Austin-bred rock collective Culture Wars have officially arrived. Upon signing a fresh deal with AWAL, the alternative powerhouse will release their highly anticipated debut album, Don’t Speak, on April 10 — a defining moment for a band poised to lead the next generation of guitar-driven rock.
Culture Wars is the bridge between the raw grit of ‘90s guitar rock and the cinematic sheen of modern pop, reclaiming authentic instrumentation for the arena stage. With a million monthly listeners and a proven global headline draw, their debut album Don’t Speak marks the arrival of the next great rock icons.
Rooted in “song-first” authenticity, Culture Wars reject the hyper-digitized landscape of modern rock in favor of real instruments and undeniable collective chemistry. On Don’t Speak, the band delivers a high-octane, genre-blending statement that fuses surf-rock pulses, ‘80s synth textures, and towering guitar work into arena-ready anthems built to last. It’s a record that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking — equally indebted to the emotional urgency of ‘90s guitar grit and the widescreen ambition of contemporary pop.
The momentum surrounding Don’t Speak is undeniable. Nine tracks from the album have already amassed millions of streams, helping propel the band to over one million monthly listeners ahead of release. Breakout single “Typical Ways” has surpassed 13 million streams, while “It Hurts” cracked the Top 20 at U.S. Alternative Radio — solidifying Culture Wars as one of the format’s most exciting new forces.
Since their 2021 EP teche, Culture Wars have maintained an explosive upward trajectory as a fiercely independent, self-managed unit. Their relentless drive has earned them coveted opening slots for global heavyweights including Maroon 5 and LANY — momentum they’ve transformed into a formidable headline presence of their own. The band has already sold out iconic venues in New York City, Los Angeles, and London, proving their international draw well before the release of a full-length album.
2025 has marked a breakout year. In addition to their radio and streaming milestones, Culture Wars stepped onto arena stages alongside LANY, Wallows, and Keane, further cementing their reputation as a band built for scale. Now, with Don’t Speak, they channel that live intensity into their most cohesive and commanding work to date.
In support of the album, Culture Wars will embark on a headline U.S. tour kicking off May 14, bringing their electrifying live show to major markets including Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, Nashville, and more. Known for their cathartic performances and magnetic stage presence, the upcoming run signals the band’s transition from rising contenders to full-fledged headliners.
With Don’t Speak, Culture Wars aren’t just releasing a debut album — they’re making a statement. At a time when rock music often leans on digital gloss, the band is reclaiming authenticity, amplifying real instrumentation, and proving that guitar-driven music still belongs at the center of the arena stage.
For more information on Culture Wars, follow them at the links below.
Photo by Eliot Lee
Culture Wars Links
Website
Spotify
TikTok
Website
Track List
*Side One*
1. Don’t Speak
2. Bittersweet
3. Typical Ways
4. (Tokyo)
5. It Hurts
6. Heaven
*Side Two*
7. Wasting My Time
8. Miley
9. In The Morning
10. Slowly
11. cortisol, it’s not always what’s in your head
12. Lies
Produced and Mixed by Caleb Contreras
Engineered by Gerardo “Jerry” Ordonez
Mastered by Robin Schmidt
Headline US Tour Dates
5.14 Seattle, WA @ The Croc
5.15 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop *SOLD OUT*
5.16 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
5.21 Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
5.22 Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
5.23 Dallas, TX @ Trees
5.30 Mexico City, MX @ Foro Puebla
5.31 Monterrey, MX @ Foro Tims
