A new protest song has emerged from Cape Town, South Africa. “Blood on Your Lips,” the latest release from multi-instrumentalist and composer Derek Eyden, blends electrifying rock with sharp social critique.
A wake-up call for critical thinking, the track takes aim at the tainted legacy of mainstream media corporations, their scripted news anchors, and the so-called experts reinforcing dominant narratives. Written, produced, and performed entirely by Derek Eyden, this high-energy 2025 release challenges the widely accepted status quo.
The song urges listeners to question the sources of their news and whether the perspectives they absorb are truly impartial—especially given that nearly 80% of major media outlets are controlled by just a handful of corporations. More than just music, “Blood on Your Lips” is an invitation to engage in urgent conversations about media influence and the role of consumers in shaping the information landscape.
Its powerful message is amplified by a striking music video featuring a group of rebellious teenagers answering the song’s call to action. Their raw energy serves as a stark reminder of the need to reach younger generations—many of whom remain unaware of the deep-rooted influence behind the news they consume.
A follow-up track, set for release later in 2025, will explore the complexities of responding to these issues. Supporters can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign for the next music video at gogetfunding.com.
Although Derek Eyden is known for his versatility across genres, he knew “Blood on Your Lips” had to be a rock song
“The track is emotionally charged, provocative, and direct in its message,” he explains. True to his instinctive approach to music-making, the song took shape organically, with its gripping lead guitar riff laying the foundation for the hard-hitting lyrics and vocal melody.
Recorded in 2024 at Eyden’s home studio in Cape Town, the song was mixed by Dane Taylor at Taylor Soundworks and mastered by Tim Lengfeld at TL Mastering. The music video—directed by Eyden—was produced by Deepfried Music & Film Productions in partnership with Deep South Films, with cinematography by Ryan Gordon.
Derek Eyden’s “Blood on Your Lips” is available on all major streaming platforms, as well as on Bandcamp, where listeners can choose how much they wish to pay—if anything at all.
You can stream / download “Blood On Your Lips” HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter or if you're looking for something to do, check out our SA Gig Guide.
If you like what we do and you want to support us, feel free to buy us a coffee!
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music. These playlists are updated regularly.
Living in South Africa and looking for a new smartphone? Check out Mondo Mobile - They partner with major networks to offer competitive deals, making it easy to find affordable options for your connectivity needs.