Classless Act: Igniting the Rock Revival, Their Debut Single “Give It To Me,” and Joining Mötley Crüe & Def Leppard’s Epic Stadium Tour
Rock music is experiencing a powerful resurgence in 2021, and at the vibrant forefront of this sonic revolution is Los Angeles’ own Classless Act. This dynamic quintet burst onto the scene with their electrifying debut single, “Give It To Me,” a track that immediately grabs attention and kicks down the doors to your earbuds. Clocking in at two minutes and thirty seconds of pure, unadulterated glam-powered hard rock, the song masterfully echoes the raw attitude and distinctive sound that once made the Sunset Strip the undisputed epicenter of the music universe during the legendary Eighties. The accompanying music video, which premiered earlier in July, showcases the band’s formidable stage presence and infectious energy. Led by the charismatic vocalist Derek Day, alongside blistering guitarists Dane Pieper and Griffin Tucker, groove-laden bassist Franco Gravante, and powerhouse drummer Chuck McKissock, Classless Act unleashes the undeniable power of rock, all with an unexpected assist from a very special tuxedo cat.
When discussing the remarkable phenomenon of rock, punk, and metal reconnecting with contemporary audiences, frontman Derek Day offers a profound insight. He tells HollywoodLife that this music “simply cuts through all the bullshit. It’s partly why it can never die.” Day emphasizes that there’s “something very honest in having an instrument match the attitude of your voice in the attempt to convey how you really feel.” This intrinsic authenticity, he suggests, is what continually draws new generations to the genre, seeking a genuine emotional outlet and a powerful form of self-expression in a world often saturated with artifice and superficiality. The raw, unfiltered nature of rock resonates as a refreshing counter-narrative, making its enduring appeal timeless.
The journey of Classless Act began in 2019, an origin story as modern as their sound, forged through a series of DMs and comments exchanged across Instagram and TikTok. Their eagerly anticipated debut EP is slated for release this fall. “It’ll have the tenacity of our first single while shining a light on different moods and concepts,” Day reveals, promising a diverse yet cohesive offering that truly represents the band’s multifaceted artistry. He assures fans, “You’ll get a decent look into what Classless is capable of,” hinting at a broader sonic palette beyond their initial single. This fall release will serve as a powerful prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable 2022, as fans will have the extraordinary opportunity to experience the band’s electrifying performance firsthand – perhaps even while “shouting at the Devil” – when Classless Act embarks on the road with rock legends Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard as part of their monumental 2022 North American Stadium Tour. This tour represents a perfect synergy, with established icons actively ushering in and empowering the next generation of rock ‘n’ roll talent, bridging decades of powerful music.
During our conversation, Day also delved into the enduring mystique of Mötley Crüe, reflecting on why they continue to captivate legions of fans nearly four decades after their explosive debut. He shared invaluable lessons that Classless Act has gleaned from studying and even performing alongside such revered musical luminaries as Living Colour, Steve Vai, and Slash. These interactions have not only sharpened their musical prowess but have also instilled a profound philosophy encapsulated by Day’s sentiment: “Be grateful that you’re a part of something super fun and rather spiritual.” This ethos of appreciation, humility, and connection seems to be a guiding principle for the band as they navigate their ascent in the rock world, ensuring they remain grounded even as their star rises.
HollywoodLife: It’s been a week since you released your debut single, “Give It To Me.” How does it feel to have this out in the world, marking such a significant milestone for Classless Act?
Derek Day: In the last week, time felt significantly slower, as if to help me truly comprehend the magnitude of what we’ve initiated. This isn’t just a song; it’s something far bigger than any single one of us. It feels like we’ve struck a match that defies the usual laws of chemistry, igniting a fire within us all, and I’m absolutely fired UP by the reception and energy it’s generating. It’s an incredible feeling to finally share our music with the world and witness the initial sparks of connection. The immediate feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it motivates us even further to push the boundaries of modern rock. To hear our sound echoing the spirit of the Sunset Strip, yet with our own unique stamp, is incredibly validating.
Walk us through the creative process behind “Give It To Me.” The song sounds so effortlessly rockin’, truly capturing that classic vibe. I’m reminded of the line – “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap” – so I’m curious if it took a lot of meticulous work for a song to achieve such an effortlessly raw and powerful sound?
Derek Day: That’s a fantastic observation! While “Give It To Me” certainly embodies that raw, unpolished energy we love, achieving that “effortlessly rockin'” feel actually involved a considerable amount of dedication and precision. We had the immense privilege of writing this one, along with several other tracks, with the legendary Keith Nelson – a phenomenal producer and a founding member of Buckcherry. Keith is a true songwriting master, and his guidance was invaluable in shaping our sound. Believe it or not, even for a song that’s essentially rock ‘n’ roll at its core, many of its musical, lyrical, and vibrational aspects were conceived with meticulous attention to detail. We actually demoed about eleven different versions of this song, constantly refining and tweaking every riff, every drum beat, every vocal line. Each iteration was about embracing the art of ‘getting out of our own way’ more and more, stripping back unnecessary layers to get straight to the essence of who we are and what we genuinely love in music. It was a crucial lesson in artistic clarity and authenticity, and for that commitment to the craft, we’re incredibly grateful to Keith.
Tell us more about the cat in the music video! We all have to admit, that little buddy pretty much steals the show with his charismatic performance. What’s the story behind Muffin?
Derek Day: Ah, Muffin! He’s a bona fide star, no doubt. We affectionately call him the “Coronavirus Neo” because he was born into the Matrix, so to speak, right during the pandemic. In a way, he embodies the spirit of bringing concerts and live energy back to the world, a symbol of hope and fun during restrictive times. To an extent, he’s definitely the official Band Cat – but most importantly, he’s Franco’s son. Franco, our bassist, adopted Muffin just a few months before we shot the video, and we happened to be looking for a unique visual element, almost a mascot, for the band. His appearance was nothing short of beautiful synchronicity, a stroke of pure rock ‘n’ roll luck. He’s got this classy tuxedo-like fur, which hilariously counters his sometimes “classless” behavior – a special and truly kind being. His calm demeanor amidst our chaos was incredible to witness. And yes, you absolutely read that right: the dude has thumbs! I swear, I’m not kidding you. He’s got polydactyly, which just adds to his unique charm and undeniable rockstar presence. He’s an integral part of the Classless Act family.
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Rock music, including its diverse subgenres like punk and metal, seems to be experiencing a notable comeback in mainstream consciousness, with many new acts embracing this harder sound. What’s your perspective on this new generation of rock fans, and why do you think this powerful sound is resonating so strongly with them right now?
Derek Day: It’s a fascinating trend to observe, and while there’s certainly a cyclical behavior we often see in pop culture, the enduring appeal of rock ‘n’ roll transcends mere trends. At its heart, rock simply cuts through all the noise and the “bullshit,” as I often say. This unfiltered honesty is precisely why it can never truly die. In an era where so much is manufactured or performative, there’s something incredibly honest and deeply cathartic in having an instrument not only accompany but truly match the attitude and intensity of your voice. It’s about a primal attempt to convey how you really feel – the anger, the joy, the frustration, the rebellion – in a way that’s visceral and undeniable. This authenticity resonates deeply with people, especially younger audiences who are searching for something real, something that reflects their inner world without compromise. Rock offers a powerful outlet for self-expression, a sense of belonging for those who feel disconnected, and a loud voice for those who feel unheard, making its resurgence a natural, almost inevitable, phenomenon that will continue for generations.
Classless Act is set to join Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard on their highly anticipated 2022 North American Stadium Tour. What was your initial, unfiltered reaction when you received the news that you would be part of such an epic rock extravaganza, sharing stages with these iconic bands?
Derek Day: Maaaaaan, I was absolutely WIRED when I found out! The news hit me like a jolt of pure electricity, a moment I’ll never forget. Honestly, the initial feeling was one of sheer disbelief – it felt surreal, almost too good to be true, like a dream manifesting right before our eyes. But that disbelief quickly transformed into an immense sense of gratitude. Gratitude for every single person who has supported us, who believed in Classless Act, and for every twist and turn, every event that took place in my life up until that moment, leading us to this incredible opportunity. To be joining Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard on such a massive tour is not just a dream come true; it’s a testament to the journey and the collective hard work of the entire band and our dedicated team. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly, and we are incredibly excited to share our music on such legendary stages, introducing Classless Act to an even wider audience.
Do you remember the very first time you heard a Mötley Crüe song, and what kind of impact did it have on you as a burgeoning musician?
Derek Day: Absolutely, I remember it vividly, almost like it was yesterday. It was a pivotal moment for me. Back in 6th grade, I joined a band with two girls who were absolutely obsessed with Mötley Crüe – they loved them unconditionally and introduced me to their raw power. The very first two songs we ever played together, the ones that became our initiation into the world of hard rock, were “Live Wire” and “Too Fast For Love.” I can still recall the sensation of hearing those explosive riffs for the very first time, feeling that raw energy surge through me, and it was an instant, undeniable connection. I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on a guitar and learn to play them myself. It was more than just music; it was an awakening to a whole new level of power, attitude, and theatricality that rock music could embody. That experience definitely planted a deep seed for my own musical aspirations and set me on the path I’m on today.
This might tie into our earlier discussion about rock resonating with new audiences, but Mötley Crüe is undeniably experiencing a significant revival. From Post Malone dropping a song named after the band (after collaborating on Tyla Yahweh’s track named after Tommy Lee), to their biopic The Dirt being adapted into a film, and even Sebastian Stan and Lily James currently filming the Pam & Tommyseries for Hulu. Why do you think The Crüe is making such a powerful cultural impact and comeback in 2021 specifically?
Derek Day: It’s truly remarkable to witness, and I think their resurgence in 2021 is incredibly telling about our current times. We live in an era that, in many ways, feels restricted and constrained, with a lot of unspoken rules, societal pressures, and anxieties. Mötley Crüe, on the other hand, fundamentally represents unapologetic, unadulterated FREEDOM. Their music, their notorious lifestyle, their entire aesthetic screams liberation and rebellion against conformity. People are yearning for that raw, authentic release, that escape from the mundane and the restrictive elements of modern life. They embody a spirit of living life on your own terms, pushing boundaries, and not caring what anyone else thinks – a sentiment that resonates deeply when society feels particularly stifling. We, as a collective audience, need these legends and influential figures more than they probably even realize, to remind us of the power of self-expression, the thrill of breaking free, and the sheer joy of rock ‘n’ roll excess. They are more than just a band; they are a symbol of a certain kind of untamed spirit that will always find an audience across generations.
You’ve already had some extraordinary experiences sharing stages with true icons of rock, including Steve Vai, Living Colour, Steel Panther, and Slash. What would you say has been the biggest takeaway or most valuable lesson from your interactions and performances with these giants? Have they imparted any specific wisdom as you embark on your own journey into the hallowed halls of rock immortality?
Derek Day: Those experiences were absolutely formative, and I’ve collected quite a few “gold nuggets” of wisdom from performing alongside these incredible musicians and observing their mastery. One of the biggest takeaways is that learning about yourself, both as an artist and as a person, is an ongoing yet incredibly empowering process. It never truly stops, and embracing that journey of self-discovery, of refining your craft and understanding your voice, is absolutely crucial. Secondly, hard work and unwavering focus are paramount; they are what truly clear the fog that can impede your path to achieving your goals and ultimately claiming the prize you seek. There’s simply no shortcut for dedication and consistent effort. Thirdly, always remembering who you are and where you came from can instill strong, foundational values, especially during moments of doubt or challenge, helping you stay true to your mission and authentic to your art. And finally, a lesson that seems simple but is profoundly important: be nice. Treat everyone working with you, for you, and around you with respect and basic human decency. The music industry is a collaborative ecosystem, and fostering positive relationships is essential for longevity and genuine connection. Ultimately, the most profound message that truly sticks with me is to be grateful – genuinely grateful – that you’re a part of something that is not only super fun and exhilarating but also deeply spiritual. Rock music has a profound power to connect people and evoke strong emotions, and to be a part of that creation and delivery is a privilege that should always be cherished.
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Your highly anticipated debut EP is scheduled for release this fall. What can you share with fans about what they can expect from this exciting new collection of songs?
Derek Day: With this upcoming EP, our intention is truly to kick doors in and make an undeniable statement within the rock scene. Fans can absolutely expect it to carry the same raw tenacity and infectious energy that defined our first single, “Give It To Me.” However, we’re also very keen to shine a light on different moods, explore a broader range of concepts, and showcase the full breadth of our musical capabilities. It’s not just a continuation; it’s an evolution. You’ll get a really decent, comprehensive look into what Classless Act is truly capable of – from high-octane anthems designed to make you move, to perhaps more introspective or diverse sonic explorations, all delivered with our signature rock ‘n’ roll flair and uncompromising attitude. We’ve poured a lot of ourselves into these tracks, meticulously crafting each one, and we believe it’s a powerful representation of our identity as a band and a taste of the exciting journey ahead.
Finally, does Classless Act have any immediate shows on the horizon that fans can look forward to before the big 2022 tour, or are you keeping everything tightly under wraps until next year?
Derek Day: We are definitely not keeping everything under wraps! We are actively booking plenty of exciting shows right here at home in Los Angeles, which is always a blast. We love playing for our local fans and cultivating that live energy that’s so crucial to rock ‘n’ roll. And honestly, don’t be surprised if you catch us touring other states before the year officially ends. We’re incredibly eager to get out there, perform our new material from the upcoming EP, and connect with as many fans as possible in anticipation of the monumental stadium tour next year. We want to build that momentum and excitement, so keep a very close eye on our official website and social media channels for announcements – you never know where Classless Act might show up next! We’re ready to bring the rock ‘n’ roll fire to a stage near you.
“Give It To Me” is out now and available on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss out on Classless Act’s electrifying new music and their journey to becoming the next big name in rock ‘n’ roll. Follow them for updates on their tour and upcoming EP release!