DED Drops New Single "Rockstar" with Video and Fall Tour Dates
DED — composed of Joe Cotela (vocals), Adam Adamcik (guitar), Kyle Koelsch (bass), and Matt Reinhard (drums) — are making a powerful comeback with their new single, "Rockstar." This gritty track, released alongside an electrifying new video, showcases the band’s intense sound and raw energy. Watch the video [here].
The single “Rockstar” marks DED’s first major release since their 2021 album School of Thought, and it's a bold statement. The track is a rejection of the superficial aspects of fame, using fierce guitar riffs, industrial rhythms, and Cotela’s commanding vocals to deliver a hard-hitting message. It’s a direct and unapologetic anthem that challenges the stereotypical "rock star" lifestyle, emphasizing authenticity over image.
DED has also signed with the respected indie label UNFD, joining an impressive roster of bands like ERRA, Crossfaith, In Hearts Wake, and Invent Animate. This new partnership sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in their career.
Frontman Joe Cotela explains the meaning behind the song: "In many ways, ‘Rockstar’ could be considered an anti-rockstar anthem. I don’t want to point fingers or name names, but I’m drawn to authentic, genuine music created by people who are true to themselves. I’ve always admired stoicism and humility in life and music. To be clear, I’m not against success or popularity, but there’s a right way to go about it. Music is sacred to me—it’s my outlet, my therapy, and my safe place. I respect it too much to watch it be exploited for cheap, commercial gain."
Cotela also praised the band’s new direction, saying, "The guys brought some of the grooviest, heaviest music we’ve ever created, and I couldn’t be prouder. We’ve been quiet for a while, but now we’re back—and we’re bringing the heat with us."
DED is set to tour this fall, bringing their intense live show to cities across the U.S. Fans can expect to hear both new music and their past hits during these performances.
DED ON TOUR:
9/18 — Palmdale, CA — Transplants Brewing Company
9/19 — Los Angeles, CA — 1720
9/20 — Bakersfield, CA — Temblor Brewing Company
9/21 — Reno, NV — Cypress Reno
9/23 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
9/24 — Portland, OR — Bossanova Ballroom
9/26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
9/27 — Colorado Springs, CO — Black Sheep
9/29 — Denver, CO — HQ
10/1 — Tulsa, OK — The Shrine
10/2 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
10/4 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
10/5 — Dallas, TX — RBC
10/6 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
10/7 — El Paso, TX — Rockhouse Bar & Grill
10/8 — Roswell, NM — The Liberty
10/10 — Tucson, AZ — The Rock
10/11 — Scottsdale, AZ — Pub Rock
1/19 — Miami Gardens, FL — Shiprocked Cruise 2025
DED first burst onto the scene with their 2017 debut Mis-An-Thrope, which showcased a mix of nü metal, hardcore, punk, and rock. The album generated over 25 million streams and earned the band several Billboard chart appearances, including #1 on the Alternative New Artist chart. Their single “Anti-Everything” hit the Top 20 on Active Rock Radio, and the band toured with big names like Korn and Stone Sour.
Their follow-up album, School of Thought, continued to solidify their place in the rock world. The band became a staple at major festivals such as Aftershock, Rock on the Range, and Louder Than Life, while touring alongside acts like In This Moment and Black Veil Brides. The single "Kill Beautiful Things" was a major hit, reaching the Top 15 on rock radio and racking up millions of streams.
Now, with the release of "Rockstar" and their new partnership with UNFD, DED is ready to reclaim its place in the spotlight. Their music continues to address the struggles of today’s generation, offering not only an outlet for anger and frustration but also a sense of hope. DED's mission remains clear: to create music that is authentic, powerful, and cathartic, showing that it’s possible to face adversity and come out stronger on the other side.