NJ’s Joker’s Republic Drops New Single & Video “Break The Cycle”
3 min read
New Jersey Ska Punk Power Trio Reunites with Producer Roger Lima (Less Than Jake) for Explosive Sophomore LP
New Jersey ska punk trio Joker’s Republic has released their new single and video, “Break The Cycle”, the latest preview of their upcoming album The Hand You’ve Been Dealt, due out October 10th via Punkerton Records.
The track is a bold mix of jittery ska rhythms and urgent punk energy, produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake, Rehasher)and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated Eric Taft. Joker’s Republic channels the frustration of modern working life into a danceable revolt—a sharp-tongued cry for liberation from the daily grind.
“Nothin’s gonna change if you don’t do nothin’ different at all” is repeated multiple times through the song, a reminder that you can want to change with all your mind, body, and soul, but if you don’t put in the work and break the cycle of burnout and self-neglect, it’ll never happen.
A danceable ska song with a message
Musically, “Break The Cycle,” has more of a 2 Tone ska feel than other songs in Joker’s Republic song catalog. It’s a danceable ska song with a message. And, of all the songs on the upcoming new album, it’s the one the band has played live the most, which means it’s road-tested and ready to go for Joker’s Republic’s busy late summer and early fall touring schedule.
“They sprint forward with high tension ska striking all while keeping some Elvis Costello melody on the top,” writes Punknews.org.“Despite the bouncy beat, the tune is about being trapped in the nine to five and not being able to break the chains of modern shackles.”
“We’re not really a “traditional ska” kind of band, but we do like the music. “Break The Cycle” tries to pay homage to the more 2 Tone sound while staying true to ourselves.” – Austen Gray (vocals and guitar)
Following a breakout 2023 with their album Necessary Evil (Ska Punk International) and appearances at Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest and SPI Fest, Joker’s Republic is charging full-speed ahead with their most refined and raw work yet.
The Hand You’ve Been Dealt is a 12-track record packed with hooks and social commentary, exploring identity, grief, politics, and mental health—all with a healthy dose of humor and heart.
Joker’s Republic – Upcoming Tour Dates
With Space Monkey Mafia:

8/13 Local 724 Studio – Beaver Falls, PA w/ @thebookclubpgh and @psychwardgrips
8/14 – Bookclub – Chicago, IL
8/15 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI
8/16-8/17 – Green Room – Minneapolis, MN (SPI Fest 2025)
With Save Ferris:

9/12 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
East Coast Tour with PWRUP & Mega Infinity:

10/18 – Scottish Dave’s – Clinton, CT *
10/19 – The Woodshop – Brooklyn, NY
10/20 – The Nail – Ardmore, PA
10/21 – Morseberger’s – Catonsville, MD
10/22 – Milestone – Charlotte, NC
10/23 – Bogg’s – Atlanta, GA
10/25-26 – Gainesville, FL (FEST)
About Joker’s Republic
From the heart of Essex County, NJ, Joker’s Republic delivers sharp, genre-defying ska punk without the horns, fusing urgency with melody and a sardonic wink. With a growing fanbase known as “Citizens of the Republic,” their mission is clear: loud, fast, and fun—no apologies.

STREAM / FOLLOW Jokers Republic
Official Website + Links | Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Facebook
YouTube | Punkerton Records Artist Page
Follow Punkerton Records:
Facebook / Instagram / Threads / TikTok
Independent Punk, Pop-Punk, Ska & Folk record label based in Columbus, OH.
*Information courtesy of Earshot Media. Check out their website EarshotMedia.com.