Troublemaker is out: freedom in facing ourselves
The South African indie alternative four piece release a new single about self confrontation and self acceptance, ahead of three EPs arriving in quick succession from early 2027.
DEC. STREETS’ new single “TROUBLEMAKER” opens with a declaration of independence that already sounds like a contradiction: “I needed you to know I didn’t need ya.” What follows plays out like a relationship under strain; pride, distance, frustration and the decision to keep choosing someone. The person on the other side of that conversation is yourself.
Out today, “Troublemaker” pairs that inward reckoning with a sound built for physical release. A backbeat inflected vocal rhythm moves through the verses, with the phrasing working as another instrument inside the beat. Then the chorus opens everything up, turning the tension into a rush of melody and space.
“I used my voice almost as an instrument in the verses, letting the rhythm of the words enhance the beat. When the chorus drops, I feel like I’m flying. There’s a sense of relief and freedom every single time I hear it; something bigger than myself. I hope other people find that feeling in it too.”TRISTAN COETZEE, SINGER, GUITARIST AND SONGWRITER
The song grew out of accumulated experience: relationships, changing circumstances and the gradual recognition that some of the hardest things to confront are within you. Its emotional centre arrives in the line “Know that I choose you”, a commitment to yourself that holds both accountability and compassion.
“It came from many moments and many chapters of my life,” Coetzee explains. “As those chapters have evolved, I’ve found myself looking more inward and realising there are big mountains to summit internally. It felt like the right time to put words to those emotions. ‘Know that I choose you’ is about recognising your own faults and still choosing yourself; being willing to make the effort.”
“TROUBLEMAKER” also captures a shift within DEC. STREETS. A quieter period spent writing and finding their direction has given the band room to bring more of themselves into the music. The sound leaves its edges exposed, while the arrangements reflect years spent refining their songwriting and production. That balance gives the new material its character: instinctive and emotionally direct, with care in how each part comes together.
Following “The Good Life” earlier this year, the single builds towards three EPs scheduled for release in quick succession from early 2027. The first EP, also titled TROUBLEMAKER, begins a run of releases drawn from around ten new songs developed over the past year.
“We’ve made music that truly resonates with us. There’s life in it, experience in it, and a lot of thought behind how it all fits together. I can say without hesitation that it’s the best work we’ve made.”TRISTAN COETZEE
“TROUBLEMAKER” was co written with longtime collaborator and friend Dolf Willemse, who also produced the track. Josh Berry mixed it, and Mike Zietsman mastered it.
DEC. STREETS are Tristan Coetzee (lead vocals, guitar and songwriting), Neil Markgraaff (lead guitar and backing vocals), Waldo Boshoff (synths) and Timothy King (drums). With songs including “Wild Heart”, “Magic” and “Last Forever”, the band have built a following through memorable melodies and energetic live performances. Their next chapter brings that connection into sharper personal focus.