Dead Pioneers

Dead Pioneers is an Indigenous-led band from Denver, Colorado, that combines punk music with performance art and spoken word. The band was formed by Gregg Deal, a renowned visual and performance artist from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, as an extension of his performance piece "The Punk Pan-Indian Romantic Comedy." Deal's work with Dead Pioneers is deeply rooted in the punk aesthetic, tackling hard political and social issues with a blend of fast punk riffs and powerful spoken word. The band's music is influenced by classic punk bands and is shaped by a strong DIY ethos, addressing issues like Indigenous rights and social justice. Their debut album features tracks like "Tired" and "We Were Punk First," which reflect their commitment to authenticity and activism in their music.

Dead Pioneers' formation involved collaborations with musicians like Josh Rivera, Shane Zweygardt, and Lee Tesch, the lead guitarist for Algiers. The band's sound is reminiscent of punk pioneers like Minutemen and Rollins Band, with a raw energy that resonates with listeners. Their music is not just a form of entertainment but a platform for voicing important social and political messages, making them a unique and impactful presence in the contemporary punk scene.

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