Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has released a new original song, “Better Believe,” created in partnership with young people from Chicago-based Guitars Over Guns. The track, produced by Andrew Watt, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Paul LaMalfa, and Vedder himself, debuted live at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18 and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The project grew out of a collaboration arranged through the Obama Foundation, which brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the performance and recording. Students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago’s Audio Arts program joined young musicians from the nonprofit on the song, which was recorded in Chicago and built through a broad creative team of performers, engineers, and songwriters.
What makes the release stand out is that all royalties earned by Vedder and the song’s co-writers will go to Guitars Over Guns, an arts-based youth development organization that uses music, mentorship, and the arts to support young people. The song was co-written by Vedder, Giselle Castro, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Jeremiah Fristoe, Mason Harris, Michael “Myskie” Hightower, Naomi Owens, Joy Viltz, and Iya Waters.
The performance itself was part of a major cultural moment in Chicago. The Obama Presidential Center’s dedication ceremony featured speeches from Barack and Michelle Obama and performances from artists including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono, Christina Aguilera, Common, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, The Roots, and Vedder. Valerie Jarrett said the event was meant to reflect “a spirit of inspiration and joy,” with the performers helping to encourage people to believe in their power to create change.
For Vedder, the release fits a long pattern of pairing music with cause-driven work. This time, though, the focus is not a solo ballad or a Pearl Jam deep cut, but a communal Chicago project built around youth, mentorship, and a one-night debut tied to a landmark civic event.
https://youtu.be/-GJWofc7Yso
