Lyrics

Listen up and I'll tell a story About an artist growing old Some would try for fame and glory Others aren't so bold Everyone, and friends and family Saying, "Hey! Get a job!" "Why do you only do that only? Why are you so odd? We don't really like what you do We don't think anyone ever will It's a problem that you have And this problem's made you ill." Listen up and I'll tell a story About an artist growing old Some would try for fame and glory Others aren't so bold The artist walks alone Someone says behind his back "He's got his gall to call himself that! He doesn't even know where he's at!" The artist walks among the flowers Appreciating the sun He does this all his waking hours But is it really so wrong? Listen up and I'll tell a story About an artist growing old Some would try for fame and glory Others aren't so bold They sit in front of their TVs Saying, "Hey! This is fun!" And they laugh at the artist Saying, "He doesn't know how to have fun." The best things in life are truly free Singing birds and laughing bees "You've got me wrong", says he "The sun don't shine in your TV" Listen up and I'll tell a story About an artist growing old Some would try for fame and glory Others just like to watch the world

Press Release

mozworth – Indie‑Alt Rock Outfit Releases a New Cover of Daniel Johnston's "Story of an Artist"

Austin, TX – 9 January 2026

South‑Austin band mozworth is proud to announce the digital release of their re‑imagined version of Daniel Johnston's classic Story of an Artist. The track drops on January 22, 2026—the day that celebrates both Johnston's birthday and Austin's "Hi, How Are You Day," a city‑wide reminder to check in on friends' mental health. By pairing the tribute with this civic observance, mozworth hopes to honor Daniel's legacy in song and in community.

The song has long spoke to Michael Bosworth. "It is such a vivid picture of Daniel's experience. It contains some profound perspectives along with some deep pain. Sonically, it's beautiful." he says. "I remember working on the demo and getting caught up with emotion. I was able to connect with his pain."

Paying homage to Daniel isn't new for mozworth. Last year was the first release of this kind with "Walking The Cow". "Story of an Artist" is the second installment. "We knew we were going to record this song early and I had a demo but we waited till late in the year to get recording", says Michael Bosworth. "We quickly realized that everyone's schedules were too fragmented for a traditional in‑person studio day." Instead, they pieced the song together digitally.

They had a demo, but they needed drums. They needed Mike. When Mike heard the demo, he heard the Beatles—a natural homage, given Daniel Johnston's lifelong admiration for the Fab Four. The band embraced the idea, swapping their usual twin‑electric‑guitar attack for a mandolin and upright bass.

Each member showed up with their instrument, wrote their part, and recorded it on the spot. Mark Heaps on mandolin. Jack Schultz on upright bass. Michael Bosworth on electric guitar. "These guys showed up really having no idea what to play and reacting to the recording. There is a spontaneity to it. A trust in our intuition that brings some magic.", says Michael Bosworth.

Mandolin, bass, guitar, and vocals were recorded at mozworth's South‑Austin space; drums and auxiliary percussion at Mike Hall's home studio. A brief nod to the gear: a set of vintage microphones and preamps borrowed from friend Josh Wolfer to give this release a new sound. Mixing and mastering were handled by Steven Glaze at Tone Freq Studios.

mozworth's Story of an Artist is a dreamy DIY reinterpretation that honors the original by digging deep into Daniel's own inspiration and playing in the spirit of his heroes.

January 22 is Hi, How Are You Day in Austin and several other cities, a grassroots campaign encouraging residents to reach out to friends and family about mental‑health wellbeing.

mozworth is currently booking dates in the Austin area to support the release and they are in the process of recording their next full length album expected late 2026.

Story of an Artist releases January 22, 2026

For media inquiries, interviews, or press materials, please contact:

Balanced Scale Media PR
email: [email protected]
phone: +1 (515) 418‑7894

Credits

Releases January 22, 2026

Songwriting by Daniel Johnston

composed by mozworth

Electric Guitar by Michael Bosworth

Mandolin by Mark Heaps

Bass by Jack Schultz

Slide Guitar by Jack Schultz

Recording by Mark Heaps, Michael Bosworth, and Mike Hall

Mixed and Mastered by Steven Glaze at Tone Freq Studios

Cover art by Michael Bosworth