Weakened Friends Share New Single "NPC" (ft. Buckethead)
WEAKENED FRIENDS SHARE SIMULATION THEORY INSPIRED SINGLE “NPC" (FT. BUCKETHEAD)
PARTNER WITH THE ALLY COALITION FOR FALL TOUR
FEELS LIKE HELL OUT OCTOBER 10 VIA DON GIOVANNI
ENJOY/SHARE "NPC" (FT. BUCKETHEAD) VIA YOUTUBE
New York, NY (August 5, 2025) – Weakened Friends recently announced the October 10 release of their new album Feels Like Hell via Don Giovanni, and today, the trio released share the album's latest single, "NPC" (ft. Buckethead). Inspired by a podcast deep-dive into simulation theory, the song plays with the unsettling idea that our lives might be part of something pre-programmed, that maybe we’re not as in control as we think. It’s a playful yet eerie take on existential questioning, poking at the boundaries of free will, identity, and the roles we fall into.
The track also features guitar legend Buckethead, ripping a solo that makes it sound like a computer is exploding: “Really happy to have been asked to play on the song,” says Buckethead. “Weakened Friends are one of my favorite groups and their new album is so great, I really encourage everyone to get it. Honored to be asked to be on their record. They’re a great live band as well. If you get a chance, definitely go see them.”
At a time when numbness prevails and singers whisper apathy rather than scream their feelings, Feels Like Hell offers a compelling antidote. Vocalist Sonia Sturino sings about everything threatening to kill the spirit—deep nihilism in the face of global capitalism—with the kind of spirit that can’t be killed. Sonia’s vocals imagine better worlds, ones free of restraint or surveillance.
“NPC (feat. Buckethead)” follows the release of album-opener “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)” and the band's cover of “Torn.”
STREAM "NPC" (FT. BUCKETHEAD) VIA DSPs | ENJOY/SHARE VIDEO VIA YOUTUBE | PRE-ORDER FEELS LIKE HELL
The story of Weakened Friends unfolds a bit like Fleetwood Mac’s—minus the cocaine, plus a dose of multivitamins. Just over a decade ago, Sturino invited bassist Annie Hoffman to start a new band. At the time, Annie was dating drummer Adam Hand. In a way that couldn’t be helped, Annie and Sonia fell in love and got married—and after the original drummer left—Adam, who had been out of the picture until then, stepped in. Crucially, he joined not out of jealousy, but out of love and support for Annie's journey and relationship. That gesture of solidarity turned what could have been a fraught situation into one rooted in mutual care—and eventually into music that reached and moved countless others.
Feels Like Hell also channels a personal journey for Sonia. It’s the first record they’ve made since embracing their identity as a gender-nonconforming person. They’ve completely redefined their relationship to their own voice—finally hearing themselves clearly, without straining to sound softer or more traditionally feminine. “It was really important to me, and it makes me feel so much better about this record because I feel like I hear me. I’m not scared to hear myself; I’m not judging myself anymore.”
Next month, the band plays Riot Fest in Chicago, followed by a run of headlining dates October 16 - November 20, where they've partnered with The Ally Coalition (TAC), the non-profit that uses the power of music to uplift LGBTQ+ youth, who will be on site for most performances. Tickets on-sale now here.
Tour Dates [Tickets]:
08/23 – Ogunquit, ME @ Leavitt Theatre (Leavitt Fest)
09/21 - Chicago, IL @ Riot Festival
10/16 - Troy, NY @ No Fun
10/17 - Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
10/18 - Toronto, ON @ The Sound Garage
10/22 - Cincinnati, OH @ Radio Artifact
10/23 - Chattanooga, TN @ The Boneyard
10/25 - Gainesville, FL @ THE FEST
10/29 - Charlotte, NC @ Snug Harbor
10/30 - Durham, NC @ The Pinhook
10/31 - Atlanta, GA @ Altar at the Masquerade
11/01 - Greenville, SC @ Swanson’s Warehouse
11/05 - Cudahy, WI @ X-Ray Arcade
11/07 - Detroit, MI @ Lager House
11/08 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog House
11/09 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
11/12 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Bottlerocket Social Hall
11/13 - Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
11/14 - Philadelphia, PA @ Nikki Lopez
11/15 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Sultan Room
11/16 - Amherst, MA @ The Drake
11/20 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
11/21 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
Photo Credit: Justin Labadie
