Eddie Vedder premiered Better Believe, a brand-new original song co-written with young musicians from Guitars Over Guns and created for the dedication of Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center.

Ed Vedder live with Guitars Over Guns

The track made its live debut on June 18 during the official opening ceremony of the center founded by Barack Obama and was released simultaneously across all major streaming platforms.

“What an honor to be here. What an honor for all of us to be here on this day,” Vedder told the crowd before introducing the musicians sharing the stage with him. The Pearl Jam frontman went on to explain how the project came together through a partnership between himself, the Obama Foundation, and the young artists of Guitars Over Guns.

“Now, President Obama was aware that I would be playing music with young musicians from the neighborhood. But when he heard we were writing an original piece, a song just for the occasion, he said, ‘That might be a lot of work.’ And, as usual, he was right. But it’s been great work, and it’s everything the center stands for. It’s inclusivity, it’s access to resources, it’s mentorship, and opportunity. So, we thank you for this opportunity. The song is called Better Believe”.

The initiative was developed through a collaboration between the Obama Foundation and Guitars Over Guns, a nonprofit organization that uses music, the arts, and mentorship programs to create opportunities for young people. Students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago’s Audio Arts program also took part in the project, which was recorded at the college’s studios. The collaboration was coordinated by Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Columbia College Chicago adjunct professor and Guitars Over Guns’ Chicago regional director.

The collective spirit behind the project is reflected in the song’s credits. Alongside Vedder, Better Believe was co-written by Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Joy Viltz, Giselle Castro, Naomi Owens, Michael “Myskie” Hightower, Mason Harris, Jeremiah Fristoe, and Iya Waters, all of whom played a direct role in shaping the song.

The studio recording also showcases the talents of the organization’s young musicians. In addition to Vedder’s lead vocals and guitar, the track features vocals from Joy Viltz, Giselle Castro, Naomi Owens, Michael “Myskie” Hightower, and Mason Harris, with backing vocals provided by Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Jeremiah Fristoe, and Mark Anderson. Isabella Santillan plays guitar, Ayden Smith handles bass duties, Cassidy Lee is on drums, and Josh Klinghoffer contributes keyboards.

Production was handled by Eddie Vedder and Andrew Watt, Vedder’s trusted collaborator on both Earthling and Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter, with additional production from Andre “Add-2” Daniels.

Perhaps most importantly, all royalties earned by Vedder and the song’s co-writers will be donated to Guitars Over Guns, helping support the organization’s youth arts and mentorship programs.

Vedder’s involvement in the Obama Presidential Center dedication didn’t end with Better Believe. During the ceremony’s star-studded finale, he returned to the stage alongside Stevie Wonder for a powerful performance of Higher Ground. Vedder and Bruce Springsteen joined Wonder on backing vocals, helping bring the celebration to a memorable close.

More than just a commemorative song, Better Believe stands as the result of a genuine creative partnership between Eddie Vedder and a new generation of Chicago musicians, embodying the same values of inclusion, mentorship, and opportunity that lie at the heart of the Obama Presidential Center.


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