Alexander 23 Tackles Mortality and Legacy in Under 3 Minutes With "When I Die"

image

Photo: Maria Isabel

Alexander 23's music is both empathetic and calming to the angst that often accompanies young adulthood. His first single, "Dirty AF1s," made Apple Music's "Bop of the Week," and also graced Spotify's "New Music Friday" playlist. After a wildly successful debut which lead him to sign at Interscope Records, Alexander 23 is back with another relatable pop track, somehow managing to summarize nagging existential uncertainties of mortality in just over two minutes.  

"When I Die" showcases Alexander 23's forthright lyricism and tight instrumentation, traits which makes his current opening slot for Alec Benjamin make a whole lot of sense. Alexander 23 covered heartbreak and misadventures in love with "Dirty AF1s," so it's only fitting that he tackles another hefty topic, death and legacy, next.    

"When I Die" puts the little things in perspective, making everyday trials and tribulations seem petty in contrast to the bigger picture. Alexander 23 sings of what he hopes to be remembered for upon his death, hitting unexpected high notes between plucky guitar hits. He commented on the making of the song,  

"I hope that people are sad when I die, but that I don't die for a long time, no. If I go soon, have a drink and sing along. I hope that people are sad and they cry, but that they don't cry for a long time, no. If I go soon, have a drink and sing along."

The song ends with a sung monologue of sorts, with thick layers of autotune and vocoder making for an offbeat, almost futuristic sound.

image

Check Alexander 23 out at his upcoming shows for his Outrunning Karma Tour below - specifically Lollapalooza, where he will return to his Chicago roots for one of his biggest performances to date.

4/27 Denver, CO Bluebird

4/30 Salt Lake City, UT Complex

5/02 Vancouver, BC St. James

5/03 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater

5/04 Seattle, WA Neumos

5/08 San Diego, CA Voodoo Room @ HOB

5/09 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre

5/10 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre

8/01 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza

Related Articles

BANA Gives Us the Inside Scoop on Her Latest Song, "Air," Her Kurdish Pride, and Aromatherapy [Q&A]

BANA Gives Us the Inside Scoop on Her Latest Song, "Air," Her Kurdish Pride, and Aromatherapy [Q&A]

September 8, 2025 Read on for the inspiring story of this artist's dreams come true.
Author: DJ Connor
pop
Air
Longtime Fortnite Fan d4vd Scores a Victory Royale in "Locked & Loaded"

Longtime Fortnite Fan d4vd Scores a Victory Royale in "Locked & Loaded"

September 4, 2025 "Fortnite has been such a big part of my life and it’s what led me to make music in the first place."
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
R&B
Sensual & Sonically Captivating, Maya Unagi's 'Pieces' EP Is the Perfect Fall Listen

Sensual & Sonically Captivating, Maya Unagi's 'Pieces' EP Is the Perfect Fall Listen

September 3, 2025 We reached out to the immersive talent to hear more about the making of the EP.
Author: DJ Connor
pop
R&B