“For My Young Death”: Port Ross’ Emotional Confrontation with Mortality - Atwood Magazine

      For Port Ross, the concept of dying resembles a visit to the DMV; it's inevitable, yet unlikely to be enjoyable. While he stands in the extended line of life's DMV, Port Ross shares his final will and testament: “For My Young Death.” Delving into the ever-present notion of ‘the end,’ he imparts a sense of playful skill while underscoring the significance of human connection.

      Stream: “For My Young Death” – Port Ross

      Good music occurs when an individual completely embraces their vision and trusts their instincts.

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      Port Ross (also known as Jack Sperry) has brown hair neatly cropped just below his ears (recently cut by his roommate), a coffin tattoo imprinted on the palm of his left hand (as a reminder of mortality), and a mind clouded by constant anxiety regarding death (once again, referencing the coffin tattoo on his palm).

      This dread of death brings a heavy inertia, freezing the average person in a Wong Kar-wai-like stillness, as the world rushes by in a blur. However, Sperry is neither average nor desires to be immobilized in a moment.

      His single, “For My Young Death,” emerged from a compelling sense of urgency. As the last song to be unveiled from his forthcoming debut album, Nighttime at Gardner Hall, Sperry asserts that the track was born from a grim fixation on the finite nature of life, driven by his need to evade a death that could lie just ahead.

      For My Young Death – Port Ross

      “I’ve always been really paranoid that I was gonna die, especially during my teens and early 20s,” he shares. “That became my motivation – I thought: ‘I could die tomorrow, so I need to work on this [song] right now.’”

      The song encapsulates his determined sprint towards and away from death.

      Sperry understands that death, as the assured winner of this race, does not need to exert itself to triumph. Death walks a leisurely path with disconcerting ease, in no particular rush. Yet, rather than perceiving his participation in this race as futile and giving up, Sperry continues to forge ahead. Why? Because he must.

      "I was concerned I might die and wanted to leave behind some sort of message for my mom if I did," he explains. "The lyrics were penned during my first week in New York, in the Hell's Kitchen apartment we were about to be evicted from. It was my affirmation of life. Like, ‘if I die here, it’s okay.’”

      Though Sperry’s mortality dominates this song, it is far from a somber requiem or sorrowful eulogy. If birth is akin to a baby shower, death resembles a surprise party – and Sperry highlights the celebratory aspect.

      “For My Young Death” is a tribute to life, as illustrated by its uplifting melody (and whimsical music video). The track kicks off with an electronic buzz and is then driven by light synths that elevate Sperry’s vibrant vocals.

      “In the last fallen leaves / Let the time go with me,” Sperry earnestly sings, “Come to see my memory / I’ll be waiting patiently.”

      Instead of instilling listeners with an overwhelming sense of dread, Sperry highlights love – a sentiment powerful enough to surpass physical absence. Death does not undermine the valuable moments shared; it does not affect how we nurture each other. The bonds formed during our lives remain intact, even when we depart.

      The song concludes gently, like the dwindling warmth of a shirt after being out of the laundry for a few minutes. “I’ll be with you, I’ll be with you / I’ll be with you, I’ll be with you,” Sperry sings before the track cuts off abruptly, leaving us in silence.

      Port Ross © Lucie Day

      “For My Young Death” conveys a message to the living. It's neither overly optimistic nor drastically bleak.

      The song exists in the realm of reality, rooted in the present but without clinging to it tightly. Sperry, as an emerging musician, is deeply committed to cherishing the time we currently have, rather than solely fixating on its inevitable conclusion.

      With precision, humor, and a few dance moves, he progresses in life's race.

      Continue below to discover more about the creation of “For My Young Death,” its music video, Port Ross’ discography, and his reason for allowing friends to cut his hair.

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      :: stream/purchase For My Young Death here ::

      :: connect with Port Ross here ::

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      Stream: “For My Young Death” – Port Ross

      A CONVERSATION WITH PORT ROSS

      Atwood Magazine: Congratulations on the upcoming release of “For My Young Death.” How are you feeling about everything?

      Port Ross: I’m really excited. I just can't wait to share it. I feel great about the song, and I’m looking forward to people finally