New Book 'One Last Song' Asks Musicians What Song They Would Die To

In his new book One Last Song: Conversations on Life, Death, and Music, journalist Mike Ayers talks to prominent musicians about what piece of music they want to accompany them on their journey to the afterlife. The book is out on October 13th via Abrams Books.

Featured in the new book are interviews with André 300, Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Regina Spektor, Colin Meloy (The Decemberists), A.C. Newman (The New Pornographers), Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES), Phoebe Bridgers, Killer Mike, Lucinda Williams, Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips), Adam Granduciel (The War on Drugs), Matt Berninger (The National), Margo Price, Sonny Rollins, Wanda Jackson, Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yars), Ryley Walker, Stephen Malkmus, Rosanne Cash, Angel Olsen, Beth Orton, Courtney Barnett, Bobb Bruno (Best Coast), Kevin Morby, Will Oldham, Julia Holter, Bettye Lavette, Yannis Philippakis (Foals), and M.C. Taylor (Hiss Golden Messenger), as well as a foreword by Jim James (My Morning Jacket).

While the question itself may be a bit morbid, it is one that Ayers had thought about for many years, and one that he enlisted dozens of musicians to answer. By stringing together stories from artists of all different genres and walks of life, Ayers seeks to provide a universal message about music’s connection to the corporeal world. One Last Song is not merely a collection of interviews, however, as it contains three special collaborations. Bestselling author Shea Serrano rescores ten iconic film deaths with better music, while Genius.com analyzes death euphemisms in song, and Jim James provides an “ultra-personal” foreword to the book.

One Last Song also features several interludes throughout that examine the question from different angles—what your song selection says about you, which songs famous people have actually died to, which songs scored some of the most memorable television deaths, the most requested songs for funerals, and more.

To pre-order One Last Song: Conversations on Life, Death, and Music by Mike Ayers, and to tell him your song, visit his website.