What’s the most unexpected place or situation where a lyric or melody for “Wish On You” first came to you?
The main melodies in this track are almost a decade old. Melodies come to me all the time — while out on runs or in line at the café. I record them quickly and file them away for safekeeping. I took several out of the archive for “Wish On You,” and the lyrics came to me quickly. I wanted to write a song that blurred the lines between sincere relationships and parasocial relationships, and while trying to work it out, I took my dog outside that night and saw a shooting star — true story!! — and knew that was the perfect allegory.
If “Wish On You” were a movie scene, what would be happening on screen when the song plays?
Oh, definitely someone screaming at their television or throwing something through it. I’m a big fan of drama like that!! This song is pretty messy and hyper-dramatic, but I use that to mask the real emotions in it. I’m my most sincere when I’m being ridiculous!
What’s one thing about your creative process that would probably surprise people?
When I’m writing my lyrics, I prefer total silence. I know the melody and notes in my head, and I write better in silence with the lights out! I’m a failed poet at heart, and my music is just another avenue for my ironic, angsty poetry!! Call it “performative masculinity poetry” or whatever — it works for me!!
If you could time-travel back to the peak blog-era days, which artist or band would you want to collaborate with and why?
OOOF, so many to choose from. I used to work for a college radio station during this era, and we were sent so many promotional tracks from amazing, truly indie artists. It was such a formative time for me, so I’m going to end up leaving so many out!! I think the top of my all-time-collab-dream list would definitely be Metronomy, Phoenix, Hot Chip, and Neon Indian!! They all have such an amazing approach to their music and lyrics — there’s something to all of them that feels almost hyper-real!! If any of them or their reps are reading this — you know where to find me!!
What’s the strangest or funniest reaction you’ve had from someone hearing your music for the first time?
My dad is probably my biggest fan, and I owe so much to him for curating my taste in music since I was an infant. He loves my music but likes to remind me that I sing like “Weird Al” Yankovic and that “Wish On You” really highlights this! Definitely not an insult in the least bit. I’ve often thought that when Weird Al retires, he’d be able to pretty easily pass the torch to me. He was my first concert growing up, and I have a pretty gosh darn good taste in polka!! Myron Floren? Come on!! Though that’s hardly a hot take.
How would you describe Bobo Gogo’s sound if you had to use three completely random objects instead of music terms?
I don’t want to spoil anything, but my sound is definitely going to change drastically and constantly. I have some things planned for 2026 that are… pretty wild!! I think the distinct through-line of all of my tracks is my approach to melodies and lyricism, and the objects that really capture my perspective are: an empty giant soda cup from a cliché American gas station, an unfinished crossword puzzle (Sudoku is an acceptable substitution), and infinitely tangled corded headphones that are more wound together than the Gordian Knot.
What’s a piece of pop culture — a film, a meme, a video game — that secretly inspired this track?
A lot of my little melodies and hooks are always going to sound a little retro video-gamey, especially for my first few singles. I get a lot of inspiration from Nintendo 64 soundtracks — they all have such a bright approach to instrumentation and composition that can’t help but excite you!!
If someone made a cocktail called “Wish On You,” what would be in it?
I’m actually a hardcore non-drinker — the people’s straight-edge pop star!! So I think the “Wish On You” would be a Sprite with sour mix and a ton of cherries. That’s my go-to drink when I’m out on the town, and it’s so zippy and sweet that it can’t help but get you into a manic state (which is pretty much required for this song).
What’s a lyric from the song that hits you the hardest when you perform it, and why?
“Can’t even watch a show without you on my TV screen” is the standout lyric to me in this song. It really captures the inescapable feelings you have for someone — whether you’re literally seeing them on screen because they’re now super famous (perhaps I’m talking from experience, perhaps not), or you’re figuratively projecting someone you miss onto characters in a show. Then all of a sudden you’re in your feelings about Michael Scott in The Office or something.
How do you want people to feel after blasting “Wish On You” on repeat?
Oh wow, I hope people listen to my music a lot, but maybe this isn’t good for the psyche!! I think “Wish On You” is an intense song that can evoke a lot of feelings, but by the end I hope people are releasing all of those pent-up emotions and dancing them away!! Or head-bopping or foot-tapping!!
