Willem James Cowan‘s new single, “Jam Jar,” is a raw, visceral anthem about self-reflection, the fallout of emotional mistakes, and the deep, spiraling thoughts that often follow. The track captures the feeling of being stuck in a loop of self-doubt and regret, all wrapped up in a striking folk-rock sound.

Inspired by a fight with his then-girlfriend, “Jam Jar” finds Cowan reflecting on a moment of fault while trying to understand things from the other person’s perspective. “We were out at a party, and I was at fault. While we were on our way home on the Toronto streetcar, I was trying to imagine things from her shoes—buried in a grave I designed,” says Cowan. The song’s narrative feels as personal as it does universal, touching on themes of vulnerability, guilt, and the struggle of owning up to one’s mistakes.

What can you share with readers about your new project? 

Jam Jar is the second song in a small batch of singles that I’ve been releasing these past few months. It’s about making mistakes in a relationship and trying to see things from your partners perspective.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past? 

I think this song, at the very least, shows an evolution in my songwriting. It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve written to date, and I’m slowly finding the sound that’s hidden somewhere in my brain.

What about this single makes you most proud? 

The lyrics and the bridge. I’m not usually a particularly “clever” lyricist, but I think I dipped my toes in to that a little with this song. There are certain lines that I’m proud of, like “too late to toss out all the vulgar things I wrote down, they stained the table underneath.” I’m also proud of the bridge, as a good bridge can sometimes evade me. I tried to channel some “of Montreal” in the way that it feels like a bit of a departure from the rest of the song.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release? 

It had been a little while since I last released music. About two years. I moved back home and started writing a lot more, and I feel like this song, and the other ones in this project kind of dictate where I’m at right now.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going? 

I don’t love anything like I love music. I’ve always been that way, having played in bars since I was 10 or so. I can’t really imagine myself doing anything else with the amount of passion I feel. I’m constantly motivated by new music I find, new releases, etc. I’m always on the hunt for something new to listen to!

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out. 

Probably James Mercer from the Shins. He’s one of my favourite songwriters of all time, and he doesn’t get nearly enough credit for it. I feel like I’d only want to collaborate with someone I could hang out with. Maybe Julia Jacklin?

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists? 

The last song I listed to was Willie Nelson’s version of “Always On My Mind”. I’m currently learning a bunch of songs by the Highwaymen for a theatre review show I’m doing in April, so that stuff has been on heavy rotation. My all-time favourite artists are Elliott Smith, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Pedro the Lion, The Shins, Bright Eyes, etc. etc.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected? 

Probably Instagram! I feel like I’m the most active there. I also have a mailing list where I’m a little more personal and real. I send out a message or two every month. (Find that in my link tree – hey hey hey)

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off? 

Thanks so much! I’m doing a little Ontario tour in the spring and I’ve got another song coming out around then as well. I hope you’ll listen and come out! No pressure though, I get it.