From Pitchfork · Kiana Mickles · · 50s
Cleo Reed Announces New EP Is This How Empires Die?
Cleo Reed's new EP Is This How Empires Die? questions American policy and surveillance through queer and working-class perspectives.
In brief
Cleo Reed's new EP Is This How Empires Die? questions American policy and surveillance through queer and working-class perspectives. Cleo Reed releases EP Is This How Empires Die? on December 4, 2025, critiquing U.S. policy and surveillance with lead single 'American Dream'. Originally reported by Pitchfork.
New EP Release
.jpg)
Cleo Reed releases EP Is This How Empires Die? on December 4, 2025, examining queer and working-class life in America.
“‘American Dream’ is my anti-anthem, like the panic after waking up from a bad dream in a cold sweat”
Lead Single Video
The EP includes lead single 'American Dream' with a video filmed at Demery Family Rodeo in Oklahoma on July 4.
Song Meaning
Reed describes 'American Dream' as an anti-anthem for the age of AI, mass flooding, and surveillance with holiday interruptions.
“It’s afro-surrealist. It’s anti-imperial. I took on the daunting task and now we’re here! The age of AI-music, mass flooding, surveillance, and crisis, somehow interrupted by the occasional joys of traditional holidays. I wrote the song for the hypothetical day when I’m celebrating the 4th of July and then the storm comes. This is a moment of waking from the perfect dream. Face reality.”
In short
Cleo Reed releases EP Is This How Empires Die? on December 4, 2025, critiquing U.S. policy and surveillance with lead single 'American Dream'.
