Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahdi Atl.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mahdi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a singer-songwriter born and raised in Georgia, my love for music started as a kid. I would dance to the beat of any song but preferably any Michael Jackson song. I literally would show out where ever we went, it could be a birthday party, family gathering, wedding… etc. If I was there, I would become the main source of entertainment.
I learned early one of the keys to life was fulfillment. And in those moments of expression, I realized I felt like I had a true purpose, in those moments I felt fulfilled. So I saw in my life early what I wanted to do laid in expression didn’t matter the outlet as long as I was doing it. From elementary school plays/talent shows to theatre competitions, I saw where my heart laid, but once I truly found my love for music everything changed.
Growing up, what I listened to was heavily influenced by the people around me which gave me versatility in my taste. Of course, being from Georgia had a lot to do with it. And also being raised by Americanized African parents, my ear was pretty advanced I would say. I was exposed to all types of music from Fela Kuti, to Bob Marley, Minnie Ripperton to Stevie wonder to Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Outkast, Kanye, Pharrell… the list could go for days. Whatever my mom played, I was listening to and taking notes, this quickly turned into life for me. I saw an outlet for expression that was boundless, whatever you want to do with music you could and it was intriguing. Long story short, I started writing poetry and that poetry led to writing songs to actually recording what I thought which led me to this present moment. Working with my dear Friend Budduhlotto and Unkwninc on my first ever upcoming EP titled “That Night In October” a collection of thoughts and feelings pertaining to love and the growth as an artist now. Something I cherish and can’t wait to share with the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My path hasn’t been easy, but I don’t believe anybody’s path is really. Life is a learning experience that you have to walk in faith with. I didn’t start taking music seriously until I realized it was all that made me feel alive. I came to this realization when I was in my first year of college at Morehouse studying political science and I realized I didn’t want to do this. It wasn’t where my heart laid, and I knew in my spirit something else was, and also my grades were trash cause I wasn’t applying any attention in these classes I was out in the streets lol, but I definitely was writing in my journals and I would sing around campus, and as I continued I got better and better. Life is funny that way, you go and do something you have no actual interest in to please others and in the end, you realize it isn’t pleasing others that brings you fulfillment but in fulfilling your destiny, your dreams, and your own goals.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I make Rnb music infused with Afro-beats, hip-hop, jazz, and alternative Funk/Rock. My music is its own genre I would like to say, and it represents my culture, my surroundings, and lifestyle, I’m simply known for expression whether it be music, fashion, or photography. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I’m only trying to be myself and be as honest as I can to self. I let my soul speak and allow the words to flow. I have a Song called Weatherman thats out on all platforms and its currently being stream overseas in South Africa, the Uk, Russia literally everywhere and it’s probably the proudest and happiest I’ve ever been about anything in my life it’s an absolute blessing, and to get an opportunity to have an interview on voyage is a true blessing.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I make art for all your five senses to enjoy. The music I create is from the heart; it’s from real emotions faced as a human being and my journey as a young man. I’ am on a mission to make everyone that ever believed in me proud I create for the intent that people get inspired and people feel, so my proudest moments are when others are moved in some way by what I create. Something I’m also really proud of is my growth as an individual I thought I would never be doing this I didn’t actually see making music as a possibility, but through God working in my life, I realized all things were possible and this EP will be a testament to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/mahdiatl
- Email: dazsofatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahdiatl/?hl=en
Image Credit:
@Salimgarcia, @Koryjrdn
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