After seven years of silence, A is for Atom roars back with “Babylon,” a track that refuses to sit quietly in the corner.
Pulsing with energy and layered with introspection, it’s the kind of song that grabs you by the collar and demands your attention. The driving rhythm is undeniable, but it’s the blend of raw grooves, shimmering synths, and Mike Cykoski’s poignant songwriting that makes this return so memorable.
Listen in here:
This is a song built on contrasts: the relentless beat keeps you moving, while the lyrics slow you down, asking you to sit with the complexity of it all. There’s a weight to the words, a sense that Cykoski is sharing hard-earned truths from his own journey.
“Babylon” dives deep into the dualities of human nature, exploring the interplay between light and dark, growth and resistance, connection and isolation. These themes are not only universal but deeply personal to the artist who has spent his time away embracing fatherhood and supporting fellow musicians through his work with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund:
“Becoming a father changed my perspective on everything,” A is for Atom says. “‘Babylon’ is influenced by that shift – it’s about growth, discovery, and navigating the complexities of life.”
That sense of discovery shines through in every corner of the song, from its introspective verses to its soaring and urgent chorus.
As the first taste of the new record, “Babylon” captures a real sense of urgency and growth, with production that feels expansive and intimate. Layers of synth and textured beats create a soundscape that pulls you in. This is music that moves, literally and emotionally.
About Mike Cykoski and A is for Atom
Mike Cykoski, the creative mind behind A is for Atom, has always danced to his own beat.
A Colorado native, his early years were a mix of classical piano lessons and a fascination with synthesizers. That foundation grew into a love for blending the organic with the electronic.
Relocating to New York City, Mike sharpened his skills with a Master’s in Music Technology from NYU, alongside further studies at Juilliard, Harvest Works, and Dubspot. His career has taken him far and wide, with performances everywhere from Ireland and Mexico City to Toronto’s NXNE and Austin’s buzzing stages.
His earlier works, like Song for You (2014) and Last Man on the Moon (2017), drew critical acclaim for their thoughtful lyrics and inventive arrangements. Those EPs established Mike as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability, resilience, and the gray areas of human experience.
“Babylon” is the next chapter in that story. After stepping away from music to embrace fatherhood and work with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Mike’s return feels like the start of something big. With Out of the Blue on the horizon, A is for Atom proves that some voices only get stronger with time.
