The latest offering from Atlas Franklin Alexander, Flexible New Replica, is a retro-futuristic pop masterpiece.

Having followed Atlas Franklin Alexander since day dot; the genesis, the big bang, I can say without a doubt that his Flexible New Replica is his best work to date. Dropping just last week, the six-track EP offers deep electronic soundscapes that are elevated with 80s-style beats and AFA’s talk-box-infused vocals, resulting in something that sonically glows while always leaving the door open to move into darker territory.

Recording in his bedroom, directing his own videos, it’s hard not to feel like this is the truest expression of his views on the world – there are glimmers of hope and beauty within our dystopian future that shine through this sonic portal. But where does it all end up? Who knows.

Check out our interview with Atlas Franklin Alexander below and follow him on IG here, oh, and catch him performing at Lulu’s Tavern in Melbourne this Friday!

Tell us about the name ‘Flexible New Replica’ – what does it mean to you?

The name “Flexible New Replica” represents my journey in music and life—an ongoing process of growth while trying to stay connected to what came before. It’s about taking something known, reshaping it, and breathing new energy into it. A replica isn’t just a copy; it’s an opportunity for reinvention, and that flexibility offers a sense of freedom. For me, it’s a reflection of my sound—rooted in the past but always shifting and evolving into something vibrant and fresh. It’s both new and familiar, like it’s always been part of you. It’s my way of saying to myself: evolve, but always honour your origins, bish.

You’re super hands-on with making your music vids. How would you describe your visual style?

My directing style is similar to a chaotic chimpanzee on acid. Def all over the place with moments of salvageable pieces. My visual style is quite DIY/cinematic but also raw and everything kinda falling apart and also all working together simultaneously. I love to mix abstract concepts with elements of storytelling that feel personal and reflective of the music itself. There’s often a dreamy, surreal element and characters that stand for bigger ideas. I want the visuals to feel like an extension of the music, something that amplifies the emotion and vibe, while still allowing room for the viewer’s interpretation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgj3yPbiNJ0

What filmmakers inspire you?

I’m obsessed with filmmakers who don’t follow the rules (whatever that means). Filmmakers like David Lynch & Wes Anderson. Lynch, for his ability to create surreal, unsettling worlds that still feel familiar on a human level. Anderson’s visual storytelling is always so meticulously designed, his colour palettes and symmetry are like such delicious eye candy. They all have unique ways of blending the fantastical with the human experience, and that’s something I strive to do in my own stuff. Music video directors that I froth on would have to be Romain Gavras, Chris Cunningham and Fleur & Manu.

There’s this kind of 80s vibe to your music. Who were you listening to when writing this EP?

When working on Flexible New Replica, I was heavily influenced by the sounds of the ’80s—artists like Depeche Mode, Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads were in heavy rotaysh. There’s something about the way that era blended futuristic sounds with real depth that resonates with me. I was also listening to more contemporary artists who bring that unique energy into today, like Tame Impala and Khruangbin. It’s all about mixing the old with the new to create something hopefully timeless. I wanted that balance of nostalgia with a fresh twist—like a time-travelling mixtape.

How would you describe your sound in 3 words?

Retro-future. Dynamic. Euphoric.

The video for ‘New Remedy’ has fortune tellers, robots, and Hulkish characters. Where do you think the planet is headed? Do you have high hopes for humankind?

I think the video reflects both a sense of the unknown and a glimmer of hope. We’re at a crossroads where technology and human connection are increasingly interwoven, and the future can sometimes feel daunting and pretty bleak atm. But there’s also room for reinvention and a chance for us to learn from past mistakes. I do have high hopes for humankind—if we can embrace some bloody empathy, I think we’ll find a way forward, even in the midst of all the chaos and corruption. The video’s surreal imagery plays into that uncertainty but also points to the possibility of positive change, even if it’s a long road ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYJES0JVjw0

It’s easy to imagine a producer/DJ getting his hands on some of these tracks and tweaking them into full stadium EDM bangers. Who would you most like to remix one of your tunes and why?

If I had to pick someone to remix one of my tracks, it would be someone like Kevin Parker or Flume. Both have this ability to take something already great and elevate it into something completely new. Kevin’s production is spacey, psychedelic, yet still so melodic, and Flume has an incredible way of blending electronic textures with organic warmth. I’d love to see how they would interpret my music and add their own unique touch to it. Whoever it was, I’d def want them to take it to another galaxy.

You’re a big believer in DIY. Why does this process suit you? Why is it a part of capturing the magic for you?

DIY for me is all about staying true to the essence of the art (sounds so cringe). There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being hands-on with every aspect of the process, from writing to recording, to producing and creating visuals. It allows me to control the narrative and ensure everything aligns with my vision. There’s magic in the messiness of it, too. Sometimes, the imperfections are what make it feel real and raw. It’s also a way for me to constantly learn and grow in all aspects of creativity—no two projects are the same, and there’s always something new I’m trying to figure out and rope mates into helping me achieve. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, and sometimes it’s a total disaster, but that’s what makes it fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zcBd6HGJvc

Would you ever consider working in a bigger studio, with a producer etc?

Yeah for sure! I’m not opposed to working with a bigger studio or producer if it feels right. I think every artist should keep evolving and pushing their boundaries, and working with someone who has a fresh perspective or different skill set can be a blast. But for now, I love the DIY vibe because it allows me to be in the driver’s seat. But who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be in some fancy-smancy studio with a producer who has a vibe I’m into. I’m open to whatever feels right for the music.

What’s coming up after the release of ‘Flexible New Replica’? How do you see yourself evolving as an artist?

After Flexible New Replica, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of my sound. I’m always trying to evolve, experimenting with new production techniques, trying different writing styles, and exploring themes that I haven’t touched on yet. I wanna continue blending genres and digging deeper into my own experiences to offer something that’s both unique and personal. I’m looking forward to seeing how this release resonates with listeners and how I can build on that moving forward. Evolution is key to staying authentic, and I’m excited for what comes next.