After introducing himself with his dazzling debut EP 'Show And Tell' last year, US singer-songwriter Joshua McCooey is now back for 2024 to deliver his wondrous new single 'Dance With Me Sophie'.
Capturing more of that warm and invigorating pop-rock aesthetic he has been building these last few months, 'Dance With Me Sophie' makes for a rousing return to form for the frontman. With its bright and uplifting textures, soaring atmosphere, and his own impactful vocals at the helm, he is returning to the fold with one of his most joyous efforts yet.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I first fell in love with the piano. My sister and I were both enrolled in piano classes for a good few years. Guitar actually came much later, in 2020. I love playing guitar, and I hope that I can keep improving in my spare time!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I used to love indie pop. 21 Pilots was my jam growing up. In 2012, I vividly remember blasting their music on my Nook during a study session of mine; it is safe to say that no progress was made in mathematics that day.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album that I remember owning was in 2017. I was in love with Imagine Dragons at the time, and they had just released the “Evolve” album, with “Believer” as the main track. That song was played religiously at my dance studio, and I had to see what the fuss was about. The purchase was 100% worth it, and I played that disc on my sister's “Frozen” Elsa karaoke machine until the disc was scratched, and unreadable.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I could have written Yesterday, by the Beatles. I love the movie titled “Yesterday” because it is similar to this question. It is about a guy who, one day, becomes the only person to remember the Beatles, and becomes rich performing their music. The truth is that even today, I find myself wishing that I could have been alive during the prime of the Beatles. Their music is so inspiring, and groundbreaking that I would choose to listen to it over most modern songs.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I take everything as inspiration. I think my main ritual would be starting a verse or chorus, becoming familiar with the story of the song, recording it on voice memo so I don’t forget it and then coming back to it later. Going back on my notes app to finish writing songs is one of my favourite pastimes.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favourite artists right now are Cigarettes After Sex, Arctic Monkeys, Benson Boone, and Ethan Bortnick. The last two artists I started listening to after discovering them on TikTok.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Honestly, I would love to have a show for my dance school. I think it would be fun, and a good way for my friends and peers to get more familiar with me as an artist and performer, aside from just dancing. I love to perform and, if given the chance, don’t care who it’s for.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part about being a musician is listening to your song after it comes out, and being able to detach from it. When one listens to the same song constantly to improve or perfect it, I feel as though one builds an unnatural bond with the song. This bond breaks after there is no more work to be done on it. It is released into the world, and whatever happens happens.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I will never be content with the art that I make. It will never be enough, in my mind. I love working as an artist, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at myself in the mirror and think “yes, this song was perfect.” I’m sure many people can relate to this.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t stop. Do not place yourself into one category. If you dance, find ways to dance. Never stop improving, and never write music just so other people will like it. Make art that you are proud of; if other people like it, that is an added bonus.
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Joshua McCooey's new single 'Dance With Me Sophie' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.