Culture Wars formed in Austin, Texas in 2017, with Alex Dugan on lead vocals, Caleb Contreras and Josh Stirm on guitars, Dillon Randolph on bass, and David Grayson on drums. The band introduced its guitar-driven alt-rock sound with the 2017 EP Culture Wars, which included early tracks such as “Lies,” “Bones,” “Money (Gimme, Gimme),” “Hideaway,” and “Romeo.” In 2020, “Leave Me Alone” appeared on the Bill & Ted Face the Music soundtrack, placing Culture Wars alongside acts including Weezer, Mastodon, Cold War Kids, Lamb of God, and FIDLAR. The band followed with the 2021 EP teche, featuring “Faith,” “Lose Money,” “teche,” “Hunger,” and “Leave Me Alone,” then moved into a more direct rock phase with 2024 singles such as “Heaven,” “Wasting My Time,” “Slowly,” “Miley,” and “It Hurts.” Culture Wars also supported LANY on tour in Asia and Australia in 2024, broadening their live profile outside the United States. In 2025, they released “Typical Ways,” “Bittersweet,” “In The Morning,” and a new version of “Lies,” while preparing their first full-length album. After signing with AWAL, Culture Wars released their debut album Don’t Speak in 2026, a 12-track record that included “Don’t Speak,” “Typical Ways,” “Heaven,” “Bittersweet,” “Slowly,” and “In The Morning,” and leaned into live drums, guitars, and a more organic rock sound.