Willem James Cowan shares “Choke,” a somber indie-folk track exploring heartbreak and healing from his new album What Should Happen Next?.
London, Ontario-based folk singer-songwriter Willem James Cowan channels heartbreak, loss, and personal growth into his new album, What Should Happen Next? One of the standout tracks, “Choke,” captures the raw emotions and uncertainty he experienced while navigating the aftermath of a breakup.
Through honest songwriting and a thoughtful blend of acoustic and electronic sounds, he reflects on the challenges of starting over and finding direction amid uncertainty. At the heart of the record, Willem embraces a more personal sound that captures his journey toward self-discovery.
Turning Heartbreak Into “Choke”
Willem James Cowan wrote most of the album after leaving Toronto in early 2023 and returning to his hometown to live with his parents. During the following months, he devoted himself to songwriting as he processed the end of one chapter and searched for direction. As a result, What Should Happen Next? captures the uncertainty of rebuilding a life while learning to embrace change.
One track that brings these emotions to the forefront is “Choke,” a somber, self-reflective song written shortly after a breakup. Through deeply personal lyrics, Willem James Cowan revisits the confusion and emotional weight of those first few days after the relationship ended. Rather than looking back from a distance, he draws directly from his experiences to create a song that feels immediate and unfiltered.
He explains:
Pretty much every lyric in this song is specific to what I was going through and the feelings I was experiencing and dealing with during that time.
Musically, “Choke” captures the album’s overall sound by blending acoustic singer-songwriter intimacy with subtle electronic experimentation. Programmed drums anchor the arrangement, while layers of individually recorded guitar notes build into a rich, orchestral-like texture. He describes this intricate arrangement as a “pseudo-orchestra of guitar strings.”
Finding His Own Sound
This careful production highlights Willem James Cowan’s more thoughtful approach to the album. He recorded most of the drums last year, then spent around six months developing the remaining tracks from his apartment. Meanwhile, friends and collaborators helped him shape the album’s overall sound.
Throughout the process, Willem James Cowan focused on keeping the arrangements simple and intimate. As a result, What Should Happen Next? offers a deeply personal look at change, self-discovery, and the search for direction. Reflecting on his creative vision, he shares,
I wanted this album to really feel like me. I pared down the production to make it feel as close and personal as possible, which I think I achieved in the end.
Press Release
