Joker’s Republic Share New Single And Video “Dead Inside”

The third single off Joker’s Republic’s new album is likely relatable to the majority of the people who listen to it. The track, “Dead Inside,” is a high energy ska punk song with meaningful lyrics, intricate musicianship throughout, including a hardcore breakdown towards the end of the song.

Lyrically, the band is taking on the effects of how all the negativity in the world, whether it be on a personal, national, or global level, really starts to take its toll on an individual as they go about trying to live a positive and fulfilled life. Everyone has a breaking point until they just go numb and become dead inside. The journey then becomes just doing your best for as long as you can and to not give up.

In the horror genre, zombies are typically used as a way to shine a light on something in our society or culture that creates fear and anxiety with the sole purpose of critiquing it. To accompany the release of the single, Joker’s Republic also released a music video filled with imagery that is reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, George A. Romero, and pulpy black and white horror features.

“‘Dead Inside’ is an examination of the real-world zombie. To exist in today’s sociopolitical climate is to have your motivation and goodwill challenged at every opportunity. A person can only suffer the slings and arrows of life for so long, until all that remains is a shell of who they once were. All we can do is our best not to give in.” – Pat Elwood (drums)

New Jersey Ska Punk Power Trio Joker’s Republic returns with their third full-length LP. It’s called The Hand You’ve Been Dealt and releases 10/10/2025. Featuring 12 tracks produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake/Rehasher) and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft, the record covers both deeply personal and globally relatable themes such as loss, politics, mental health, and identity; and it’s EXTREMELY catchy to boot!

They’re called the “Elected Representatives of the Joker’s Republic” (or at least that’s what Austen’s mom calls them), but what that really stands for is this New Jersey band’s commitment to represent Ska Punk with high-energy performances that have earned them a place at the BIG kid’s table.

The years 2023 and 2024 saw a vinyl release of the band’s second full length album Necessary Evil on Ska Punk International records, followed by several tours and festival appearances such as Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest and Ska Punk International Fest! Now with a BRAND NEW RECORD on the horizon (also produced by Roger Lima from Less Than Jake/Rehasher and mixed/mastered by Grammy-Nominated engineer Eric Taft), the band plans to continue touring through 2025 and 2026 to finally answer the greatest questions of our time: “Who are we?” “Why are we here?” and “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?”

The Music of Joker’s Republic feels familiar to fans of Ska Punk but also brings new (and sometimes questionable) musical ideas to the genre. The band feels that their brand of Ska Punk works best as a power trio, which enables them to have greater crossover appeal while still remaining true to their roots…plus, it’s a lot easier to remember the names of the band members without a horn section.

While Joker’s Republic refuses to acknowledge the existence of “Fourth Wave Ska”, they and their fans (who they lovingly refer to as “Citizens of the Joker’s Republic”) are united by one universal message: “One nation under Ska, and together we will save rock and roll!”

Upcoming Shows:

9/12 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ (Supporting Save Ferris)

9/14 – Fort Monroe – Hampton, VA (Supernova International Ska Festival)

East Coast Tour With PWRUP and Mega Infinity (* = no PWRUP)

10/18 – Scottish Dave’s – Clinton, CT *

10/19 – The Woodshop – Brooklyn, NY

10/20 – The Nail – Ardmore, PA

10/21 – Morseberger’s – Catonsville, MD

10/22 – Milestone – Charlotte, NC

10/23 – Bogg’s – Atlanta, GA

10/25 & 26 – Gainesville, FL (FEST)