# 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.
- Title: Cleo Reed Announces New EP Is This How Empires Die? | Shortify
- Summary: Cleo Reed's new EP Is This How Empires Die? questions American policy and surveillance through queer and working-class perspectives.
- Keywords: cleo reed, american dream, demery family rodeo, oklahoma, queer, working class, surveillance, ai music, mass flooding, music, Pitchfork
- Source: Pitchfork — https://pitchfork.com/story/cleo-reed-announces-new-ep-is-this-how-empires-die
- Author: Kiana Mickles
- Published: 2026-11-06T17:26:52.908+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cleo reed, ep, american dream, demery family rodeo, oklahoma, queer, working class, surveillance, ai music, mass flooding, music, culture
## New EP Release
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.
## Key takeaway

Cleo Reed releases EP Is This How Empires Die? on December 4, 2025, critiquing U.S. policy and surveillance with lead single 'American Dream'.