The energy of a live crowd can change everything. For the Austin-based band Culture Wars, one night in the Philippines didn’t just leave a lasting memory, it reshaped their entire musical identity.

In a recent conversation, frontman Alex Dugan and guitarist Dillon Randolph sat down with Manila Concert Scene to talk about their evolution from releasing singles to crafting a full-length album, the intense preparation behind their upcoming world tour, and why the Filipino crowd is now embedded in the DNA of their new record.

The Shift to a Full-Length Record

After years of dropping standalone singles, Culture Wars is finally stepping into album territory. For Dillon, the transition was about building something lasting. “All the great artists have great albums,” he shared. “It feels really good to finally put these songs together. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

The band approached the process with a “song-first” philosophy—ensuring each track could stand on its own with just guitar and vocals before adding full production. That mindset ended up saving fan-favorite “Typical Ways,” a song written in 2019 that nearly didn’t make the cut until its live reception proved it had “career-defining” potential.

The Philippine Arena Effect

One of the most defining moments in the band’s journey came during their 2024 performance at the Philippine Arena, where they opened for LANY. Alex described the experience as stepping into a “Roman coliseum”—a scale and intensity they had never encountered before.

That energy followed them into the studio. While working on “In the Morning,” Alex recalled telling their mixer, “Make it sound like we’re in the Philippine Arena.” That single direction reshaped the project. The mixer revisited the entire album, reworking it with that massive, arena-level sound in mind. “In a way,” Alex added, “the album was mixed to be played in the Philippine Arena.”

Lessons from Maroon 5

The band also reflected on their experience opening for Maroon 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena—a moment that was both exhilarating and eye-opening.

From Adam Levine letting Alex take over the massive catwalk—something he calls “the most fun I’ve ever had in a show”—to candid conversations about longevity, the experience left a lasting impact.

“They told us they toured their first album for three years,” Alex shared. “That made us realize we really better love our album if we’re going to be playing it that long.” That realization ultimately pushed the band to rewrite half the record.

What’s Next: Don’t Speak and Beyond

With their debut album Don’t Speak on the horizon and a newly announced tour spanning the US, Canada, and Europe, Culture Wars has fully shifted into what they describe as “athlete mode”—rehearsing relentlessly until every detail of the live show is locked in.

When asked what they hope listeners take away from the record, Alex drew from his Buddhist upbringing: “I hope people feel a clearing—a cleansing of negative energy.” Dillon added, “I just hope people can escape whatever’s around them and spend time with good music.”

As for a return to the Philippines, the message was simple and reassuring: “We’ll see you soon.”

Blending the raw grit of ’90s guitar rock with the cinematic polish of modern pop, Culture Wars positions itself as a bridge between eras—bringing authentic instrumentation back to the arena stage. With over a million monthly listeners and a growing global presence, Don’t Speak signals the arrival of a band ready to take that stage.

Culture Wars’ debut album Don’t Speak is now available on all major streaming platforms.