A Fresh Interview with Joshua McCooey

Joshua McCooey returns with a brand new single that just dropped today. This single is something that certainly takes a great direction for the artist as it's got this massively vibrant approach that blends color and edginess damn near perfectly, giving loads of character, which is a staple of Joshua's music normally, but this has such great time signatures, and robust choruses, along with a relatable sentiment in its underbelly.

"We Don't Die" hits with guitars that are really fun, a bit hard-hitting, but not fully distorted. It is a rock song, but in the artist's true style, it is coated in pop. This is a pop-rock banger that is performed with an outstanding energy level. He really lets himself rip on this one. He's belting out, having a ball, and he sings with a certain kind of swagger in his undertone. It's like he's got this character for the song that's being portrayed.

The progressions of the track have a brightness to them; the guitar work as a whole really makes the song outstanding. There's just a vivacious performance throughout this entire thing. The drumming adds to that. The drumming is not just in the pocket but adds that additional liveliness to the song that feels like everything else is pushing off.

Joshua always gives a unique performance in his music, but this one features him double-tracking on those choruses, adding to the thickness and more robust feel.

Again, he's also really belting out, and it gives the song this slight punk rock type of energy, and all of that is very infectious.

The guitars come in layers as the verses unfold. Given that first verse, you're really paying attention to the lyrics and how he's performing them, but there are also a few different guitars being performed. There are the chords that are being played, and then there's some overlapping guitar work happening, and this adds that depth.

Once it does hit that chorus, it feels super Lush and very full-bodied with all those layers coming together full force.

It's also a great hook in general. The melody of the chorus and how it's rhythmically timed is all addictive and sort of gets in your head.

I absolutely love how the song ends because it changes up a little bit, and some new guitar stuff starts coming in. The whole thing really blends a number of rock genres, but again, it still sits very firmly under this great pop umbrella, which is part of one of Joshua's staples.

He's always releasing songs that come from some place and have meaning, depth, some kind of personal message, but he always takes different directions genre-wise, even if it's slight.

No matter what, you always have a great piece of his personality coming through, and that is showcased a lot with the lyrics and his presence on the track.

The cool thing about this song in particular is that it is kind of horror-themed but not at the same time. It has to do with the theme of living forever and how we don't really die unless someone knows you're alive.

That underlying theme, although coated with hints of haunts like vampires, is a real and relatable sentiment.

It's a bit existential, but he's doing it in a fun and poppy way.

So, you can tell it's coming from someplace real. It's something that he's thought about, but he set it up where he added a little extra to the theme of it all. Again, come underneath that it's a real statement. It's about being seen.

Are we really living a life if no one knows about it?

It's a very cool thought, and for a young artist to capture that sentiment and bring it into an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant pop-rock setting is incredible.

Now, this is just how I took the song. Others may interpret it differently, but for me, the sentiment was loud and clear. It was just done in a more inventive and creative way. 

This is the kind of track that sticks with you and brings together elements of classic, '90s, underground pop rock, along with plenty more. I can hear this kind of vintage songwriting inspiration coming through here and there.

This is a track you can't really turn away from; it just delivers a high-impact performance and showcases an artist who has an actual knack for being able to write a song that jumps out at you.

Dive into this one right now and remember where you heard it first.

Check out our interview with Joshua below!

Buzz Slayers: Hey Joshua and welcome back! "We Don't Die" was awesome! A bit of a fresh direction for you! This song rocked out and had a colorful undertone but vivacious approach!! Where did this one come from?

I'm a horror fanatic! I love all things scary! But I also love writing, and storytelling. One night I was walking through Bryant park in New York City, and started singing. The first verse of the song came together during that nighttime Bryant park stroll, which I can proudly say that any passerby’s witnessed an impromptu concert. The song was also originally way more emo, before I kind of tweaked it to fit my style a little more.

Buzz Slayers: When you write a song like this, are you working with other producers, or is it all you?

I write all of my lyrics, and have most of the melodic structure, before I consult my dad. He helps me on the musical side of things, usually whipping out his guitar and playing through the song with me. My dad and I are both extremely passionate about music, and I’m so very thankful that he helps me out on the composition side. On this track in particular, I worked with my friend Jackson Felton, who produced the song, and laid down some killer drums and guitar!

Buzz Slayers: Do you record this at a home studio, or do you hit a big studio setting to record?

We were psyched to record this track at East Bay Recorders in Oakland, California. That’s where we’ve recorded most of my tracks, and we love them over there! 

Buzz Slayers: Are you planning any live shows now, and if so, do you have a band to perform with?

It’s always in the back of my mind. I would love to do a live show if I can find the opportunity. I’m always looking for new ways to share my art, sing and dance in front of a crowd!

Buzz Slayers: Are you already working on anything new?

 I’m working on a new track that is set to release this winter. Stay tuned for that one! it’s going to be chilly.

Buzz Slayers: Who are you listening to mostly right now?

The mighty crabjoys, of course! (For my Superman fans) But in all seriousness, I’ve been listening to the K-pop demon hunters soundtrack on repeat. Why is it so catchy? “Your Idol” may or may not have influenced parts of the “We Don’t Die” music video, coming out very soon :)

Buzz Slayers: Are you playing guitar on this? 

My producer, drummer, guitarist, uber talented rockstar friend Jackson Felton is laying down the heat with guitar on this track! 

Buzz Slayers: Did it take you long to get this track finished?

I had the idea for this song shortly after the release of my previous track “Hall of Shame” last year. The actual recording process was about a 2 day venture, before mixing and mastering.  

Buzz Slayers: What would you say people can expect from this one?

Your brand new Halloween anthem for spooky season is here! If you’re looking for indie, pop-rock and fun Halloween storytelling, with a deeper philosophical message, then this one’s for you! “We don’t die, unless there’s no one to say that you’re alive” check it out on Spotify and Apple Music, with a music video dropping this Halloween! See you real soon. 

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