Luis Felber’s creative rebirth was sparked by pivotal moments in his life, including his sobriety journey and marriage to Lena Dunham, a celebrated writer and actress. Meeting Felber in London just before his wedding in September 2021, it became clear that his evolution was not just personal but profoundly artistic. Since then, Felber has co-created and composed the score for the Netflix series Too Much, alongside releasing the new Atalwalpa album, Experience. His story reflects how embracing sobriety and partnership has fueled a new creative chapter.
Felber has openly discussed his navigation of the creative process, exploring what it means to channel his music through other artists and characters, especially in the context of television. His journey merges personal experiences with fictional storytelling in a way that demonstrates the intertwined nature of art and life.
Balancing Interviews and Personal Readiness
Felber shared that conducting numerous interviews has become a significant part of promoting his recent work, though his comfort varies daily. Preparing mentally to articulate his story takes effort, resembling the act of clearing out mental “closets” to find clarity and flow. Despite this challenge, Felber maintains a steady routine that supports his mental clarity, including stretching exercises each morning which help him ground himself during busy days.
Though not a regular meditator, he humorously compares failed meditation attempts to watching a frantic raccoon running in circles, illustrating the restless nature of his mind when trying to find stillness. This candid self-awareness resonates with the intensity of his narrative and creative expression.
Exploring New Artistic Mediums: From Album to Television
Felber’s latest album Experience was birthed alongside his work on Too Much, a transition that introduced him to the unique challenges of television production versus music creation. Whereas albums are crafted over years and culminate in live performance, television projects require a different approach; the work is completed before release and promotion entails repeatedly discussing the same themes and questions.
During interviews about the show, Felber encounters speculations regarding the autobiographical nature of Too Much, as viewers question the link between the characters and Felber and Dunham’s real lives. His response remains straightforward: it is a work of fiction, not a biography.
The Dream Behind the Album Experience
Felber found inspiration for naming his album in a vivid dream where he carried plastic bags filled with possessions, fearing loss, until he realized the journey itself held the meaning. This epiphany gave him the title Experience, symbolizing the process over the destination. The dream encapsulates his mindset regarding the creative journey and the personal growth involved.
Previously hesitant to commit fully to an album, Felber’s newfound clarity pushed him to complete and release his second record under the pseudonym Atalwalpa. The music initially appeared as demos within the television show, performed by actor Will Sharpe’s character Felix, who brought his own interpretation to Felber’s songwriting, showcasing the fascinating dynamic of musical ventriloquism and shared artistry.
Integrating Music and Performance Through Fictional Characters
Felber described the process of allowing Will Sharpe’s character to embody his songs, recognizing this as a form of “meat puppetry,” where the artist’s work is expressed through another person. Although the songs originate from Felber’s experiences, the storytelling aspect of the series melds fact and fiction, blurring lines in a deliberate creative interplay.
Reflecting on Sharpe’s embodiment of the music, Felber admitted to feeling every emotion, including jealousy, highlighting the complex relationship between creator and performer. Sharpe’s dedication to learning the music inside out, mastering guitar and vocals, added an unexpected layer of authenticity to the character’s portrayal.
The Origin of Atalwalpa and Personal Sobriety
The name Atalwalpa, chosen for Felber’s solo musical project, roots back to the last Inca king before Spain’s conquest of Peru, symbolizing heritage and resilience. Felber found deep resonance with this identity as it aligned with his commitment to sobriety, a milestone that marked a fresh start both personally and artistically.
Although Felber had been involved in music for many years—writing for other artists and playing in bands—his solo work under the Atalwalpa name reflects his serious dedication to his own voice. His sobriety since 2018 played a crucial role in this shift, encouraging him to treat his songs with greater intention and bring his creative visions into the public eye.
Early Years and Musical Beginnings in Hampshire
Felber’s musical aspirations formed during his teenage years in Hampshire, England, which he likens in vibe to Connecticut. At boarding school, he encountered the first moments of self-expression surrounded by peers and developed an early fascination with music and film. He began learning guitar seriously and was encouraged to pursue music more fully, eventually skipping traditional education in favor of music college, which he also left early to follow his ambitions.
His first band, The Eraserheads, was inspired in part by David Lynch’s surreal work and marked his entry into London’s vibrant music scene around 2005-2006. The competitive and often “pay-to-play” landscape of London’s club culture motivated Felber to launch his own nights called Young Turks, which later evolved into a renowned record label responsible for launching major artists like FKA Twigs and the xx.
A Decade of Excess and Reflection on Lost Time
Felber has candidly acknowledged the excess and turbulence of his twenties, describing himself as a “party guy” whose years blurred between heavy alcohol and drug use. His preferred drink was Jameson whiskey paired with Heineken beer, and his drug use spanned anything available, including a near-fatal experience with OxyContin mistaken for cocaine in New York City.
This period, while prolific musically, was also one marked by a haze of substance abuse that inhibited creative decisiveness. Felber regrets not releasing more music from those years but views his sobriety as a turning point that allowed him to reclaim his artistic focus with earnestness and clarity.
An Intimate Glimpse into London’s Cultural Scene
Reflecting on London’s music and nightlife between 2005 and 2015, Felber describes a thriving, personality-rich scene marked by wild behavior and creativity. Nights at clubs like Frog channeled the energy of earlier scenes such as Misshapes in New York, serving as a nurturing ground for many musicians who later achieved wider success.
Among the figures Felber remembers vividly is Amy Winehouse, who frequented Camden pubs near where he lived. Her charisma and tendency to indulge in excess symbolized both the allure and the dangers of their shared environment. Felber connects the markers of “too much fun” to visible consequences such as dramatic weight loss, indicating the cost of that lifestyle.
A Shift Toward Health and Stability
Felber’s transformation also includes adopting healthier habits, such as regularly drinking water, a stark contrast to his previous years when hydration was overlooked entirely. Discussing the cultural differences that shaped his views, he especially appreciates the absence of guns in London, fostering a sense of safety he finds lacking elsewhere.
Emotional Milestones in Completing Creative Work
The completion of Felber’s song You Are You was an emotional moment, heightened by the collaboration with Esme, a New York animator, who created a music video capturing its spirit. This milestone represented Felber’s ongoing struggle to not only finish projects but to share them with the world, a challenge that resonates with many artists.
Looking ahead, Felber plans to perform songs from Experience live for the next six to twelve months while simultaneously writing material for his third album. Maintaining creative momentum remains a priority, reflecting his commitment to growth and constant artistic output.
Continued Creativity Fueled by Sobriety and Partnership
Luis Felber’s story is one of overcoming past chaos through sobriety and the inspirational support found in his relationship with Lena Dunham. Their connection and shared artistic worlds underpin his current creative surge, enabling him to produce work with clarity and emotional depth.
By embracing the journey rather than fixating on a destination, Felber’s work invites audiences to experience his evolution firsthand, marking a significant chapter in contemporary music and storytelling.
