PREMIERE: Cheer Up Dusty - “You’re On Mute”

Written by Jesse James Smith

Cheer Up Dusty is a pop punk powerhouse in the Philadelphia underground music scene. With releases dating back to 2019, the band has clawed their way to a strong reputation. With roots in the glory days of pop punk mixed with early post-hardcore, they’ve always carried an undeniable sense of originality and authenticity.

Their newest single, “YOU’RE ON MUTE,” continues that tradition with a raw and honest look into mental health struggles. The band has never shied away from vulnerability, and this track makes it clear from the opening lines. Lyrics like “I want silence now until I’m dead” and “My mind is just a machine bound to break by 2080” hit with a bluntness that mirrors the internal battles many listeners know too well. The contrast between harsh self-reflection and a catchy, emotionally charged hook is where Cheer Up Dusty shines most.

The accompanying music video provides a visual window into the headspace the lyrics describe — isolation, overstimulation, and the desperate need to be heard while simultaneously wanting to shut the world out. Lines such as “I’m sorry that’s not me, I don’t deserve your sympathy” further emphasize the conflict between wanting connection and feeling unworthy of it.

With “YOU’RE ON MUTE” following their two previous singles released in 2025, Cheer Up Dusty continues to build momentum as the year wraps up. While some may say pop punk is fading, this band keeps the spirit alive in Philly through genuine storytelling, emotional grit, and a sound that refuses to be ignored. Go Birds.