It’s always great to discover something a little different in the music world, which is what solo project Death Popsicle aims to do, with his amazing new EP Komuso being released only a couple of days ago. It’s a really interesting listen that pulls together moments of hip-hop, darkwave and industrial EDM in a rather unique way – find out more about Death Popsicle below:

By Jane Howkins

You have a new EP coming out at the end of this month titled Komuso. What can you tell us about the record?

Komuso was created over a few months while I was traveling in my RV and establishing my permanent residence in northern Arizona. I wanted to create something a little different – something that illustrates what I see as some of society’s shortcomings and contradictions, and the systems we’re all kind of forced to submit to.

The term Komusō essentially means a ‘priest of nothingness,’ so the EP reflects my experience of existing in a world where I’ve never really felt like I fit in. It’s about walking the line of social vagrancy, searching for a place within society, and existing as an artistic messenger for those feelings of alienation and isolation.

Do you have any singles planned for release from the EP?

I don’t really plan on releasing traditional singles. Instead, I want to create DIY videos for each song that tell their own stories. I want them to feel raw and authentic, so I’ll probably film them at my house and throughout the surrounding forests here in northern Arizona.

It’ll likely take a little while to flesh out all of the ideas, and I’ll probably collaborate with a couple of friends on them. I’ve always been able to see the big picture musically, but visually, I prefer working with other creative people.

Are there any plans for a full-length album release at any point in the near future?

I’ll probably release a few standalone singles and then another EP. Depending on the response, that strategy could change, but I already have several songs waiting – I just need to finish the vocals.

I also plan on occasionally shifting the musical direction or embracing different influences so the project continues to evolve while maintaining a consistent identity. Since I do everything myself, I can work whenever inspiration strikes, and I’m always writing music. I really enjoy the niche this project occupies, and I want to keep building momentum. I’m also looking forward to finding collaborators who share a love for darker music.

Death Popsicle is a solo project. Why did you decide to release your music under this moniker rather than using your real name?

There were several reasons. First, I already release rock music and other material under my own name that isn’t necessarily stylistically cohesive. Death Popsicle, on the other hand, is a brand with a very clear vision.

It was one of those ideas where the inspiration just hit me, and I ran with it – from the name to the sound to the overall aesthetic. In today’s influencer-driven, hyper-capitalistic world, having a strong brand can be invaluable. The Death Popsicle concept extends beyond the music into clothing, artwork and other creative media. I already have concepts and prototypes in the works, and I want to continue building an online presence around all of it.

You wrote, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered the Komuso EP yourself, which is very impressive! What was the process like, and is it something you’d like to do again?

Absolutely, and thank you. That’s what I do.

I definitely want to collaborate with more people in the future, but I already produce and record music for other artists pretty regularly. Ironically, it’s much harder to listen objectively when it’s your own music.

I also have access to a lot of gear at Beyond Audio, a full-service recording studio in Wisconsin where I sometimes work at or collaborate with online. Creating your own music simply takes much longer because you’re wearing every hat. As far as mixing and mastering go, I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to improve.

I’m also still building my home analogue/digital hybrid studio with synths, pedals, guitars, preamps and outboard gear. The more creative tools you have, the more opportunities you create for experimentation and discovering sounds you never would have planned.

Do you have any other side projects or side hustles on the go at the moment?

I’m currently working on some rock music, producing music for clients, and collaborating with a few people online. My rock material is much more inspired by bands like Deftones, The Mars Volta, Nirvana and Alice in Chains, so it’s a completely different direction from Death Popsicle.

As far as side hustles go, petitioning has been my primary source of income for years, and it’s given me the freedom to travel and make music on my own terms. Eventually I’d like to phase away from that, and since it’s fairly quiet at the moment, I’m actively exploring other opportunities.

I travel quite a bit, so I usually just bring my laptop, a guitar and a microphone, then write wherever I happen to be. I like becoming part of whatever environment I’m in.

Your music has a really unique sound. Who or what would you say your biggest influences are, and what have you been listening to recently?

I appreciate that. For this project specifically – and honestly just in general I’d say Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative, Crosses, HEALTH, and Deftones have been huge influences. Even bands like Blink-182 and Linkin Park have shaped how I think about songwriting.

Lately I’ve been listening to HEALTH, The Prodigy, Loathe, ERRA, Urban Heat, Druidess and Deer Death. It really depends on the day. I listen to a huge range of music, and I’m always revisiting older records while searching for new artists. I’ve definitely been in a heavier phase lately, but I’ve also been digging deeper into goth, darkwave, and cyberpunk music.

You’re currently based in Flagstaff, Arizona. What is the music scene like there at the moment?

I actually established my permanent residence here last year, but I spent most of the year travelling, so I haven’t had much of a chance to experience the local scene yet.

It’s a relatively small city, but I’m sure there are plenty of talented musicians around. I think Arizona is a little underrated creatively. Phoenix has a fantastic music scene, so it’s only natural that some of that spills over into northern Arizona, especially with Flagstaff being a college town.

I’m looking forward to getting more involved locally and meeting people to collaborate with. I enjoy working with artists from all kinds of musical backgrounds, so I’m excited to see where that leads.

Do you have any plans to tour your music across the UK at any point?

Nothing is planned at the moment, but if the demand is there, I’d absolutely be open to it.

I’d probably put together a live backing band because I’ve always loved the organic energy that comes from electronic acts incorporating live musicians. I stepped away from performing for a while and focused almost entirely on writing and recording, but with the rise of AI-generated content, it’s made me appreciate genuine live performance even more. I think I’ll be getting back on stage sooner rather than later.

Any last words for the fans?

Can I pick any word? Do they have to go together? Maybe something like *Slorbotron*… or *Purple Fox Jedi Moon Dancing*?

But seriously, check out the music, and I hope you enjoy it. If you don’t, feel free to hate-follow me – but don’t forget to like and subscribe.

And if you’re interested in collaborating, or if you need help with producing, mixing, recording or anything else, feel free to reach out at deathpopsicleworld@gmail.com

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