Throw all preconceived notions out the window as you step into the weird and wonderful world of Atom and his Package. Adam Goren (Atom) began his music career with a straight-up punk band called Fracture; after they split he found he had loads of time on his hands. So he got out his QY 700 music sequencer (the Package), which is capable of simulating over 800 different instruments, and started playing around with it, he soon created his very unique sound. His legendary catchphrase to describe his music is "weird 80's pop, but have punk as fuuuuk lyrics that some people think are sometimes funny." So far he's released three full length CD/L.P’s and a handful of E.P’s which are almost impossible to find in the UK but details of how to get them, as well as some MP3’s are on his website www.atomandhispackage.com

So where did the name Atom and His Package come from?

I guess at some point, my friends and I had a few minutes of really horrible, unfunny judgement.  Unfortunately, those few minutes contained the part of my life when I was making the insert for the first demo tape.

What's the story of Atom and His Package so far?

It started as a joke... just me making songs on the sequencer for my friends to make them laugh.  However, it's evolved into something that I take pretty seriously.  I like the songs, and it's still really fun.  So... I went on tour with my friends' band Franklin, just to tag along, and they suggested I bring my sequencer and play a song or two before they played. It was fun... so it kept happening.

If you were to make a compilation tape of your musical influences, what would be on the tape?

I don't know... as far as musical influences, I like catchy stuff.... that doesn't necessarily mean melodic... but I enjoy stuff where there are catchy parts, whether it's Les Savy Fav, or Hrvatski.  I don't try and sound like any particular band... though I'm sure I sound like a few, but I think it'd be easier for me to tell you records that I'm listening to right now a whole
bunch.  The new Dillinger 4, Public Image Limited's Flowers of Romance, and the Pixies are lovely

What sort of people do you think listen to your music?

I guess it varies... there are really cool smart people who listen to it and really dumb idiotic people who enjoy it.

Are there any new bands you particularly like?

Yep... I like National Skyline a lot.  They make nice dreamy stuff. File-13 records are releasing their next couple of things, so you can check for tour info, and news about them... at www.file-13.com if you're interested. The band the Ladytron does neat stuff. A friend of mine recommended them to me. Me like-y.  I was kinda disappointed because I had heard about a Ladytron full-length record that was out, and when I found it, it was actually by a different band with the same name.

What do you think of bands like The Bloodhound Gang & Blink 182?

I'm not too familiar with them. I mean, I know who they are, but I don't think I really know any of their songs... so I can't really comment, though from what I've read about Blink 182, they seem like pretty classy guys.

Seriously?

Yikes... the problem with email, is that the sarcasm detectors get all boggled.... Seriously, I really haven't heard Blink 182 or the Bloodhound Gang, though I read some stuff about them that would make me think they're jocks dressed up as pop punk kids, and are total morons.... I really know nothing of the Bloodhound gang.

If you could get someone to cover one of your songs who would it be and why?

Aqua, as that would mean that one of my songs would actually have (thump thump) good production.

What do you think of Napster and MP3s?

Like the Internet, they are tools, and are not good or bad... they just are, and they can be used to do bad stuff, or good stuff, or chaotic good stuff (hee hee d&d)... I mean... I have no problem with people who are ripping off huge record companies by downloading their songs off Napster.  Those labels have been ripping off people for years, bands and consumers... so it depends who you're stealing from... I mean... if it's a label that's run by a few people, rather than an entity, then I don't think avoiding paying for their records is a particularly nice thing.

What plans do you have for the future?

I'm writing songs for a new record, and then tons more touring, and then we'll see. I would love to come back to the UK and Europe but don't have any plans right at this time to do so... drop me a line at my email address (atom@atomandhispackage.com) if you want to be kept posted about future shows etc.

What has been the most unusual package you have received and why?

A Hanukkah present package, with a neato cup in it.

Did you ever study Science at school and were you any good at them?

Sure... I majored in Neuroscience in college, so I studied Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry (briefly)... I liked them okay, of course depending a bunch on the teacher, and actually am certified to teach high school chemistry and biology.

Can you tell us a joke for our sites joke section?

Something about a duck and nailing its feet to the floor and no nails!