Joji - MODUS (2020)
Содержание
"Modus" is the second track from Joji's 2020 album Nectar. On the track, Joji addresses the pressures of the music industry that artists go through.
Joji released his second studio album 'Nectar' on 25 September 2020. The original release date of the album was delayed in July 2020 due to Covid-19. This is his return to music after his 2018 album "BALLADS 1".
On "Modus," Joji talks about how the industry and record labels manipulate artists to squeeze everything they have to offer out of them. And the industry is never satisfied. They are always hungry for more. The title of the song "Modus" is Latin for "the ways in which things are done."
Meaning and overview of the song "Modus"
First verse
In the first verse of the song, Joji talks about how his life is in the fast-paced music industry. After an artiste signs a contract with a record label, it is as if he signs his freedom away. After that, very few artistes, if not all, are given control over their music, releases and their presence in the industry. So it's only natural that Joji feels like he's constantly running and never catches a break. Phrases like "I'm a machine", "I have no purpose" and "A hundred pounds of heavy steel...strapped to my chest" tell us how burdened the singer is by the demands of the industry.
Chorus
In this song, Joji admits that the industry is pushing him, which is probably true for other artistes as well. He also admits that he tries very hard to cater to the industry's needs. But when the industry gets fed, it demands more.
Second verse
In the second verse, Joji uses two brands of cars to compare himself in the industry. Joji says that he wants to be a Chevrolet and not a Nissan Sentra. From this reference we could draw several conclusions leading to the same hidden idea. Chevrolet is an American manufacturer and Nissan is a Japanese manufacturer. Comparing these two cars, Japanese cars are known for their versatility. However, Chevrolet can be seen as a high-end model with aesthetic appeal. Thus, Joji could say that Joji would not want to be seen as a utility tool, being overloaded throughout his life.
Also about the release and the musician himself
In addition, Joji is an artist of Japanese descent living in America. Hence, he gives a clear idea of the kind of personality he wants to be. As a nation, the Japanese are known to be very hardworking and devote 16-18 hours a day to work. On the other hand, Americans are much more relaxed in their work schedule than the Japanese. Hence, Joji can again tell us how he thinks he is overworked to death in the grip of the music industry.
Joji also apologises for the delay in releasing his music due to feeling burnt out due to the pressure on him.