Joji’s ‘Piss in the Wind’: The Rise of Lo-Fi Vulnerability in Music
Don’t let the electronic beats of early singles fool you. George Kunusoki Miller, known as Joji, continues to explore maudlin themes on his fourth album, Piss in the Wind. The record features 19 tracks, most under three minutes, saturated with self-defeating ruminations.
From Memelord to Mood Maestro: Joji’s Evolution
Joji’s journey from a YouTube personality (Filthy Frank) to a celebrated, though melancholic, musician is a fascinating case study in online identity and artistic reinvention. His 2022 piano ballad “Glimpse of Us” cemented his status, and Piss in the Wind builds on that foundation. The album’s lo-fi aesthetic, released under his own label Palace Creek after leaving 88Rising, feels intentional, mirroring the incomplete feelings within the songs themselves.
Fans have noted a desire for longer tracks, like “Pixelated Kisses,” suggesting Joji has mastered the art of leaving listeners wanting more. This approach taps into the attention-grabbing, dopamine-driven habits fostered by the internet, then subverts them with music that reflects the resulting “twitchy depression” and search for connection.
Collaboration and the Sound of Isolation
While Joji’s 2018 debut, Ballads 1, featured collaborations with artists like Thundercat and Clams Casino, Piss in the Wind incorporates a different approach. Giveon, Don Toliver, Yeat, and 4batz contribute, adding layers to Joji’s expressions of feeling lost. Giveon’s vocals on “Silhouette Man” and Don Toliver’s confession on “Piece of You” amplify the album’s themes of isolation, and yearning.
The album features a surprisingly punchy rap-rhythm on “Cigarette,” with repeated lines reflecting a sense of resignation. Subtle emo indie energy is present in tracks like “Love You Less,” while “Can’t See S*** in the Club” highlights Joji’s feeling of being lost both online and in real life.
The Intentional Imperfection: A Trend in Modern Music?
Piss in the Wind deliberately avoids the creation of radio hits, even while attempting a more dynamic sound on tracks like “The Past Won’t Leave My Bed.” This intentional incompleteness, the piling of futility on futility, is a key characteristic of the album. It’s a graceful, open-ended exploration of raw emotion, a “ghost in the machine” that resonates with contemporary anxieties.
The album’s critical reception has noted a sense of “underdevelopment” in Joji’s work, but this appears to be a conscious artistic choice. It reflects a broader trend in music towards vulnerability, imperfection, and a rejection of polished production in favor of authentic emotional expression.
FAQ
Q: What is Joji’s background?
A: Joji, born George Kunusoki Miller, is a Japanese-Australian musician who initially gained fame as a YouTube personality known as Filthy Frank.
Q: What is the significance of the album title, Piss in the Wind?
A: The title suggests a sense of futility and insignificance, themes that are central to the album’s lyrical content.
Q: What makes Piss in the Wind different from Joji’s previous work?
A: This album is released on Joji’s own label and doubles down on the lo-fi sound and impressionistic songwriting, embracing a sense of incompleteness.
Q: Who are some of the featured artists on the album?
A: Giveon, Don Toliver, Yeat, and 4batz all contribute to Piss in the Wind.
Did you know? Joji’s transition from internet comedian to serious musician is a rare example of an artist successfully navigating a complete reinvention of their public persona.
Explore more about the evolving landscape of music and online culture. Share your thoughts on Joji’s latest album in the comments below!
