Hello Rockstars!
Today’s Artist of the Week is old school / thrash / grindcore band Trip to the Morgue!
Here’s their story in their own words, enjoy!
All Photo’s Courtesy of: Tiffany Salerno (@halfstop)
Also don’t forget to save the date for their “Vegas Unalive Fest” on 03/20-03/21/2026!
VMS:
When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory and current lineup.
Trip to the Morgue:
Current lineup is:
Dave Oshann: Bass/Vocals
JP McCosar: Lead Guitar
JJ Jackson: Rythem Guitar
Jack Lomma: Vocals
Brent Terry: Drums
Management: Extreme Management Group
Record Label: Wormholedeath records
TTTM formed in 2010 and started writing immediately. About eight months later we were booking shows.
VMS:
What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.
Trip to the Morgue:
Inspiration comes from the early days of Thrash and death metal and hardcore, bands like Slayer, Cro-Mags, Exodus, Suicidal, DRI, Celtic Frost and Venom.
J Patrick McCosar:
My writing and playing style is fueled by a diverse mix of inspirations, primarily from legendary guitarists like Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Randy Rhoads, with newer influences like Mark Tremonti and Niklas Karlsson adding fresh energy.
I also admire classical players such as Segovia and Eduardo Fernandez, whose artistry resonates deeply with me. And let’s not forget John Williams—his compositions are like the ultimate soundtrack to our ‘80s nostalgia, making every note feel like a cherished memory.
VMS:
What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.
Trip to the Morgue:
For myself I like writing the lyrics to a song first then building the music around the foundation of what the song is about. Most of our music is about death in one way or the other so I get my Inspiration by just opening my eyes every day and just looking around.
VMS:
I love your songs “Tribal Lust“, “Broken Glass” and “Digging Your Grave”.
What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.
Trip to the Morgue:
“Tribal lust” is a look into the ancient practice of Cannibalism. “Broken Glass” is about the fine art of a good riot, and “Digging your Grave” is inspired by a hard day’s work courtesy of pick and shovel.
Listen to Trip to the Morgue on Spotify:
VMS:
Tell me about your Album: “Toe Tagged and Body Bagged“.
What was the inspiration and process of writing it.
Trip to the Morgue:
Being eight years in the making I forgot what the Inspiration was, but I can tell you the songs changed a lot from inception as a three piece to recording as a new four piece.The songs really evolved over those eight years.
Listen to their Album: “Toe Tagged and Body Bagged” on Spotify:
VMS:
Which local artist would you like to work with and why.
Trip to the Morgue:
We always love working with the Vegas oldschooler’s, L.V.H.C is like family.
Papsmear, Lethal Injection, Substance Death, Skeleton Crew, 187, Last Rites, and we’re definitely excited about playing with Terror Attack again, great Hardcore band from Vegas.
J Patrick McCosar:
I’d love to work with Skeleton Crew and Papsmear, those guys are amazing.
Check out our concert review on the Papsmear show on 07/11 at Backstage Bar and Billiards, featuring Trip to the Morgue, The Skeleton Crew, The Fat Dukes of Fuck, Terror Attack, an The Brown Sound!
VMS:
What’s your overall theme or message of your music.
Trip to the Morgue:
Our theme is “Stare death in the face and laugh”.
J Patrick McCosar:
I really think it’s to share the love of the genres of music we grew up with, make it our own and create music that we’d like to hear. It’s really about connecting and creating excitement to share in the live experience. I like being able to use my music as a form of stress relief, creation tool and as part of the group that draws people together.
It’s incredibly fulfilling as a musician to be able to play at max volume, in front of people that want to hear you, then also to play alone in your room on a rainy day, or late at night, silently when it’s just you and your dog. Your guitar is your best friend, your tool of creation, your weapon of auditory assault or of peaceful contemplation.
VMS:
Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.
Trip to the Morgue:
I love performing “Aluminium Bat“. There are six genres in that song.
J Patrick McCosar:
Definitely “Disorder“, It’s sort of the state of the world and you gotta make your own order out of it.
“Tribal Lust” is a close second just due to the intense lyrics and time changes.
VMS:
Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.
Trip to the Morgue:
One time we got pulled over on the way to a show for speeding by a motorcycle cop. Turns out the cop is a metalhead soI told him we were late to our show. We got a full blown escort and no ticket. Blew my fucking mind.
J Patrick McCosar:
Yes I share this one all the time. I played at a bar in Long Beach and after a show, a chick came up and asked me for some of my blood. Yeah, I didn’t give her any but I’ve never experienced anything like that before or after, usually I get asked for a guitar pick.
VMS:
What does the future hold for Trip to the Morgue.
Trip to the Morgue:
As long as we’re putting in the work who knows where this will go.
J Patrick McCosar:
We just got our video for “Digging your Grave”, featuring locally loved and respected Mitch Harris of Napalm Death on vocals, in rotation on MTV. So many great things are in the works from touring to writing and collaborations. So hold on, there’s more to come!
Watch “Digging your Grave” on YouTube:
VMS:
What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.
Trip to the Morgue:
I want their blood pumping, mind racing, and body moving. Put those 3 together and its an experience in itself. I want you jacked when you see TTTM.
VMS:
What have been your personal pros and cons of being a band here in Las Vegas. What do you think the scene could improve on and what are your hopes for the future of the Vegas Music Scene.
Trip to the Morgue:
Being partially from Vegas and California we thrive on the Vegas scene and how it’s more of a brotherhood here. California can never hold that vibe. The future of the scene here is in the hands of the youth. Keep the scene alive and support local artists.
J Patrick McCosar:
Coming from California, I can say that my experience is that Vegas seems to be more open to the Metal, Thrash and Punk bands. The great part is that people come out to shows in Vegas and it feels like family with the bands and with fans. I really don’t see room for improvement.
For More Information about Trip to the Morgue, please visit their Website! 🙂
—-VMS xoxoxox