The Staunch Moderates movement is entering 2025 with an ambitious artistic expansion, combining music, film, and media to further its message of moderation and peace. Founded by Greg Simmons in 2019, the intellectual movement has built an impressive body of work, gaining over 200 million streams and views across platforms. This year, the Aspen-based group is taking things even further with a visual album, a live virtual concert series, a sequel documentary, and new music videos.
A Legacy of Music and Media
Since its inception, Staunch Moderates has used creative expression to engage audiences in meaningful conversations. The group has released three albums—The First Realm, Mission Peace, and 2023—that reflect on pivotal social and political events, including the 2020 election, the pandemic, and social unrest. In addition to their music, the movement has produced an award-winning feature documentary, MTV-style news stories, and co-hosted a radio talk show.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. As verified in Billboard Magazine’s Grammy coverage, DJ Staunch and The Bigfoots have made 14 first-ballot Grammy appearances. Their multi-genre hip-hop sound fuses jazz, R&B, and rock, creating an eclectic, thought-provoking musical experience.
2025: A Year of Bold New Projects
This year, Staunch Moderates is launching four major initiatives:
1. The Staunch Moderates Experience: A Visual Album
Simmons and producer Meshach Lewis have crafted an 18-track visual album, blending music, history, and philosophy. The album’s first three tracks—Frank & The Rat Pack, Ramsey Lewis, and Rolling Stone Magazine—set the stage by celebrating 100 years of American pop culture music history.
- Frank & The Rat Pack has garnered significant attention, earning praise from Hype Magazine for its “sharp suits, vintage vibes, and smooth choreography.”
- Ramsey Lewis pays homage to the legendary jazz pianist.
- Rolling Stone Magazine acknowledges Jann Wenner’s influence on music journalism.
Other standout tracks include Socrates Café, a tribute to co-founder Bo Persiko, and Staunch, dedicated to the movement’s iconic mascot, DJ Staunch. Sports fans will enjoy Bigfoots Football™ and Bigfoots Baseball™, while Olympics and Peace highlights international unity. Journey: The Staunch Moderates Anthem features the legendary Mamie Van Doren, and Peace and Inspirations encapsulate the movement’s philosophy.
The album has already found success on the film festival circuit, winning twenty two awards in it’s various forms and securing a 2025 digital distribution deal following Mission Peace’s placement on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
2. Live Virtual Concert Series
In preparation for a college campus tour, Staunch Moderates recorded a live virtual concert during the summer of 2024. While campus protests temporarily paused live performances, the group remains determined to relaunch the series, aiming to build an on-campus audience through a companion curriculum.
3. Mission Peace 2: The Sequel Documentary
Picking up where the original Mission Peace left off, Mission Peace 2 explores the movement’s evolution since 2021. From philosophical discussions and polls to the release of three hip-hop albums, the documentary captures Staunch Moderates’ transformation into a multimedia force. The film is expected to hit the festival circuit and secure distribution in 2025.
4. New Music Videos: Mediterranée & Frank & The Rat Pack
The music video for Frank & The Rat Pack has already made waves, while Mediterranée’s silky vocals transport listeners to the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting a deep cultural heritage. Combined, the two videos have surpassed 15 million views on YouTube and secured radio airplay, including national rotation on SiriusXM.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Stages and Broader Horizons
Staunch Moderates aims to expand even further. With a strong presence in film and digital media, Simmons and his team are now working on bringing The Staunch Moderates Experience to the stage as a theatrical production—potentially on Broadway or in Las Vegas. Their ultimate dream? Performing at Sphere Las Vegas.
As the movement continues to develop, Simmons reflects on the journey: “It’s been rewarding to see our work recognized, from film festival awards to national airplay. Our movement is about more than just entertainment—it’s about making a lasting influence.”
With its powerful combination of music, film, and thought-provoking storytelling, Staunch Moderates is expected to make 2025 a significant year.
