Dolly Ave is set to expand the growing connection between anime and music with the release of her new single, Better Side, on August 8. The genre-blending artist revealed that the explosive alt-rock track draws direct inspiration from the acclaimed anime series Death Note, using its themes of justice, morality, and good versus evil to reflect on the challenges facing today’s world. The single will be followed by an official music video in September, giving fans another visual interpretation of the song’s message.
Produced by Kevin Hissink, whose previous work includes collaborations connected to Travis Barker and grandson, Better Side combines powerful rock instrumentation with emotionally driven songwriting. The release also continues Dolly Ave’s long-standing relationship with anime culture, which has seen her perform alongside renowned Japanese artist MIYAVI, appear at major anime conventions, and recently perform at Anime Expo 2026. Alongside the single’s release, Dolly Ave has also announced a series of East Coast live performances, bringing her anime-inspired music to audiences across the United States.
Dolly Ave explains how Death Note inspired Better Side
Rather than adapting the anime’s storyline, Better Side uses Death Note as the creative foundation for a broader discussion about morality and empathy. The song explores the difficult choices people face in an increasingly divided society while encouraging listeners to reflect on compassion and the desire to be remembered for doing the right thing.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Dolly Ave said, “It was important for me to use music to address concerns that many of my peers feel regarding the state of the world. We’re witnessing less compassion for each other, and I wanted to write about where you want to say you were at this point in history. During this timeframe I watched Death Note, where the themes of good vs. evil and justice were apparent, which inspired me to pen the song the following day.”
That message is reflected throughout the single, pairing emotionally honest lyrics with energetic alt-rock production. The accompanying music video is scheduled to premiere on Spotify and YouTube in September, extending the song’s narrative beyond its audio release.
Artist continues to strengthen ties with the anime community
Dolly Ave’s connection to anime extends well beyond a single release. She previously toured internationally as part of MIYAVI’s band, performing at major venues and anime conventions around the world. As a songwriter, she also co-wrote “Dumb” with MIYAVI for his Strike It Out EP, whose title track served as the theme song for Bandai Namco’s Tribe Nine anime.
Her career has continued to intersect with Japanese entertainment and pop culture. She has appeared in Japan’s Fusion Magazine, performed during the opening ceremony of the NBA Japan Games in Tokyo featuring the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, and recently took the stage at Anime Expo 2026. These appearances have helped establish her as an artist who naturally bridges alternative rock with anime fandom.
Beyond her anime credentials, Dolly Ave has continued to build momentum within the broader music industry. The Vietnamese-American artist is preparing her sophomore album while collaborating with producers and songwriters including Kevin Hissink, Mason Sacks, Sweater Beats, and Amy Kuney. Her debut album received airplay on stations such as 103.5 KISS FM Chicago, KEXP, and ALT 98.7 Los Angeles, while her work has also been highlighted by Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Harper’s Bazaar. She was named to the Recording Academy’s NEXT Class in 2024 and is currently part of the Converse All Star Class of 2025.
To support the launch of Better Side, Dolly Ave will venture on a short East Coast tour beginning shortly after the single’s release. The announced dates include August 13 in Cambridge at The Lilypad, August 14 in New York City at Berlin Under A, August 15 in Philadelphia at Philly Pizza, and August 16 in Washington, D.C., at DC9. Better Side will be available on all major streaming platforms starting August 8, with the official music video arriving in September.
