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The Dead Betties Return with Bold New EP Impossible Future – Out October 18!

  • October 3, 2024
  • 3 min read
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The Dead Betties Return with Bold New EP Impossible Future – Out October 18!

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.

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Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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