Interview: A.T.L.D.V. talks about the future of stylish R&B

A.T.L.D.V. interview: A.T.L.D.V. discusses the group’s genesis, influences, and the present demotion of R&B below hip-hop.

Say hello to A.T.L.D.V., the future of authentic R&B flavored with the sumptuous, seductive sounds and pressure of cool ‘90s R&B, the kind of R&B that grabs hold of listeners’ hormones, resulting in sensual somatic motion.

Formed in Augusta, Georgia in 2012, the group is made up of Amy Christine, Nako DeVincci, and Ike Nyce, along with a talented array of backing musicians during live performances.

A.T.L.D.V. recently released the music video for “Hotel.” Directed by A.T.L.D.V. and Trey Lamarr, the video, shot in black and white, along with color-infused segments, oozes smooth erogenous savors of smooth, posh R&B, undulating on creamy swish layers of texture atop a low-slung swaggering rhythm.

Set in an upscale boutique hotel, the visuals brim with stylish dance moves, luxurious apparel, and erotic allusions, nuanced, and tantalizing. A late-night card game, a temptress, and silky R&B infuse the video with palpable voluptuous essence.

Rhyme Junkie caught up with A.T.L.D.V. to talk about the group’s genesis, their influences, the present demotion of R&B below hip-hop, and what’s next for the group.

How did you get started in music?

Well, first, we want to thank you for taking the time to interview us today. We love your platform and how you guys rep for the culture. We got started in the music business as a band after working with Earth, Wind & Fire on an overseas tour.

 What’s the backstory there?

We saw how many people really love the Legendary R&B Bands overseas (with no new music at the time). It was amazing to us to see that they were still able to put on a top-level two-hour show at their age after being in the business since before we were born.  We said, “We gotta put a band together like they did” but with our spin on today’s R&B.

What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?

Ike Nyce: I like to sing anything by Prince or create new songs for the band in the car or the plane.

Amy Christine: I love belting out all of my 90s favorites or early 2000s. A few examples, Ashanti, Beyoncé, J-LO, Jade, En Vogue, Mary J Blige, and Brandy.

Nako DeVincci: When we on the road I like to work on our original songs, but always supporting the other artists in the community by playing their music in different cities we go to while touring.

What singers/musicians influenced you the most?

Ike Nyce: Well for me, it has been Prince and I also get influences from all types of artists from all genres of music, like Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Sir, Maxwell.

Amy Christine: Personally, I get influences from several pop artists! I am a huge fan of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, and Rihanna.

Nako DeVincci: Well you know I’m a big bag of influences wit ppl like Pimp C, Outkast, T.I., Al Green, Marvin Gaye & Earth Wind & Fire just to name a few.

Who is in A.T.L.D.V. and which instrument do they play?

A.T.L.D.V. is Amy Christine, Nako DeVincci & Ike Nyce. We all sing, rap, play keys, bass, & percussions plus we have other band support on our live shows.

What’s the story behind the name A.T.L.D.V.?

A.T.L.D.V. = ARTIST THAT’S LIVING a DREAM VISION

We are all artists in our own right that have come together to form this band that can showcase our dreams and visions in our projects as the future of R&B brands.

R&B is a very popular music genre. How do you keep your sound fresh and avoid coming across as derivative?

We have all made it our duty to take up the mantel of R&B bands (which by the way has not been getting the support of the industry as they move away from R&B and towards HIP-HOP ). Now we love HIP-HOP & R&B the same, but it’s harder to get the label support for R&B bands groups & duos in the industry today, that also goes for radio too, that’s why we wanted to thank you for allowing us to interview with you today, This is the kind of support R&B bands and groups and duos need.

What is your songwriting process?

We all have different styles when it comes to the process. This works because it will give the song a perspective from all of us that speak to the wide audience of ppl from the culture.

Do the rhymes come first, or the music?

Nako DeVincci: I really can do it, either way, most of the time the music comes first then there are times I have rhymes in my head that I can share with the rest of the band and then we will work up music for it like that.

Amy Christine: Well for me, it works either way! With A.T.L.D.V. usually, the music comes first and then I write.

What was the inspiration for your new single/music video “Hotel?”

Well, the inspiration is really simple, sometimes you wanna do something with your girl or your man that might not be easily done at home (if you have kids) you can go to the hotel and turn all the way up (mess up all the sheets and the room service coming at 3), haha.

Amy Christine: The video concept has me playing a temptress set in the 1920s where Ike Nyce & his friends are gambling for money at a penthouse and I end up with the money in the end.

The video is cool and sexy. What do you want people to take away from the video?

Thank you for checking out the vibe of the video, that’s what we wanted to get across – a cool and sexy look, not an over the top sex flick like a lot of videos can portray these days. Plus we really want to bring R&B bands to the forefront of making videos again. There are a few other bands & duos out there doing the work & we support them & hope that they support us, like The Freenationals, Tank & The Bangers, The Internet, Chloe x Halle, & Phony PPL,  all reppin R&B from a band group or duo perspective.

Looking to the future, what’s next for you musically?

Man the sky is the limit. We currently have another video in the can, called “TAKE ME AWAY.” (So hopefully we will be back to do another interview with you when we release the video).  Plus, we are working on the next album and a live stream concert to support our rights to equality and justice for all.

BLACK LIVES MATTER. Vote your interest and your demands!!!

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