The Dead Betties are back with their bold new EP, Impossible Future, marking their first release under Rotten Princess Records, an independent label with roots in both Portland, OR, and Grayling, MI. Recorded in their Brooklyn studio, this album sees the queerpunk veterans pushing boundaries while delivering their signature intensity. The lead single, also titled “Impossible Future,” perfectly encapsulates the band’s knack for fusing gritty punk energy with reflective themes.
Frontman Joshua Ackley describes the song as a deep dive into the power of confronting the unknown. “Impossible Future explores the liberating power of embracing the unknown—where shedding your former self and stepping far beyond your comfort zone makes the future feel not just uncertain but almost impossible. In this impossible space, where creation and reality collide, personal freedom can be found.” That ethos is clearly reflected in the sound of the track—bright, aggressive, and unrelenting, capturing both the fear and thrill of the unknown.
Founded in 2000, The Dead Betties, composed of Ackley on bass and vocals, Derek Pippin on drums, and Eric Shepherd on guitar, have long been a driving force in the queercore and punk scenes. Known for their raw, melodic power and ferocious live performances, the band has enjoyed releases on major labels like Warner Music and Cordless, along with indie mainstays like Chainsaw and Heartcore Records. They’ve had their music videos on heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, and their presence has loomed large in the world of queer rock, as chronicled in David Ciminelli’s The Loud and Raucous Rise of Queer Rock. They’ve even been tapped by the estates of Sam Cooke and Queen for special projects, lending their unique sound to covers and remixes.
Beyond music, Ackley has proven his resilience in the face of controversy. While serving as Vice President of Communications at Girl Scouts of the USA, he faced attacks from conservative outlets like Breitbart, Bill O’Reilly, and Rush Limbaugh. Yet, through it all, he’s continued to make music and stand by his artistic and personal principles.
Impossible Future feels like more than just another release for The Dead Betties—it’s a declaration. It’s a challenge to the status quo, an invitation to embrace the chaos of an unpredictable world. Ackley and the band have crafted an album that reflects both their punk roots and their ever-evolving sound. Available on streaming platforms from October 18, 2024, this EP is sure to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.