Leeds songwriter living with terminal cancer writes emotional ballad about embracing life

A Leeds-based singer-songwriter living with stage four breast cancer has released a new single centred on making room for the moments that matter.

Jos McLaren has written her new song ‘Live’ alongside songwriter and producer Paddy Byrne.

The gentle ballad is about letting go of worries, overthinking, and everyday pressures.

“‘Live’ is about remembering that we’re here, we’re alive, and that’s reason enough to stop worrying about everything else and actually live,” Jos said.

“There will always be difficult things going on, but they don’t have to take up all the space.”

The message is particularly personal for Jos who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 41.

Just a few months after her initial diagnosis, doctors found that the singer’s cancer had spread to her spine and said she had between just one and two years left to live.

Now six years on and still living with cancer, Jos has used her survival to keep finding reasons to enjoy life.

Jos said: “Going through something that changes your perspective on life makes you realise how easy it is to get caught up in things that really don’t matter.

“I wanted to write a song that encourages people to step back, appreciate what they have and make the most of the time they’re given.”

Reflective of Jos’ influences such as The Script and The Shires, Live combines heartfelt storytelling with warm melodic pop.

Her first song she released was called Dying to Live which she recorded at the iconic Abbey Road studios.

In the years since, Jos has penned a series of songs to process her experience with cancer and to promote positivity to others.

Live came out on October 14, the day which marks Jos’ ‘Cancer-versary’ when she was first given her prognosis.

Disproving the doctors, Jos wants to use her music to motivate people to make the most of every moment.

Live is available to stream now on Apple, Amazon Music, and Spotify.