ATMAEN: Bridging Vocal Traditions With Modern Soundscapes
Photo by Roberta Lo Schiavo
The fusion of ancient vocal traditions with contemporary ambient and electronic influences finds its latest expression in Canto Sagrado Deluxe, the upcoming musical work from ATMAEN. This project, spearheaded by Italian vocalist and composer Valentina Buroni, is a journey through ethereal vocal layers, ritualistic soundscapes, and cinematic atmospheres. With a career spanning over 20 years, Buroni’s expertise in Early Music singing, Irish traditional singing, overtone singing, and Gregorian chant creates a foundation that is as rich as it is unique.
Over two decades of musical training allows Buroni to bring a remarkable breadth of vocal expertise to her work. The album is set to release on February 28, 2025.
We sat down with Buroni to discuss her creative process, collaborations, and the journey that led to this project.
Elevar Magazine Interview with Valentina Buroni
Elevar: Canto Sagrado Deluxe includes three remixes by electronic composer Giampaolo Barbaliscia. What led to this collaboration, and how do the remixes complement the original tracks?
Valentina: I've always loved electronic music, especially trance and its subgenres like deep-trance, psy-trance, and synthwave. While composing the music for ATMAEN’s debut album, I could already imagine those melodies transformed into electronic dance tracks. I was introduced to Giampaolo’s work through a recording studio we both worked with, and his style resonated with me immediately. His remixes keep the original ritualistic and spiritual essence of my tracks while transforming them into contemporary electronic shamanic chants. They truly belong in the Deluxe Edition, making the listening experience even richer and more dynamic.
Elevar: Your vocal approach is quite unique. Can you walk us through your vocal recording process?
Valentina: The human voice is an incredible instrument with limitless tones and expressive potential. I’ve spent years exploring different vocal techniques, understanding how each sound carries its own energy. When I write a song, I already have a clear idea of which vocal tones will best communicate its emotional and spiritual core. Some voices embody the wild shaman, others the grounded priestess, and some express pure human emotion. I also love layering massive backing vocals to create a three-dimensional soundscape. Working with my producer Francesco Altare is essential—he knows my voice well and always pushes me to refine the smallest nuances to bring the vocals to life.
Elevar: Inertial Music has worked with artists like Niklas Sundin and The Moor. How did your partnership with the label come about?
Valentina: Niklas Sundin played a key role in connecting me with Inertial Music. He designed all the artwork for ATMAEN, and I believe the label discovered my music through him. Later, I met Enrico Longhin, the label’s owner, and we started discussing potential collaborations. I’m deeply honored to be part of this label, surrounded by such talented and committed artists.
Elevar: What’s next for ATMAEN? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances in the works?
Valentina: A new remix is in the works, though it won’t be dance music this time. I’ve also begun writing new songs and experimenting with fresh sounds. Performing live in a traditional setting is challenging, but I’ve found a beautiful space for my music in holistic events, where I present an acoustic version of my songs as part of sound healing sessions. I’ve also partnered with a writer who blends spirituality, history, and fiction in her books. We’re developing a musical experience tied to her storytelling, and there’s a planned tour across Italy next fall/winter that I’m excited about.
With Canto Sagrado Deluxe, Valentina Buroni invites listeners into a world where past and present converge, creating a sonic ritual that is as evocative as it is transformative. As ATMAEN continues to evolve, its journey through sound promises to remain as intriguing and boundary-pushing as ever.
For more on ATMAEN and Canto Sagrado Deluxe, visit spiritualvoice.net.
