“I think the good in people is never lost,” Koji said. “And it’s never gone from music. Music is an art form that celebrates potential. If you’re looking for it, you’re going to find it.” - February 20, 2012 interview with Gaining Ground Media.
Koji can be seen advocating with organizations such as Resolve and Invisible Children on behalf of the child soldiers being used by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in central and east Africa as well as Humility Now to help raise awareness about the homeless right here in the United States. His concerts feature a combination of music, storytelling, media and visual art, all aimed at empowering youth to create positive, lasting change and build community.
In 2010, Koji released four records. Seaside Sessions was a demo tape that came together in one day with producer Gabe Liberti at Seaside Lounge in Brooklyn. That spring, he hit the road with his demo in tow and almost immediately after upon returning home, Koji landed a deal with Run For Cover Records. In August, RFC released Spring Song Vol. 1 - a full-length live record tracked at intimate house shows on Koji’s spring tour, followed by Some Small Way - Koji’s first full band release. In October, No Sleep Records released a full-length 12” vinyl split with Chicago’s Into It. Over It., entitled IIOI/KOJI, which was lauded by the Associated Press as one of 2010’s Most Overlooked Albums, alongside artists like Mumford and Sons, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Gucci Mane.
Koji was named one of Alternative Press magazine’s “100 Bands To Know in 2011“. He released a 12" vinyl-only split with long time friends, La Dispute, entitled Never Come Undone, which came out via No Sleep Records. The record was released amidst Koji's "Resolve Tour," where he performed in addition to sharing video and photography, collecting petition signatures and letters to congress seeking funding for the endangered LRA Strategy (it was eventually funded because of the youth advocacy community), and conducting community round table discussions to drive further into the issue of the LRA in central Africa, America's role in creating peace, and the power of an individual's voice to make change on this and any issue. His side of Never Come Undone features the song "Peacemaker" as well as Koji's take on Ted Leo's Biomusicology and was dedicated to fellow activist, Nate Henn, who was killed in 2010's World Cup bombing in Uganda.
He released "Matters" EP in 2013, and "Fury" EP in 2015.
Shift
Koji Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Koji's song Shift, the lyrics convey a feeling of confusion and betrayal. The singer seems to have encountered someone who is changing shape in front of them, causing them to question their own perception of reality. They are left feeling lost and shaken, unsure of how to move forward.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of evolution and progress being necessary for survival, but this can also lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and disoriented. The singer feels their spirit is broken and their trust betrayed, and they are grappling with the need to let go of the past and move forward.
Eventually, the singer reaches a turning point where they realize they can't keep running from their problems. They declare that it all stops here, and that they are ready to face whatever comes next.
Overall, the song Shift is a powerful expression of the turbulent emotions that come with major life changes, and the struggle to find one's footing in the midst of uncertainty and upheaval.
Line by Line Meaning
I could swear that I did see you changing shapes in front of me.
I saw you transforming before my very eyes, but I cannot be sure if it was real or just my imagination.
I rubbed eyes and grabbed my heart. I shook my head then fell apart.
I tried to make sense of what I just saw, but it was so shocking I felt like I was losing my grip on reality.
Wonder now, was it a dream? It felt so real, but now it seems I've lost my sense.
I am questioning whether what I saw was just a figment of my imagination, as it felt very real, but now I am unsure of my own instincts.
How the hell did you get by? Can't lose ever night to asking, "why?"
I am perplexed as to how you were able to transform before my eyes, but I cannot keep dwelling on this as it is causing me to lose sleep questioning it.
Evolve, progress, it's to survive. But I shake and I stumble now how did I?
Change is necessary for growth and survival, but I am struggling to adapt to this sudden shift in my reality.
Broken spirit and betrayed trust. Apologies and cover ups.
Your behavior has shattered my confidence in you and I feel betrayed. Your apologies and attempts to cover up only add to my confusion.
Something new coming over me. I cannot speak but now I see I've lost my sense.
I am feeling a change within myself, but I am unable to express it. At the same time, I am questioning my own perception of reality.
Thinking deeply, I've arrived here at this point now feeling sure of what happens now, what happens next.
After much contemplation, I am now certain of what is happening and what will happen next.
Distilled the truth that's all that's left. And I don't think I'm gonna run no more.
I have stripped away all the confusion and uncertainty surrounding this situation and have arrived at the truth. I am no longer going to avoid facing reality.
When I say it stops here, then hey man it stops here. Oh I mean it's got to stop here. No more.
I am putting an end to this situation once and for all and I am committed to making sure it does not continue any further.
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.