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Culture Wars signs with AWAL drops debut album Dont Speak

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Push Team

<p>Austin-based rock band Culture Wars has signed a new deal with AWAL ahead of the release of their debut album “Don’t Speak,” marking a key step in the band’s transition to a global stage.</p><p>AWAL is a recording label that supports independent artists globally. The deal comes as the band transitions from an independent, self-managed act to a globally distributed artist, signaling a strategic step toward scaling their reach without fully entering a traditional label system.</p><p>Culture Wars is an American alt-band based in Austin, Texas, composed of Caleb Contreras, Dillon Randolph, David Grayson, Josh Stirm, and Alex Dugan. They are known as the opening act for LANY&#x27;s latest Asian tour, “a beautiful blur.”</p><p>The band posted a teaser of their new album with the caption, “Don’t Speak” - the debut album and title track coming TOMORROW April 10th. (or Tonight at midnight 🙂‍↔️🎉) Presave now with the link in bio.” </p><p>Set in a retro-styled room, the visual contrasts movement and stillness, hinting at themes of disorientation and emotional tension that align with the album’s sonic direction.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWq07S-hE0c/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=458&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A753230.5999999046%2C%22ls%22%3A412203.09999990463%2C%22le%22%3A412466.2999997139%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="884" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>On <em>Don’t Speak</em>, the band unleashes a high-energy, genre-blurring record that combines surf-rock rhythms, ‘80s-inspired synth layers, and soaring guitar lines into arena-sized anthems with lasting appeal. The album balances nostalgia and modernity, drawing from the raw emotion of ‘90s guitar-driven sound while embracing the expansive, polished feel of contemporary pop.</p><p>The 12-track record is structured into two sides, suggesting a dual thematic approach, though full details are expected upon release.</p><p>Ahead of the album’s release, the band has already built momentum, with over one million monthly listeners and multiple tracks generating millions of streams. Their single “Typical Ways” has surpassed 13 million streams, while “It Hurts” reached the Top 20 on U.S. Alternative Radio.</p><p>In support of the album, the band will launch a headline North American tour beginning May 14, bringing their live show to key cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Nashville.</p><p>With a growing global audience, strong pre-release performance, and a new distribution partnership, Culture Wars is positioning itself as a rising force in the alternative rock scene.</p><div><em>—By Jhezierae Alcantara, PUSH ABS-CBN Intern</em></div>

Culture Wars signs with AWAL, drops debut album 'Don’t Speak'

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Culture Wars signs with AWAL, drops debut album 'Don’t Speak'

Push Team

Published April 18, 2026 06:11 PM PHT

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Alex Dugan

David Grayson

Josh Stirm

Dillon Randolph

Caleb Contreras

Culture Wars

Nashville.With

Seattle

Phoenix

Typical Ways

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