Okay, who had Mike D releasing new music in 2026 on their bingo card? This is the first you’ve heard new music since Beastie Boys released Hot Sauce Committee Part Two back in 2011!
The new solo single arrived during Mike D’s live performance Wednesday night (May 6) at Plaza Nightclub & Dance Hall.
“Switch Up” came together through what a press release described as a series of “carefree, low-pressure” recording sessions at Mike D’s home studio alongside his sons Davis and Skyler.
Mike D has also announced a run of solo live shows following the performance.
The new material carries extra weight for longtime fans. Mike D hasn’t toured as a member of Beastie Boys since the death of bandmate Adam Yauch, better known as MCA, in 2012.
The release follows a surprise live appearance last month with Davis and Skyler’s indie-dance project Very Nice Person.
After the Ojai performance with Very Nice Person, Ojai Valley News spoke with Ojai Playhouse owner David Berger about how the collaboration happened.
“It came about just through befriending Mike and learning about his love for Ojai,” Berger said. “He and I connected through his visits here and showed interest in wanting to do a show here and I was really focused on making that happen for him.”
“It was a thrill to have Mike and his sons perform in Ojai,” he added. “Not only do I feel that way, but I think the whole town feels that way.”
Before this latest release, Beastie Boys revisited their catalogue with a deluxe reissue of To the 5 Boroughs in 2024.
Could they ever re-form Beastie Boys? Can MCA be replaced? Or is that just a stupid idea?
