Article Contributed by Republic Records
Published on 2026-08-21
Video Offers Exclusive, Behind-The-Scenes Look at The Making of “Better Believe” As an Exclusive for the Obama Presidential Center
The official music video for “Better Believe” is out now, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Eddie Vedder, The Obama Foundation, and artists and students from Chicago-based nonprofit Guitars Over Guns came together to create the song and its powerful live debut at the Obama Presidential Center dedication on June 18th.
Brought together by The Obama Foundation, the collaboration connected established artists with the next generation of musicians. “Better Believe” was recorded at Columbia College Chicago, where Audio Arts students and alumni joined young musicians from Guitars Over Guns in the studio, with the collaboration facilitated by Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Columbia adjunct professor of instruction and Guitars Over Guns’ Chicago regional director.
The project’s impact will extend beyond the music: all royalties earned by 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 futures.
LEARN MORE:
Guitars Over Guns: guitarsoverguns.org/chicago/
The Obama Foundation: obama.org/
Columbia College Chicago: colum.edu/
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. Produced by Andrew Watt, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Paul LaMalfa, and Eddie Vedder.
Engineered by Anthony Abruzzo and Jacob Araiza, with additional engineering from Joey Fraider, Grace Kay, Kathrynn Vettas, and John Burton. Mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound and recorded at Columbia College Chicago.
Performed by Eddie Vedder (Vocalist, Guitar, background vocals), Joy Viltz (Vocalist), Giselle Castro (Vocalist), Naomi Owens (Vocalist), Michael "Myskie" Hightower (Vocalist), Mason Harris (Vocalist), Jeremiah Fristoe (Background Vocalist), Andre "Add-2" Daniels (Background Vocalist), Mark Anderson (Background Vocalist), Isabella Santillan (Guitar), Ayden Smith (Bass), Cassidy Lee (Drums), and Josh Klinghoffer (Keyboard).
