When singer Josh Taylor embarked on his seven-month long songwriting program with drummer Brett Kramer, he had no idea what it would lead to. Soon after starting this journey, The Moderates (a band which Taylor was currently a member of), disbanded. From there Taylor and Kramer met bass player J. Tyler Johnson in 2017, and the band halfᐧalive was born.
In the summer of 2018, the alternative indie band released their single “still feel.”, which debuted in a one-take music video. The video, which featured the trio performing an interpretive dance, was praised for both its cinematography and choreography. This video was just the beginning establishment of one of the band’s most iconic features – heavily choreographed music videos highlighting not just the trio’s musical talent, but their knack for dance as well.
In 2019, halfᐧalive performed “still feel.” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and then went on to open for Twenty One Pilots in 2021. In addition to these prominent moments, the band has also released the albums Now, Not Yet (2019), Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1 (2022), Conditions of a Punk (2022), and Persona (2024).
The main focus of halfᐧalive’s music is authenticity and genuine lyrics, focusing on integrating the sounds of everyday life into their songs and addressing very personal issues (self-identity, faith, societal systems, anxiety, and mental health) through catchy beats.
Their first album, Now, Not Yet could be categorized as alternative indie rock, using both indie pop and funky synth beats to discuss some pretty serious topics. Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1 leaned towards softer sounds, harnessing the more indie side of indie pop to fit the more romantic vibe of the album. This shift in sound allows for a more intimate feel on the album, promoting halfᐧalive’s mission of connection through music. The music featured in Conditions of a Punk is more, well, punk. This album features more electric guitar and in-your-face sounds, but in a way that highlights emotional rawness. As for their latest album, Persona, we’re back to the indie-pop area with funky beats and indie backtracks.
Halfᐧalive has explored a large spectrum of musical influences but their messages remain the same and they continue to encourage listeners to take the leap in properly dealing with difficult emotions.
My Top Ten:
- “still feel.” (Now, Not Yet)
- “R.I.P.” (feat. The Walters) (Persona)
- “Maybe” (Now, Not Yet)
- “Automatic” (Persona)
- “Did I Make You Up?” (Conditions of a Punk)
- “Summerland” (Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1)
- “RUNAWAY” (Now, Not Yet)
- “What’s Wrong” (Give Me Your Shoulder, Pt. 1)
- “High Up” (Conditions of a Punk)
- “Hot Tea” (Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1)
For fans of Jon Bellion, COIN, and AJR.
