Culture Wars’ Debut Album If Not Now, When? Ushers in a New Era of Rock

The debut album If Not Now, When? by Austin-based band Culture Wars is a compelling response to a generation longing for authenticity and boldness in rock music. With its dynamic energy and unapologetic creativity, the album arrives as a breath of fresh air, blending ambition with pure intent. The album delivers a sonic experience that resonates deeply with listeners, positioning Culture Wars as a voice for those starved for genuine emotion in modern rock.

A Battle of Passions in Harmony

As their name suggests, Culture Wars embodies the tension between opposing forces, and this battle of passions plays out beautifully across their music. Band members Alex Dugan, David Grayson, Dillon Randolph, Caleb Contreras, and Joshua Stirm bring a collective chemistry that reflects a shared artistic integrity. The result is a series of tracks that, while varied in style, remain cohesive, tied together by their postmodern sensibility.

Interestingly, the album was written and composed remotely. Dugan was in Sydney, Australia, while Contreras worked from Los Angeles, with the exception of “Lips,” which was written at the Wynn Casino. Contreras, who also produced the album, made it a priority for each song to work acoustically first, which ensured an organic and fresh sound throughout. Whether built from a vocal and guitar melody or a piano-driven arrangement, the album’s tracks feel both real and modern.

A Recording Journey Across Iconic Studios

Recording for If Not Now, When? took place across some legendary studios: Sonic Ranch Recording Studio, located on a pecan farm near the Mexican border in Texas; Hollywood’s United Recording (famed for producing Sinatra and Radiohead); and Sunset Sound, which has hosted the likes of Prince and The Doors. The eclectic locations mirror the album’s blending of past, present, and future sounds, resulting in a full-length debut that not only lives up to the promise of their early EPs but surpasses it.

A Genre-Defying Sound

The album explores a wide range of sonic landscapes. The track “Heaven” is a straightforward rock song layered with R&B/pop production, reflecting Contreras’ influences, who has worked with artists like THEY and Kacey Musgraves. Meanwhile, “Wasting My Time” incorporates electronic beats with a pulse reminiscent of surf rock, while “Miley” pays tribute to ’80s romantic pop. Songs like “Slowly” carry the nostalgia of MTV’s 120 Minutes, while hints of classic country reveal the band’s Texan roots.

This stylistic variety is what sets Culture Wars apart. Each song anchors itself firmly in the present while paying homage to the sounds of the past, creating a postmodern rock album that speaks to listeners across generations. The use of guitars, bass, drums, and synths underscores the band’s commitment to crafting music with authenticity.

Building Momentum Through Live Performances

Before the album’s release, Culture Wars had already gained traction through energetic live performances and word-of-mouth buzz. Their 2021 EP teche, mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin (Rihanna, The Weeknd), helped the group’s fanbase grow, with tracks like “Faith” and “Lose Money” becoming streaming hits. Their song “Leave Me Alone,” featured on the Bill & Ted Face the Music soundtrack, became the band’s first Top 30 hit on the Alternative Rock chart, thanks in part to support from mega-influencers.

A Full-Circle Moment

If Not Now, When? represents a full-circle moment for Culture Wars, showcasing their musical evolution. “We’re reinvigorated with a sound we’d aimed toward for a long time,” Alex Dugan explains. The album’s title encapsulates its bold, no-holds-barred approach. David Grayson adds, “Some songs sound similar in genre, some are a little bit different, but as a whole, when you put it together, that’s Culture Wars.”

A Global Stage

Culture Wars is poised for international success, especially as they join LANY on their Asia tour. This marks the band’s first tour in Asia, where they will perform in cities including Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok, among others. Their upcoming single “Miley,” set for release on September 12, channels ’80s pop and is sure to connect with their growing global audience.

With their debut album If Not Now, When?, Culture Wars has crafted a record that defies expectations, blending rock, pop, country, and electronic influences into a fresh and modern sound. Their unique chemistry, ambitious vision, and genuine passion for music are evident in every track, marking the band as a vital new voice in the rock world. Whether through their recorded material or live performances, Culture Wars is ready to connect with audiences everywhere, delivering music that is as provocative as it is authentic.

Band Members:

• Alex Dugan – Vocals, Electronics
• David Grayson – Drums
• Dillon Randolph – Bass
• Caleb Contreras – Guitar
• Josh Stirm – Guitar

Culture Wars Asia Tour Dates:

• 20 Sep: Singapore – Spore Indoor Stadium
• 22 Sep: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Axiata Arena
• 25 Sep: Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Garden Theater
• 27 Sep: Osaka, Japan – Zepp Namba
• 29 Sep: Seoul, Korea – Kintex Hall 9
• 2 Oct: Hong Kong – Asiaworld-expo Hall 10
• 4 Oct: Taiwan – Kaoshiung Music Center
• 6 Oct: Bangkok, Thailand – UOB Live
• 9-10 Oct: Jakarta, Indonesia – Beach City Intl Stadium
• 12 Oct: Manila, Philippines – Philippine Arena
• 13-15 Oct: Cebu, Philippines – Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

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