Many Papa Muse songs are written with deep introspection in mind; this one was not. After a long, hard winter of hibernation, I wanted to release a song about my anticipation for summer, music festivals, fun with friends, and the celebration of life. Spring is about renewal, and Get Pumped tries to capture that exuberance. Are you ready for summer?

Get Pumped comes out worldwide on Friday, June 12th, 2026 on all major platforms. The song is my version of Ska with some twists. I have a deep appreciation for Ska music because it has a rich culture that extends to dress, dance, and good, clean, high-energy, and rowdy fun.

The danceable song diverges into progressive rock and even a tasty rap by drummer Damian Dodge. Featuring robust horn lines, electric guitar skank and shreddy solos, and even some psychedelic ear candy, Get Pumped delivers a hefty punch that appeals to fans of rock and beyond.

Way "Papa Muse" handles the lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, and auxiliary percussion. Long-time drummer Damian Dodge plays drums, a rap and sings harmony vocals. Jared Becerra (from my Austin Tx band) plays bass guitar. Benn Bartishevich sings harmonies. Richard Huyge on saxophone, along with Austin Johanning (my Austin, TX band) on trumpet, as well as local Zakaiah Kasian, also on trumpet.

Way "Papa Muse" mixed the song, and it was mastered by Ithaca-based mixing guru Matt Saccuccimorano.

Whether you're dancing alone in your kitchen, or at a party or just cruising in your car, windows open and enjoying the fresh summer breeze, I hope that this song will lift your spirits and fuel your tank.

“We Will Not Be Afraid” aims to evoke courage and determination to stand up for justice and each other in a menacing world. We Will Not Be Afraid had contributions from my favorite musicians from both Ithaca, NY (Elliot Martin of John Brown's Body & Maddy Walsh of The Blind Spots,) and drums, bass, and horns from Austin, TX bandmates. The recording is a merging of worlds with a message of unity.

Press Release: http://tinyurl.com/s2ba5r4h

Track Credits: The song Sunshine was written by Way (Papa Muse) And mixed and mastered by Matt Saccuccimorano Ithaca NY. Musicians that played on Sunshine: Damian Dodge - Drums (Ithaca) Jared Becerra - bass guitar (Austin, Minnesota) Oliver Scott - Keyboards (Ithaca NY) Jaime Ospina - Maracon Gaiteros (from the band Superfónicos Austin Tx), Lydia Froncek - Talking Drum (from the band Ley Line Austin Tx)

Lyrics When the moon is up, and the stars are bright I long for your warmth, through the long cold night. Sunshine

In the winter freeze, when the earth's asleep, I long for you, to nourish me. Sunshine

People change like seasons do, But all the while love shines through. Embracing time exploring your mind, Soon the spring will bring the Sunshine Sunshine

When you're far away, and the sky is gray I long for you, to brighten my day Sunshine

Stormy weather comes, nowhere safe to run. Waiting out the storm, waiting for her warmth Sunshine

At a time when the world is divided, we need to be reminded of what we have in common and how we can achieve more by helping one another.

“If We Stand Together” represents Papa Muse’s danceable "Indie World" style, combining world music and rock molded into something new. This uplifting song glues Reggae’s righteous vibe with a rowdy juxtaposition of Gypsy Punk, proving that even the most different extremes can find a way to create a harmonious union.

Papa Muse started working on this recording before the Covid 19 pandemic while we all watched our culture divide into 2 opposing camps. And since that time, the recording and its producer has evolved. Papa Muse mixed this song himself, getting some help from former bandmate Sean Kobuk (who produced Meaning Makers the 1st Papa Muse album.) So Papa Muse (Way) learned alot about mixing audio during the time we were all forced to stay home. This skill has allowed Way a new musical paint brush and outlet for his creative vision.

Please listen for the details and enjoy the depth of this recording. We hope it uplifts your spirit and sparks a community of altruism. Headphones bring it alive!

Credits: Electric guitar and lead vocals - Way (Papa Muse) Drumset - Damian Dodge harmony vocals Bass guitar - Alec Young & harmony vocals Djembe - Tredarin Crumbley (@djembe_jedi) Alto Sax - Daniel Robinson Trumpet - Austin Johanning Keyboards - Oliver Scott