Inside 'Principle' : Dennis Atlas on Lukather, Minnemann-Crafting Toto Level Rock

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. Slang of Ages Host, Preston, catches up with Dennis Atlas’s new album, Principle, focusing on its creation, recording process, collaborator roles, production choices, and promotion plans. Dennis explained that most writing and recording occurred over the prior 18 months, with many songs sketched on the road and tracked primarily in his home studio while select contributors recorded at their own studios and connected remotely via SessionWire. Production decisions emphasized assigning parts only where a guest’s distinctive voice would elevate a track; Shannon Forrest’s remotely coordinated drum tracking was highlighted as tightly executed. Specific credits and arrangements were covered: John Pierce was credited as “bass advisor” after deferring to Dennis’s own bass performances, Bumblefoot delivered a standout solo on “Games,” Steve Lukather contributed on “Scare Me” and “Candy on Mars,” Marco Minnemann guested, and Joseph Williams recorded low harmony parts to create dual-octave vocals. Additional contributors included Trev (guitar, mixing), David Paich (Fender Rhodes/keyboards), and Greg Philliganes (piano and synth on “Save It for Tomorrow”). Dennis described singles and videos for tracks such as “Different World,” outlined release formats and preorder availability, and noted he is performing with Toto on their An Evening With Toto tour, praising new pianist Ray Thistlethwaite and the tour’s deeper-setlist approach. LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now! Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast.   My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages.com, as well as through your online retailers. Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers:  Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes. Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.