Mondo Cozmo

“Upside Down” is the new single from singer-songwriter Josh Ostrander better known as Mondo Cozmo. Josh  said, "I wrote this tune during the impeachment trial when I was obsessively watching the news. I have a constant narrative through a lot of my tunes that is yeah I know the world is shit but I would still like to go to the bar and have a drink with you."

The equally potent companion video was directed by Josh's longtime visual collaborator, acclaimed photographer/filmmaker Travis Shinn (Motionless In White, Killswitch Engage). Josh does not regret putting his fist through the window while crafting his second full-length,"New Medicine" due out June 12th. Mondo Cozmo departed amicably from the major label system and wrote the rock ‘n’ roll record he always meant to write in his home studio, which will be released on Last Gang Records. Josh attracted the wisdom of legendary producer Butch Vig, who then became a sounding board and "father figure" throughout the whole trip." Josh collaborated with a stunning lineup of studio superstars, including producer Lars Stalfors (Cold War Kids, Foster The People), songwriter Dan Wilson (Adele, Phantogram), and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club guitarist Peter Hayes and drummer Leah Shapiro, among others.

“Every single night I watch the evening news and wonder… Bout right,” said Josh.  “Crazy times call for a crazy tune. It’s my attempt at a feel-good summer song in an imploding world. Good times…This album sums up a lot for me. Coming to terms with the weird guilt of success, navigating a new American experience.”

Known for his work as producer and singer-songwriter, Josh was born in Philadelphia and unveiled Mondo Cozmo in 2017. He immediately proved a sensation with the project’s debut single, “Shine.” Tours alongside such like-minded artists as Bastille, Spoon, Vance Joy and The Revivalists followed, as did show-stealing performances at top festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.

When "Shine" took off at radio, the next year was spent on the road," recalls Josh. "Playing every show, doing every meet-n-greet, every morning radio show, every podcast, interview, and after party. And why not? It was the first time anyone wanted to talk to me about music. I loved it, but by the end of the year I was pretty beat down and tired. It came to head during a video shoot in which I just completely lost it. I found myself in a situation where I lost control, and in front of the band, label, management I punched a glass door and destroyed my hand. I would spend the night in the emergency room watching them put my hand back together."

"But I began writing," he continues. "The tunes just poured out. I was put on medication after the hand debacle. I assumed that's where the songs were coming from. That's where the NEW MEDICINE title came from. But I couldn't play guitar, enter Peter Hayes from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. He guided me. He pushed me to get the record done. As did Butch Vig, who would help me make sense of the demos I was sending to him on the daily.

"This album sums up a lot for me. Coming to terms with the weird guilt of success, navigating a new American experience. With a numb hand."

“I feel like I’m the dude you want to introduce to your family, but he might be on acid and will still hug you," said Josh. "I’m very much a blue collar guy who’s trying to do right. I went through something pretty profound. It happened so I could find myself. It’s a release. There are certain lines I hope will resonate with people. I’ve gone through enough shit. I’ve played every fucking club. I’ve slept on everybody’s sofa. I’ve opened up for every band. I want to take over the world. I want to be true and honest. I want to live with conviction. I just feel like I have a shot right now.”

Mondo Cozmo hopes to celebrate “New Medicine” with a wide-ranging headline tour later this year. In the meantime, Josh has just begun a series of home studio performances, dubbed the “Live In Exile Sessions.”

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