Time's Echo: Octoberman Reflects on Mortality and Memory with "We Used To Talk of Death"

With their 20th year in motion, Octoberman returns with "We Used To Talk of Death," a nostalgic, tape-warmed indie rock single that meditates on aging, memory, and the inevitable weight of time. Recovered from a forgotten 2014 demo, the track now arrives fully realized – leaner, rawer, and more resonant than ever.

The song's resurrection speaks to the cyclical nature of creativity and the way certain pieces of art find their moment when the world is ready to receive them. "One day I was going through old hard drives and stumbled upon the original demo," says guitarist/vocalist Marc Morrissette. "It was meant for [2014 album] What More What More back in the day, but I wasn't into the outro. I cut that section out, brought it to the band, and suddenly it clicked."

What makes this track particularly compelling is how the passage of time has transformed its meaning without changing a single word. Lyrically unchanged from over a decade ago, the song hits differently now. "Whether it's losing a loved one or becoming a parent, life events shift how we think about death," says Morrissette. "This song used to feel hypothetical. It doesn't anymore."

This evolution in perspective reflects the broader human experience of revisiting old thoughts, old fears, and old conversations through the lens of accumulated experience. The themes that once felt abstract or distant now carry the weight of lived reality, transforming philosophical musings into visceral understanding.

The recording process for "We Used To Talk of Death" embraced an analog approach that mirrors the song's contemplative nature. The track was the final song recorded during three days at Ottawa's Little Bullhorn Studio with longtime collaborator Jarrett Bartlett (Howe Gelb, The Acorn, Jim Bryson), tracking straight to two-inch tape with no click tracks or computer screens in sight. "It was so refreshing," says Morrissette. "Especially after spending so much time glued to screens in general."

This return to analog recording methods represents more than just an aesthetic choice; it embodies a philosophy of engagement with music that prioritizes presence and immediacy over perfection. The warmth and imperfections inherent in tape recording create a sonic landscape that complements the song's themes of memory and the passage of time.

Two decades deep, Octoberman is still driven by the same core instincts: honest songwriting, evocative storytelling, and a live-band dynamic captured in full bloom. The longevity of the project speaks to the enduring power of these fundamental elements, proving that authentic expression never goes out of style.

The current lineup – Marc Morrissette (vocals, guitar), Marshall Bureau (drums), Tavo Diez de Bonilla (bass, background vocals), J.J. Ipsen (acoustic guitar), and Annelise Noronha (background vocals) – laid the foundation live off the floor to tape, with additional parts added from various home studios across Ontario. This collaborative approach, spanning multiple locations while maintaining creative cohesion, reflects the modern reality of music-making while honoring traditional recording values.

The band's commitment to capturing live energy in the studio has been a consistent thread throughout their career, contributing to the organic feel that has earned them critical acclaim and devoted fans. Described as "Stephen Malkmus at his loosest" by Pitchfork and "like a sunnier Elliott Smith or Sparklehorse" by Uncut Magazine, Octoberman has quietly amassed a dedicated following with their poignant, unvarnished sound.

These comparisons highlight the band's ability to balance introspection with accessibility, creating music that explores heavy themes while remaining genuinely engaging. Their approach to songwriting embraces vulnerability without wallowing in despair, finding light within darkness and hope within melancholy.

The band's reach extends beyond the indie rock community, with their songs appearing on major TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and international touring that has seen them share stages with Owen Pallett, Chad VanGaalen, Mount Eerie, Julie Doiron, and more. These placements and collaborations demonstrate the universal appeal of honest, well-crafted songs that speak to shared human experiences.

"We Used To Talk of Death" arrives at a moment when many artists and listeners are grappling with questions of mortality, meaning, and the passage of time. The pandemic years have forced collective contemplation of death and loss, making the song's themes particularly relevant to contemporary audiences.

The track captures the project at a moment of reflection – looking back, yes, but very much still moving forward. This balance between retrospection and forward momentum defines not just this single but Octoberman's entire approach to their craft. They understand that growth doesn't require abandoning the past but rather integrating it into an evolving present.

As Octoberman enters their third decade, "We Used To Talk of Death" serves as both a meditation on time's passage and a testament to the enduring power of rediscovered art. Sometimes the songs we need most are the ones we've already written, waiting patiently for the right moment to emerge from forgotten hard drives and half-remembered dreams.

The single stands as proof that meaningful art operates on its own timeline, surfacing when both creator and audience are ready to fully receive its message. In Octoberman's hands, a decade-old demo becomes a timely reflection on mortality, memory, and the beautiful weight of being human.