Joey Atkinson AKA “PRIMAL” is a co-owner and co-founder of Minneapolis based High Caliber Records.  Graduating from Hennepin Technical College in 2014 with a degree in audio production before completing a bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State University Mankato in 2017, he has studied contemporary and classical drums, classical piano and music production. Joey’s post-collegiate career has been full of opportunities including the start of ATK Productions, his freelance audio engineer business, and working with talented artists such as Minnesota native Rico Act.

 

As an artist, PRIMAL was able to release metal flavored dubstep track, “Crisis”, on Revamped Recordings. After participation in a YKES remix contest featuring Sara Skinner, he finished third and released the remix on the first collaborative High Caliber EP, Locked and Loaded Vol. 1. Going into 2020, PRIMAL uses his theatrical style of songwriting to head into his biggest year yet. Look for big moves and big releases featuring high caliber artists such as Rico Act and regarded Nashville singer-songwriter, Ben Foster.

 

As a music industry professional, Joey wanted to be a part of starting High Caliber Records for the sole purpose of creating a platform where any artist can have their submission heard, distributed, and receive practical feedback that they can apply to their artistic growth.  As an artist himself, he knows all too well the frustration that can be sourced from the constant clout battle and arrogance that seems to have plagued the industry. Joey “wants a place for anyone to feel like they can be heard, even if EDM or music in general, doesn’t end up being their path, at least they were heard and received closure on what the next steps in life may be”.

 

“I just want anyone to feel like they can be heard, even if EDM or music in general, doesn’t end up being their path, at least they were heard and have closure on what next steps in life to take” Joey states.

Joey goes on to say “I am beyond excited for High Caliber Records to blow up in 2020 with a bang…pun intended. We have such an amazing team of friends and coworkers that are hungry to do whatever it takes to support the highest caliber of music…PUN INTENDED”.