The Heroic Enthusiasts have built their name on vibrant, innovative pop-rock that transcends genre boundaries, but their new single, “Jaded,” released on February 27, 2025, represents a bold leap forward for the Rochester-based duo. Serving as the final stand-alone release ahead of their forthcoming album Illuminate, this track arrives with an impressive pedigree: Stephen Hague—renowned for his contributions to New Order, Pet Shop Boys, and Peter Gabriel—has co-written and co-produced the single alongside band members James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara. The resulting collaboration is a driving, melodic surge that underscores the pair’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
The story behind “Jaded” began in the spring of 2023, when Hague approached The Heroic Enthusiasts with a rough song concept. Ferrara recalls hearing the initial sketch and instantly recognizing its potential to mesh with the forward-thinking yet timeless feel they had been cultivating for Illuminate. As Ferrara molded the pre-chorus and chorus, Tabbi penned lyrics that bridged the gap between introspection and uplift. Hague’s involvement added polish without sacrificing the Heroic Enthusiasts’ raw pop edge, culminating in a tune that is polished but never sterile—propulsive yet richly layered.
From the opening chords of “Jaded,” the synergy among all three creators is evident. The track thrusts listeners into a buoyant mix of pulsing beats, shimmering synth lines, and urgent guitar riffs. Tabbi’s vocals ride above it all, projecting both confidence and subtle vulnerability as he addresses the pitfalls of cynicism in a world that can so easily grind us down. Even as the production gleams with modern precision, a stirring sense of immediacy shines through, hinting at the decades of experience Hague brings to the table. The result is a single that calls for repeated listens, each new pass revealing fresh nuances in arrangement and atmosphere.
A music video, directed by Taylor Ballantyne, complements the track’s kinetic spirit with crisp visuals that underscore the contrast between the band’s rising fortunes and a global landscape marked by uncertainty. Despite these tumultuous times, The Heroic Enthusiasts have attracted a global audience spanning four continents and nearly 700,000 streams across previously released singles—“All I Want,” “Wake Me When It’s Over,” and “Clear”—as well as acclaimed EPs and inventive covers of 80s classics. Amid this mounting success, Tabbi remains keenly aware of the dissonance between personal triumphs and the darkness overshadowing the world, urging fans to persevere. “We can’t give up; we have to make our own light,” he says, a sentiment that resonates throughout the band’s catalog, including “Jaded.”
Alongside Ferrara’s rhythmic guitar work, Tabbi’s melodic sensibilities fuse seamlessly with the expertise of Hague, a towering figure in modern pop production. As part of a nearly two-year collaborative relationship, The Heroic Enthusiasts and Hague have developed an easy camaraderie that is both respectful and adventurous. This synergy is apparent in the carefully shaped layers of “Jaded,” which merges classic pop hooks with a vibrant, contemporary edge. It’s the sound of seasoned musicians and a legendary producer mutually elevating each other’s art.
“Jaded” also sets the tone for what lies ahead on Illuminate, slated for release on April 11th. While “Jaded” stands alone as a testament to the band’s growth, it also hints at an album that doesn’t shy away from confronting reality—both the hardships of a chaotic world and the determination to find rays of hope within it. Tabbi himself sums it up neatly: “Sometimes, when the world conspires against you, you just need to go out and dance.” That underlying defiance, blended with joy, saturates the band’s music, making it both an energizing listen and a beacon of resilience.
In an era where cynicism often prevails, The Heroic Enthusiasts stand as a reminder that authentic musicianship and studio expertise still matter. Their ascent has been as genuine as it is welcome, a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful songwriting and impeccable production. Now, as “Jaded” ushers in a new phase of their creative journey, it’s clear that The Heroic Enthusiasts are carving a place for themselves at the intersection of pop innovation and emotional substance. For those seeking a track that marries timeless pop sensibility with a fresh, forward-leaning spark, “Jaded” offers a well-deserved taste of what’s on the horizon.
