evil Dead Drugs. Each inspired me; anytime I enjoy art I think to myself, “that person did their thing, and they liked it and I liked it, let me do my thing because I like it.” It’s like a simple reminder. There are things out there. Go do things.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

This question makes me think about how a good movie tells a story, and all the elements of it intersect and add to it without being overwrought or distracting from the story. I like that in music.

What do you love about your local music scene?

As far as Hoboken goes, Maxwell’s is really missed, though most of that came and went before I was doing this. I have to say the people who’ve been around while I’ve been at it are all really mentoring and interested in what you’ve got going on if you’re serious. There’s a support system there, and it’s chock full of legends who have all been in the game for a long time and whose work is really great and speaks volumes on its own, so it’s been great to be able to tap into that network… basically for everything, and build this project, and gain some lifer type friends out of it.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Wherever their go-to spot is to listen to music. I have a few of them. Middle seat back row of my car. My living room on vinyl. My garage on either a really hot or a really cold day. Somewhere set up where you can listen loud without distraction. At least for the first time. Then, they should listen everywhere all the time!

Do you feel your style and sound has evolved from the beginning of the album writing process, to now?

I’m not sure. Stay tuned for the next record to find out! I practice a lot, so I like to think I’m technically better at everything I did on the first record, and I’m sure that will influence things going forward. To me, the stuff I’m coming up with now still sounds like me, but I’m excited to dig in and see where it all goes.

How did you find making your debut album ‘Psychology’?

I loved it. Being in the studio awesome and is my favourite thing about this. It’s also stressful in a good way, like you’ve shot thousands of free throws and now you’re at the line in a big game but you know what you’ve got to do. I had a lot of confidence in the material going in and was so happy to see it all come together. The possibilities are endless and if done right can sound really great. It was exciting. I’m still excited about it!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

My message is basically a non message. I hope they derive their own. I can say that I was inspired to pursue music more meaningfully in my life when studying Educational Psychology and learning of proven positive effects of music on the brain. So my message is really I want people to listen to my music, glean their own meaning from listening, with the side effect of being good for their brains.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I haven’t gone on a heavy duty kick in a while where you listen to one thing over and over… my wife and I listened to Miles Davis “Kind of Blue” twice the other night. I also was listening to Hum’s last record “Inlet”. “Goat” from The Jesus Lizard.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Whatever they want to. I wouldn’t want to ever limit what people can get from art by overtly imprinting a message or meaning on a given piece. My wife was telling me a friend of hers asked her what one of the songs meant. “Well, what did you tell her?” I asked. “Nothing, because I don’t even know”, she replied. Exactly!

Do you have any live performances planned?

Not at the moment but stay tuned – in the works. Putting together a record release show before the new year and some live shows beyond that. Am also getting back in the studio to record album 2.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Devo opening, Tool, Stones closing. I don’t know why but I’ve always thought that would work. I’d have it at the Camden E-Center but with the amphitheater closed in as they do in the winter. I’ve see a couple shows there like that and it sounds great, and the crowd is big enough but not where there’s terrible traffic in and out!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t follow my footsteps for god’s sake! Have some mercy on yourself! Ha! Just make sure if you’re gonna release music or make art and put it out there that you don’t lose sight of the things you really love about it. There’s a lot to be worried about and work to do, but make sure you keep the main thing the main thing whatever that is for you.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

Continuing to give the record its due during its release, hopefully lining up a few shows, and as always working on new music.

Listen to Psychology below