Single Review and Interview: “Earworm Lullaby” by Jobie is eerie and Empowering
By Noam Dor
JOBIE photographed by Lida Everhart
“It feels good to be someone. It feels good to be real.”
A simple, yet profound confession comes right from the Boston DIY artist Josie Arthur, known as JOBIE, in her latest concoction “Earworm Lullaby”. The song is a spooky and hypnotic delight that’s perfect for the chilly fall season.
Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Arthur’s been immersed in music for as long as she can remember: breathing in the aura of melodies, spelling out chords before the alphabet, and singing on stage even as a toddler. She inherited her passion for songwriting and music from her parents, both professional musicians, who inspired her to develop her musical talent and create her own image. It wasn’t until high school that Arthur began to focus more on musical theater and took her songwriting more seriously. Now a senior at Emerson University pursuing a Theatre and Performance major, she juggles the dual roles of a student and a rising indie-folk artist.
JOBIE serves as Arthur’s inner mirror, allowing her to reflect on and process her own experiences while connecting with her audience.
“I started writing more music during quarantine, trying to get over a breakup," she admitted, “but I didn’t want my music to be solely about me; I wanted my songs to be relatable to other people's lives.”
Despite her strong passion, JOBIE revealed she didn’t want music to consume her entire life, “Being JOBIE is just one aspect of my life—I do other things—and while probably the biggest part, it makes me feel safer having a veil of anonymity for my music. It also separates me from my family name, making my music only mine to claim.”
The track is the centerpiece for fellow Emerson student Justin Landsman’s BFA thesis horror film, Invaders from Within. It tells the story of folk musician Paul Cody, who’s struggling with writer’s block while being possessed by parasitic alien bugs. For JOBIE, writing a song for a film was uncharted territory, but with the Landman’s approval, she was given total creative freedom to produce the track in her own style.
“I was aiming for a 1960s, low-fi melody, as the track would be played on an old radio in the film, so I didn’t want to include too many modern elements to the mix. The track was even recorded on a cassette tape to capture the static, dissonant sound of the radio,” Arthur explained.
JOBIE even employed a new recording technique of incorporating everyday objects as percussive instruments. She found objects in her dad’s basement, such as a can of almonds, a toy car, and a trash can lid, and included them on the track to really push a daunting sound.
“I love going outside the box and trusting my gut when it comes to my music,” JOBIE declared, “especially voicing my opinions and not being afraid to do so.”
The track reflects the perspective of the alien bugs invading and morphing into human form, finally feeling acknowledged as a living being. However, this song means much more to JOBIE than being a gory soundtrack for the film.
“I felt deeply connected to the bugs as they’re considered ‘weird’ and often overlooked in the world. I’m weird myself, so I wanted this song to stand out and showcase the beauty and power of being different,” she acknowledged.
The song also carries a dual meaning: trying to understand the strange and complex sensation of being loved by someone and finally feeling appreciated. JOBIE disclosed she writes her lyrics with intention, always considering how her words could affect her listeners.
“I want people to listen to this song, especially ‘weirdos’ like me, and feel bad-ass, sexy, and confident,” she expressed, “I hope the lyrics not only make people feel seen, but also empowers them to remain true to their authentic selves, no matter what.”
"Earworm Lullaby" is available now on all music streaming platforms, along with the music video which contains footage from the soon-to-be released film, Invaders from Within. JOBIE can also be found on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
EDITED BY STEPH WARE