Twenty-five years after disbanding with only one album to their name, New Radicals have made a comeback by releasing new songs in support of democracy.
The Return of New Radicals
The group, consisting of Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois, has unveiled their own renditions of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” and the Oscar-nominated “Lost Stars,” originally performed by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine in the 2014 film “Begin Again.” Both tracks were penned by Alexander, who also composed the soundtrack for the movie, with Brisebois contributing to the writing of “Lost Stars.”
Supporting Democracy Through Music
“In the spirit of artists advocating for democracy and for our fans, my bandmate Danielle and I are reintroducing what was almost New Radicals’ debut single from the late ’90s, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor,’” stated Alexander in a message to Variety. “Sophie’s ‘Saltburn’ version became a top 10 hit on the Global 200 chart, making it one of the biggest viral hits of 2024. Additionally, we released our version of ‘Lost Stars’ to commemorate the news that Adam Levine’s friends, Train, are adapting our Oscar-nominated music from ‘Begin Again’ for John Carney’s Broadway sequel to ‘Once.’”
Political Stance and Musical Revival
Alexander also penned an open letter to Doug Emhoff in Billboard alongside the songs, expressing that releasing them after 25 years was a way to share his political beliefs and encourage fellow artists to vote. Emhoff, who met with Alexander and Brisebois at the Democratic National Convention, has been using New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” as his walk-out song since 2020, including at the DNC.
Reviving the Spirit of New Radicals
New Radicals had a brief but impactful presence in the late ’90s, releasing their only album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” in 1998. The album featured the hit single “You Get What You Give,” which remained a cultural staple in the years following its release.
Continued Musical Journeys
Despite disbanding shortly after their debut, Alexander and Brisebois pursued successful careers in songwriting. Alexander contributed to hits like Santana and Michelle Branch’s “The Game of Love” and Ronan Keating’s “Life Is a Rollercoaster,” while Brisebois co-wrote songs like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Pocketful of Sunshine” and “Unwritten,” the latter experiencing a resurgence after being featured in the film “Anyone But You.”
Political Activism and Musical Reunion
Alexander, in addition to his songwriting endeavors, has been an outspoken political activist and reunited the band for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021. Reflecting on his journey, Alexander shared his excitement about the upcoming 40th anniversary of “Purple Rain” and the potential impact of Kamala Harris on the country and the world.
FAQs
Q: What prompted New Radicals to release new music after 25 years?
A: The band wanted to show their support for democracy and share their political beliefs through their music.
Q: Who are the key members of New Radicals?
A: The group consists of Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois.
Q: What are some notable songs written by Gregg Alexander?
A: Alexander has penned hits like “The Game of Love” and “Life Is a Rollercoaster.”
Q: How did New Radicals make an impact in the late ’90s?
A: The band gained popularity with their album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” and the hit single “You Get What You Give.”
Q: What role does music play in New Radicals’ political activism?
A: Music serves as a platform for the band to express their political views and engage with their audience on important issues.
Credit: variety.com
