Sunset Recordings is proud to highlight the expanding creative world of Joe Atman, an artist whose talent bridges music, philosophy, and reflective storytelling. Best known to music fans for his critically acclaimed debut album It Took The Village, released worldwide by Sunset Recordings, Atman has now launched a new intellectual and artistic journey through his Substack series, The Philosophy of Joe, leading into his upcoming book A Philosophical War (published by SOOP Media).
While the album and the philosophical writing are separate projects, together they illuminate the depth and originality that define Joe Atman as both a musician and a thinker.
A Philosophical War: Joe Atman’s New Written Work on Substack
Atman has recently begun sharing his newest ideas through his Substack newsletter, bringing a fresh voice to modern philosophical conversation. His introduction—“A Philosophical War”—welcomes readers into an exploration of consciousness, belief, and the hidden assumptions that shape the human experience.
Rather than pointing to politics, institutions, or social divisions as the root of conflict, Atman asks a more fundamental question:
What if the way our minds have been trained to operate is the true obstacle to clarity, harmony, and a more fulfilling life?
In his early posts, Atman suggests that we often take the reliability of our thoughts for granted. Language, concepts, and beliefs help us interpret the world—but they also filter it. When relied on too heavily, they may distance us from a direct encounter with reality.
His work encourages readers to:
- Examine the structure of their thinking
- Question assumptions inherited from culture and upbringing
- Explore gentler, more present ways of experiencing life
- Recognize that personal transformation begins internally, not externally
These themes form the foundation of his upcoming book A Philosophical War, where Atman makes the case that the most meaningful revolution is one fought within our own consciousness—not against others.
Substack subscribers will continue to receive new installments as Atman builds toward the book’s release.
It Took The Village: The Sunset Recordings Album That Introduced Joe Atman to the World
Long before his philosophical writings gained traction, Joe Atman was already turning heads with It Took The Village, released globally by Sunset Recordings. The album quickly became a standout project in the AAA, AC, and singer-songwriter genres thanks to its emotional range, masterful piano work, and powerful collaboration with the RIOHC Choir.
The project features 15 tracks, all written with heartfelt authenticity and performed with a soulful, expressive style. The lead single “Arrest Me” set the tone for the album with its solemn beauty, followed by additional standout tracks including:
- “Moon-Sabled Nights”
- “Cats”
- “Sunshine When It Rains”
- “Another Day”
- “Know The Wind”
A signature element of the album is Atman’s piano-driven sound, reminiscent of artists like Ben Folds, yet entirely his own. Producer Jon Crawford elevated the project with lush, expansive production that allowed Atman’s voice and songwriting to shine.
Tracks such as “Johnny Johnny Red Bird”, with its quirky piano flourishes, and “Story of the Llama V (Outro)”—the album’s closing moment—helped establish It Took The Village as one of the most memorable and heartfelt debut releases from a new artist.
Though originally released on December 11, 2012, the album continues to attract new listeners and remains a defining piece of Atman’s artistic legacy.
A Multidimensional Artist on the Rise
With one full-length album released through Sunset Recordings and a blossoming body of philosophical writing on Substack, Joe Atman is charting a path unlike anyone else on today’s indie scene. His work—whether musical, written, or choral—shares the same foundation: authenticity, curiosity, and a drive to understand the deeper layers of the human experience.
Fans can follow both creative lanes:
Explore Joe Atman’s Music
- Official Site: JoeAtman.SunsetRecordings.com
- SoundCloud: It Took The Village playlist
- YouTube: Music videos & performances
- Additional assets via the Sunset Recordings press kit
Read Joe Atman’s Philosophy
- Substack: The Philosophy of Joe
- Upcoming book: A Philosophical War (SOOP Media)