Vida Vella Premiere Music Video for Candid Song “(No Relief In) Atlantis”

One thing is for sure: when it comes to new music from Vida Vella and Luis Gabriel Illades, he’s going to give it to you straight. Which is probably no big surprise when you find out his second career is as a psychotherapist. Giving it to you straight is what he’s doing on his latest single, “(No Relief In) Atlantis.”

Today marks the debut of the song’s accompanying music video, with both an English and a Spanish version. As a musician, Illades is well regarded for his contributions as the drummer of Pansy Division and Avengers. They were the first openly gay rock n’ roll band that featured openly gay musicians. Illades has never been afraid of expressing himself and it’s a fearlessness that has guided him through his whole career. Vida Vella is a newer endeavour for him, his first attempt at being a frontman and the only songwriter. He had always been comfortable in the background, but when he finally stopped pushing his voice to the side, he found a place to thrive.

With someone with a lot on his mind, Illades channels that into his music. “(No Relief In) Atlantis” is something of a commentary on the times in which we live. As he himself explains:

“There is so much discussion of fear of apocalypse and finite resources as we start to pull back the veil of the past and enter the present and future. This song is inspired by a moment in which we stop and take inventory of the sources of safety and stability we have imagined for much of our lives and assess the hollowness of our sense of belief that we will be afforded second chances or reprieve. It addresses the arrogance of belief in infinite safety and resources. Whether through religious belief, faith in leaders or the consequences of our actions.

“We are living in a time of alarm, introspection and call to action. How based in outdated hopes and beliefs or a reality check is a big question in this song. Sometimes naming a grave consequence is the beginning toward constructing a new survival based on fact and de-hypnotizing ourselves from outdated beliefs. Cheery lil pop song, eh?”

“(No Relief In) Atlantis” comes from Vida Vella’s brand new album Panorama. Leaning on his background and youth growing up near the Tijuana border, Illades’ music is rooted within his unique experience and interpretation of both American and Mexican culture. Featuring songs in both Spanish and English, the album extends beyond culture, exploring human and universal ideas. Themes that recur throughout its ten tracks include self-knowledge, romantic vulnerability, and the fear of apocalypse Illades references above. These are very universal ideas that are relatable to anyone, regardless of cultural origin. Working as a psychotherapist helped bring him to a place where he could touch upon common emotional themes regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, etc. It’s all about finding that commonality within humanity that drove Illades in the writing of this album.

With his background and career, you might think of Vida Vella as being a significant challenge for Illades. Which it was. But it’s a challenge he has been preparing for his whole life.

Panorama Track Listing:

1. Conocete, Demuestrate
2. Cuando Vea Su Cara
3. El Chico Frances
4. Nacemos [Listen]
5. (Sin Alivio En) Atlantida
6. Be Known, Face Shown
7. When I See His Face
8. Being Born [Listen]
9. (No Relief In) Atlantis
10. You’re Free

Vida Vella ‘Panorama’ album artwork