Gerald Casale, co-founder and primary lyricist of Devo, has released a new solo single titled “Just Do It!” as part of his upcoming album *Wetiko*. The album explores the Algonquin concept of “wetiko,” a spiritual sickness tied to greed and exploitation. Drawing from his firsthand experience witnessing the 1970 Kent State shootings—where he knew two of the students killed—Casale channels this perspective through sharply satirical lyrics and visuals that critique political figures like Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Elon Musk. The deluxe collector’s edition of the single includes a six-track EP, exclusive memorabilia, and directs a portion of proceeds to the Philadelphia-based Independence Historical Trust.

Casale relates the theme of “Just Do It!” to a broader critique of authoritarianism and the erosion of personal freedoms, continuing Devo’s long-standing focus on de-evolution and societal decline. The video creatively blends human performance with AI-enhanced animation, a collaboration with Italian artists Maurizio Temporin and Max Papeschi. Casale emphasizes the artistic value of AI as a tool to convey powerful messages, pushing past common prejudices against the technology. This approach complements his decades of experience in directing music videos dating back to Devo’s early career.

Reflecting on Devo’s past hits like “Freedom of Choice” and “Beautiful World,” Casale draws parallels to the current political and social climate. He discusses how public willingness to sacrifice freedom post-9/11 foreshadowed a growing acceptance of surveillance and loss of rights. The themes in “Just Do It!” echo these ideas, highlighting a society that often abdicates critical thought in favor of comfortable conformity. Casale recognizes the ongoing relevance of these messages, noting that despite emerging generations discovering Devo’s work, the warnings from 50 years ago resonate even more today.

Looking ahead, Casale is enthusiastic about *Wetiko*’s full release, which features contributions from Devo bandmates Jeff Friedl and Josh Hager, as well as notable musicians like Steve Bartek and Steve Stevens. The title track, a seven-minute suite, will also have a video release. Casale laments the current state of the world—marked by regression, right-wing repression, and environmental crisis—and urges artists to use their voices more boldly. For him, the album and single serve as both a continuation of Devo’s mission and a urgent call to resist the forces undermining democracy and creativity.