New Mexico’s JCCutter knows a thing or two about life’s ups and downs. After years of traveling the world and turning personal struggles into powerful stories, this artist has earned a reputation for keeping it real. His recent album, “Perspectives”, dove deep into some heavy topics, the kind that make you think and feel. But JCCutter decided it was time to shake things loose and have some actual fun.
“Three minutes to turn a hangover into a hymn, and remorse into revelry.”
Enter “Tequila at Dawn,” a song that’s been sitting in the vault for years, going through more than 101 rewrites before finally seeing the light of day. JCCutter dusted off those chords just in time for the New Year, and honestly? The timing couldn’t be better. The whole concept is pretty genius when you think about it. JCCutter takes that universal morning-after feeling we’ve all experienced and turns it into something like a prayer.
The chorus playfully reworks familiar phrases with tequila brands taking center stage, creating something that’s equal parts clever and catchy. After the weight of “Perspectives”, JCCutter clearly needed this release, and we’re all better for it. The artist calls it “as much fun to listen to as it is to sing,” and that’s not an exaggeration.
After the weight of “Perspectives”, JCCutter clearly needed this release, and we’re all better for it. The artist calls it “as much fun to listen to as it is to sing,” and that’s not an exaggeration. So here’s your challenge: grab your friends, crank up “Tequila at Dawn,” and see if you can make it through without joining in on that chorus.
We interviewed JCCutter to talk about his latest release, personal milestones, and the story behind “Tequila At Dawn.” Here’s what he had to say:
QUESTION: You mentioned that “Tequila at Dawn” went through over 101 rewrites before finally releasing it. What finally told you “now is the time”?
A few of us were out celebrating after we finally finished and released the album “Perspectives”. Tequila came into the celebration and my buddy James gave the sign of the cross before taking his shot. I mentioned that reminded me of a saying my friends and I would say many years ago and how I was writing it into song – Patron our father, Jose Cuervo the son, and so we toyed with it until Dawn….and that’s how we finished it.
QUESTION: The idea of turning a hangover into a “morning prayer” is brilliantly funny. Where did that concept first spark for you? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired it?
Well, it is partially about the next morning, but it is more about not wanting the night to end. What inspired it, we’ll just leave it at “Youth”. HAHAHA!
QUESTION: You reference multiple tequila brands throughout the song—Patron, Jose Cuervo, Teremana, Casamigos. Do you have personal stories attached to any of them?
Oh wow, that’s a bit of a loaded question! But, yes, there are stories to all of them. Each of them have some spark of memory, from long nights, to youthful dares and more. I’m just glad there weren’t cameras on every phone for most of those!
Question: What was the biggest challenge in making sure “Tequila at Dawn” felt fun and singable without crossing into parody territory?
Well, instinct makes it so we want to say more than is necessary. Keeping it simple, straight to the point and still telling those stories was the ultimate key. For example, we use the drink names to insinuate the feelings or emotions taking place. For example, Dancing with Margarita talks to enjoy a night out with someone special, Drowning in Paloma is about reflection and maybe a bit of sadness and regret, running with the matador is just about being out and being a bit crazy, and of course a dare from el Diablo is exactly that – going a bit too far with the fun.
QUESTION: After focusing on storytelling and strength in your previous work, how does it feel to release something designed purely to make people have a good time?
It feels great, like a giant weight is finally off my shoulders! It is releasing and really makes you not want to look back, simply forward onto whatever comes next. What that is, remains to be seen. Definitely, I want to ensure we add fun into the mix in the future. A little humor, a little excitement. Not just the weight of deep thoughts and emotions.
QUESTION: If you could see “Tequila at Dawn” played in one specific setting or situation, where would it be and why? What’s the ideal environment for this track?
For me – at parties and bars where friends are enjoying a goodtime and they simply don’t want the goodtime to end. Simple as that. I want this track to be part of enjoyment. Nothing complicated – just a part of life that signals good times for all.
Muse Chronicle 
Leave a comment