Article Contributed by Republic Records
Published on 2026-06-18
Eddie Vedder, in partnership with young people from Chicago-based Guitars Over Guns, has released the original song “Better Believe,” produced by Andrew Watt, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Paul LaMalfa, and Eddie Vedder.
Debuted during a live performance at the Obama Presidential Center dedication today, June 18, “Better Believe” was co-written and performed with Guitars Over Guns and is now available on all major streaming platforms. Listen HERE.
The Obama Foundation brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the project. Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago, where the song was recorded, joined young musicians from the nonprofit through a collaboration facilitated by Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Columbia adjunct professor of instruction and Chicago regional director for Guitars Over Guns.
All royalties earned by Eddie Vedder and the song’s co-writers will benefit Guitars Over Guns, an arts-based youth development organization that uses music, mentorship, and the arts to empower young people and expand opportunities for their future.
This amazing initiative was brought to life through the collaboration of a team of artists, students, songwriters, producers, engineers, and performers. The song was co-written by Eddie Vedder, Giselle Castro, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Jeremiah Fristoe, Mason Harris, Michael “Myskie” Hightower, Naomi Owens, Joy Viltz, and Iya Waters. It was produced by Andrew Watt, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Paul LaMalfa, and Eddie Vedder.
The song was engineered by Anthony Abruzzo and Jacob Araiza, with additional engineering from Joey Fraider, Grace Kay, Kathrynn Vettas, and John Burton. It was mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound and recorded at Columbia College Chicago.
“Better Believe” was performed by Eddie Vedder on vocals, guitar, and background vocals; Joy Viltz on vocals; Giselle Castro on vocals; Naomi Owens on vocals; Michael “Myskie” Hightower on vocals; Mason Harris on vocals; Jeremiah Fristoe on background vocals; Andre “Add-2” Daniels on background vocals; Mark Anderson on background vocals; Isabella Santillan on guitar; Ayden Smith on bass; Cassidy Lee on drums; and Josh Klinghoffer on keyboards.
About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s No. 1 label over the last decade. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends such as Anitta, Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Conan Gray, Cynthia Erivo, Daniel Caesar, Eddie Vedder, Florence + the Machine, Glass Animals, Jelly Roll, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lorde, Miranda Lambert, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Shania Twain, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, and more.
Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures with chart-topping artists and partners including American Recordings (Marcus King), Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Nelly Furtado, Martin Garrix), Cash Money (Birdman, Jacquees), HYBE (TXT), JYP Entertainment (Stray Kids, TWICE), Lava Records (Greta Van Fleet), Mavin Records (Ayra Starr), OVO (Drake), XO (The Weeknd), and Young Money (Lil Wayne), among others.
Additionally, Republic recently launched Federal Films, the film and television division that aims to bring compelling stories to audiences around the world, as well as Republic Records: Kids & Family, the official children's division of Republic Records.
