Modern Original (ex-The Mowgli’s) “Turn It Around” with a Stunner Psych Rock Debut

Modern Original © Cortney Armitage
Modern Original © Cortney Armitage
A fun, freeing song perfectly timed to soundtrack the summer, Modern Original’s debut single “Turn It Around” is a bright and punchy outpouring of psych, surf, and sunshine.
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Stream: “Turn It Around” – Modern Original




After a tough year of change, ranging from close relationships lost to life as we know it turned upside down, this song was made from a place of inspiration to channel inner strength, and move ahead with no regrets.

A fun, freeing song perfectly timed to soundtrack the summer, Modern Original’s debut single is a bright and punchy outpouring of psych, surf, and sunshine. As radiant as it is dynamic, “Turn It Around” heralds sweet feelings and good tidings as ex-Mowgli’s members Andy Warren and Joshua Hogan chart a new course through the psychedelic space.

Turn It Around - Modern Original
Turn It Around – Modern Original
Hot day in the sun, sun
Shake me cuz I’m on one
I’ve been dancing to the same old song
Gotta pick myself up
Searching for the words so long gone
Tip of my tongue but it sounds wrong
Dazed and confused don’t know what to do
I’m gonna pick myself up
I keep fighting for it
keep on fighting for it
I wanna turn it around

Released June 11, 2021 via CandyShop Recordings, “Turn It Around” is the debut single from Modern Original, the new brainchild from singer/guitarist Josh Hogan and drummer Andy Warren – both former members of indie pop/rock darling band The Mowgli’s. An alternative outfit inspired by the likes of Tame Impala, Bleachers, and Glass Animals – but “without any idea of genre or plan other than to make music they loved” – Modern Original make an instant impact with a sun-drenched outpouring of feel-good passion.

Modern Original © Cortney Armitage
Modern Original © Cortney Armitage



Josh Hogan pours himself out in a cinematic, rollicking chorus. It’s a hearty release of refreshing pent-up energy shining with a cool, bright light:

I’m pulling the laces up out of my shoes
Colour me gold when I used to be blue
I’m digging deep to try something new
Gonna turn it around round round round

We can all relate to needing a sweet release after the past year and a half – and that’s exactly how Modern Original hope their song will help. “‘Turn It Around’ is about taking back control in your life when it feels like all is lost,” Hogan tells Atwood Magazine. “After a tough year of change, ranging from close relationships lost to life as we know it turned upside down, this song was made from a place of inspiration to channel inner strength, and move ahead with no regrets.

Modern Original are starting their career with few rules and expectations – and what better way to introduce their carefree attitude, than through a groovy, carefree upheaval? With clear nods to ’60s surf and ’70s psych, alongside that classic Mowgli’s big pop band production – one defined by stadium-sized vocals, exuberant drums, and effervescent melodies – “Turn It Around” is at once modern, and original. More importantly, it’s a fun song ready to get us going – which is exactly what we could all use right now.

Cold night got my hoodie on
Wake me up still on one
Now I’m dancing to a brand new song
Good thing I picked myself up
Now I found the words in my long sleeves
Instead of looking up in the tallest trees
Never thought i had it inside of me
Until I picked myself up
I keep fighting for it
Keep on fighting for it
I wanna turn it around
Modern Original © Cortney Armitage
Modern Original © Cortney Armitage



Per Josh Hogan, “‘Turn It Around’ is an upbeat rock song that will make your hips move themselves, with hints of surf rock and a psychedelic twist. Over the last year we faced so many different obstacles and were confronted with many things that we could not control. Everything really opened up for us when we stopped going against the current. We decided to flow with that current and turn it around. ‘Turn It Around’ is an optimistic rock song, begging to be played on long road trips as well as high energy dance parties (if that’s ever a thing again).”

I’m pulling the laces up out of my shoes
Colour me gold when I used to be blue
I’m digging deep to try something new
Gonna turn it around round round round
Flipping the beat, I got nothing to lose
Keeping the peace when I’m in a bad mood
I’m digging deep to try something new
Turn it around round round round
Turn it around

“Written during lockdown of the 2020 pandemic, in a city that was falling apart under our noses, we tried sifting through all of the confusion to find something honest to write about, from our hearts to yours. As a young kid in soccer camp, coaches always told me to “play the way you’re facing.” I’ve always tried to attach this mantra to everything in life. In 2020, we realized that we were heading in the wrong direction so we are making an effort to change and be the best we can be.”

Modern Original is an exciting face – one that is both familiar, and altogether new at the same time. They self-describe as “a response to a bleak time and a hope for a brighter future,” and that’s all anyone can hope for: A fresh start full of potential and possibility. If “Turn It Around” is any indication, then we have much to look forward to from Josh Hogan and Andy Warren: Stay tuned for more from this new duo as Modern Original tease out more new music throughout the coming summer and fall!

I’m gonna live in the moment
No better time than now
& if you think it’s over
I’m gonna turn it around

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:: stream/purchase “Turn It Around” here ::
Stream: “Turn It Around” – Modern Original



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Turn It Around

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