Cleo Reed Announces EP Is This How Empires Die?
The New York artist shared lead single "American Dream" alongside news of the EP, due out December 4.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Country
Cleo Reed has announced the EP Is This How Empires Die? and shared its lead single "American Dream." The announcement follows the artist's 2025 album Cuntry.
Why it matters
The EP marks Reed's next release following Cuntry, giving listeners a first look at new material. The single's accompanying visuals were shot at a multigenerational Black rodeo in Oklahoma.
The music video for "American Dream" was filmed 30 miles outside Tulsa in Beggs, Oklahoma, on the Fourth of July. The EP's full track list and runtime have not been detailed in the announcement.
The players
Cleo Reed
Cleo Reed is a New York-based multidisciplinary artist who released the 2025 album Cuntry.
The details
Reed filmed the video for "American Dream" at a multigenerational Black rodeo hosted annually by the Demery Family in Beggs, Oklahoma. Reed is also scheduled to perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival in London the day after the announcement.
Timeline
Fourth of July (2026): Music video for "American Dream" filmed in Beggs, Oklahoma.
November 6, 2026: EP and single announced.
November 7, 2026: Reed performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in London.
December 4, 2026: Is This How Empires Die? is released.
Industry Dynamics
The EP follows Cuntry, Reed's 2025 album, as the next step in a run of releases from the New York artist. Its single's country-leaning rodeo setting places it within a wider movement of Black artists reclaiming rural and country-music imagery.
The EP is available for release on December 4, giving listeners a set date to stream or purchase the new material. Fans attending Pitchfork Music Festival in London on November 7 will have a chance to see Reed perform live.
The takeaway
Fans should note the December 4 release date for Is This How Empires Die? and look for the EP on streaming platforms that day. Those planning to attend Pitchfork in London can see Reed live the day after the announcement.
What happens next
Is This How Empires Die? releases December 4, 2026, and Reed performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in London on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more on rising voices shaping the genre, explore Country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stereogum.
