LIVING, The Story Behind the Song
Released August 13, 2024 — Revisited in honor of Buko’s birthday: December 22, 1995.
Some songs come from talent. Others come from timing. But “Living” came from loss — and from a friendship that continues to shape TXM247’s life long after the moment ended. The song was born out of grief after the passing of Buko, a college friend, roommate, and unforgettable character whose presence lit up every room… and every chaos-filled night.
With Buko’s birthday approaching on December 22nd — just one month after TXM247’s own — the artist decided it was time to finally tell the full story.
“This is Living, not just the song, but everything behind it.”
In this exclusive interview, TXM247 opens up about the moment that inspired the record, the wild memories that defined their friendship, the healing that came through making music, and the unexpected journey that brought him all the way to Barcelona to film the music video.
INTERVIEW
1. THE HEART OF THE STORY
“Living” is one of your most personal songs. What memory of Buko pushed you to write it finally?
Answer:
There was a night when Buko and I went to see Louis CK at Ford’s Theatre, but he couldn’t enjoy it because he felt a sharp, persistent pain in his chest. When we got back to my place, he was still in excruciating pain. I told him to sleep it off.
The next morning, he was gone, and when I called him, he told me he had been airlifted to another hospital to check for an aortic tear. I immediately drove out to pick him up. Seeing him in a hospital gown, totally fine, felt surreal.
“After he passed away, that moment became the emotional core: feeling hopeless, stuck, guilty… but still alive.” On the drive back, he admitted he took Adderall for work. I remember telling him how lucky we were to live with the opportunities and technology we have. I didn’t know it then, but that moment would become Living.
Jetskiing for the Living Music Video
How would you describe your friendship with Buko back in college?
Buko had a single dorm room, which meant it was the perfect spot for underage drinking without RA trouble. One night we were pounding 40s. He chugged two in an hour, then grabbed a vuvuzela and chugged a third.
Later that night he broke a pool stick on a pillar, hurt himself, and called a girl from upstairs to give him first aid, while calling her wild names and asking if she wanted to be his farmgirl.
“I thought: what the hell is wrong with this kid? But also… this guy is hilarious.”
From that moment on, we were inseparable.
What part of Buko’s spirit lives most inside the song?
His brutal honesty. His chaos. His joy.
When we lived together junior year, the apartment was a 24/7 party. Trash everywhere, empty cans, red sols. It was there I played him “Farmgirl” for the first time, and he said:
“Wait… this is actually really good.”
That was the moment I knew I had to pursue music.
2. GRIEF, HEALING & PURPOSE
Did creating this song help you process grief?
Yes. 2023 was dark. After losing Buko, the DMV lost another artist — Nate Skywalker — who was tragically gunned down. He was going to remix Farmgirl and had been a huge inspiration.
“Even when I felt numb, I was still moving forward. That’s what Living showed me.”
The song reminded me that purpose survives pain.
You talk about “finding beauty in the ugly.” What does that mean now?
We live in a world where boredom is monetized and attention is currency. People want shortcuts, not growth.
But the ugly matters.
The boredom matters.
The fear matters.
“You have to go through what isn’t for you to discover what is.”
That's the beauty.
What do you want young listeners to understand about drug culture and fentanyl?
Drugs can make a night fun, but not everyone can handle them.
And you never know what something is laced with unless you test it.
“If you’re going to take anything — test it. Seriously.”
Weed is usually the safest bet.
3. CREATIVE PROCESS
What made “Living” feel different creatively?
The vulnerability. The guitar riff carried emotion, and the bass had soul. It unlocked something I hadn’t explored yet.
What would Buko think of the song?
He’d tell me exactly how he felt. No sugar-coating.
What lesson did writing the song teach you?
To appreciate the small moments — even during darkness — and to cherish the memories I shared with him, stupid or brilliant.
4. THE BARCELONA MUSIC VIDEO
Why Barcelona?
I was in Toulouse for engineering work and had a long weekend. Barcelona was only a four-hour drive.
The city’s art, culture, and energy were perfect for visuals. And the metaphor in the song about drowning and jet skiing on the Mediterranean lined up perfectly.
Behind the scenes of the final shot of the Living music video
What were you feeling while filming such a personal record?
Excitement and guilt. Jet skiing for a video felt surreal, but also like something I should’ve done with my boys while we still could.
Also, we got a €100 noise complaint.
What scene in the video feels closest to Buko?
The opening shot with the American flag vest. He was a true Midwestern gem — one of Ohio’s finest. Also the beer cans. And the Farmgirl vinyl with his photo on the table.
A Picture of Buko, The Farmgirl Vinyl, and behind the scenes of Living
Why give Natalie Ladines full creative control?
Natalie pitched the concept, connected deeply with the song, and found the director and models within budget.
“I wasn’t focused on visuals back then — she was. Trusting her was the right call.”
Favorite moment filming?
Jet skiing.
And accidentally waking the boat with Natalie and the videographer on it — then immediately feeling guilty.
Behind the scenes with the videographer Adriá Bañuelos @mussol.bunyol
5. GROWTH, LEGACY & MESSAGE
How did “Living” change you?
It helped me find my vocal identity — low register leads, high register ad-libs — and showed me how a tiny idea grows into a massive project.
What do you hope someone grieving takes away?
Time heals slowly, but life cannot pause.
“The people you love wouldn’t want you to freeze your life to mourn them.”
Find joy in the little things.
What part of Buko’s legacy do you carry?
His honesty and authenticity.
In the song I say:
“Tell it how it is / I mean what I say / Buko did that too / we’ve always been that way.”
If I stay real and keep growing, I’m honoring him.
CLOSING SUMMARY
“Living” is more than a song, it’s a tribute, a reminder, and a celebration of the moments that shape us. Experience the story visually and sonically:
🎥 Watch the “Living” Music Video on YouTube
https://youtu.be/WMlDVjlY5Gk?si=pO0Syx06xBUc1FZK
🎧 Listen to the Song
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZQWYVvkK45NVINLheO8Qk?si=Zp9abvLMTuSIz2XCitELeQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/living-single/1762591228
🔥 Follow TXM247 on Instagram
@TXM247
