‘Getting By’ — Whitetails' New Song Provides Glimpse of Music that Lies Ahead

Jonathan Bobowicz (photo provided)

There’s a subtle brilliance about the music of Jonathan Bobowicz, the Buffalo indie artist who performs under the name Whitetails.

Sonically hypnotic and often infused with vivid introspective lyrics, Bobowicz’s songs have a way of creating worlds that absorb you, that invite you to get lost, that leave you feeling as if you are starring in your very own secret indie movie.

They provide escape and a sense of sanctuary. And really, who doesn’t need a bit of sanctuary these days?

Today, Whitetails is out with its newest song, ‘Getting By,’ which you can listen to HERE. It marks the first single of what Bobowicz said will be a steady stream throughout 2026. 

“I’m really happy with how this one turned out,” said Bobowicz. “I spent a couple years building a studio (The Garden Recording) to give myself a better creative environment and I feel like the space gave me a much better focus. I have some nice daylight in there and it helped me create more uplifting music in general. I really can’t wait for people to hear it. I think it’s one of the most fun songs I’ve written, and I’m really excited about how it turned out sonically, as well. I have to give a lot of credit to the mixing engineer, D James Goodwin.”

Whether intended or not, ‘Getting By’ is the perfect song for these trying times. Bobowicz sings:

I guess I ain't afraid of losing

as I am afraid to win.

The people that I'm choosing

are my family and my friends.

Waking up with nothing's,

the only way to begin.

There's nothing wrong with getting by

there's nothing wrong with getting by

takes so long to get it right

there's nothing wrong with getting by

“The idea for the song came while I was cleaning windows,” Bobowicz said. “That’s my day job and it’s a great time to let my mind wander. Often times, I’ll have an idea or two for a new song while working. I believe I just sang the lyric into my phone. After some experimenting and some diligence, the remaining lyrics, progression, melody came together. We all listen to music through our own experiences, and I would like people to put their own emotion into it. For me, it’s about the struggle of finding the balance between paying bills and creating art. Reminding myself to be appreciative that I am able to have any time whatsoever to make music. I’m very thankful for that.”

If the Beatles circa 1970 coupled with Modest Mouse circa 2000, its offspring very well be Whitetails’ ‘Getting By.’ The song is magnificently structured. Its prancing piano is carried perfectly throughout by the marching rhythm of the drums and bass, and as you emerge from the song’s bridge, there’s a light that shines, powered by guitar work that conjures the sound of George Harrison.

There’s nothing wrong with getting by, there’s nothing wrong with getting by…

In all, Bobowicz has recorded a total of six new Whitetails songs which, he said, will be released as singles every six to eight weeks. He added that vinyl will be available at upcoming shows, as well as on his website.  

“I worked on the songs almost entirely in a vacuum, playing almost all of the instruments,” Bobowicz said. “Andy Pothier from Passed Out played drums on two tracks and Ben Hayes from Handsome Jack played drums on another. I’m very thankful for their contributions. I was able to experiment a lot more with different sonic textures and I really fell in love with playing bass on this batch. I’m always trying to improve and learn, and I feel as though I succeeded in that sense.

“I have no expectations of having any mainstream success, so I’m really just focused on growing as a musician and artist,” he added. “I love creating music and I really have to keep doing it or I’ll go crazy. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me over the years.”