Sunday, 06 July 2025 18:37

Power and Purpose: PLUSH Releases “WHY” with David Draiman (Disturbed) and Johnny K Featured

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WHY artwork by Ashley Suppa and Seven Goza WHY artwork by Ashley Suppa and Seven Goza Photo by Chase Warren | Courtesy of Pavement Entertainment

In a time marked by global unrest, rising conflicts, and deepening divisions, music remains one of the last sanctuaries for truth and emotional reckoning. For many artists, the noise of war, destruction, hatred, and polarization is not just a background, it's a call to respond, to process, and to connect. And just like rock icons of the past — from Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd to Metallica — today’s musicians are once again stepping into the role of cultural witnesses, offering not only reflection, but resonance. 

The newly released single “WHY” marks a defining moment in PLUSH’s career, merging powerhouse vocals with polished yet aggressive rock production. Co-written by Moriah Formica and David Draiman of Disturbed and co-produced with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, SOiL, 3 Doors Down), the track showcases a creative alliance that adds new intensity and emotional depth, establishing PLUSH as a fearless, relevant force pushing modern rock forward.

Early announcement of this collaborative release stirred quite a buzz on social media, with heated discussions around its bold, suggestive artwork, envisioned and co-designed by PLUSH’s bassist Ashley Suppa and Seven Goza, and the unexpected departure of lead guitarist Bella Perron, which only amplified the anticipation. For PLUSH, these shifts became part of a pivotal moment, proving that the band could navigate change and controversy while stepping into a bigger spotlight. With “WHY,” they’ve not only embraced a more daring sound but also cemented their resolve to push creative and cultural boundaries.

Then the big day arrived. On June 20th, 2025, “WHY” premiered on all platforms and became an instant hit. Many fans praised the single and shared their excitement with comments like “Obsessed with the song…,” “Excellent job…,” "It’s been on repeat…,” and “Nice song. I like it. I love the lead singer, bass player, and the drummer…” Others acknowledged David Draiman’s influence and signature style, noting that “WHY” sounds like a Disturbed song — but to me, it’s first and foremost a defining PLUSH anthem, complete with their trademark heavy sound, shaped by producer Johnny K.

Plush - Why | Co-written and co-produced by Moriah Formica, David Draiman, and Johnny K. Produced | Directed by Chase Warren.

All of that makes “WHY” a truly special and distinctive work. PLUSH’s lead vocalist and co-writer, Moriah Formica, showcases her full range, moving from velvety lows in the verses — where Draiman’s touch and masterful guidance are evident — to belting, sharp highs in the chorus, and a restrained yet confident bridge. Together, these elements elevate Formica’s performance to the level of her major influences, such as Ann Wilson of HEART.

Beyond Formica’s powerful lead vocals, “WHY” thrives on the chemistry of bassist Ashley Suppa and drummer Faith Powell, who drive the song forward with a tight, balanced groove and a rhythmic pulse that keeps the track grounded yet alive. Suppa’s bass work adds a thick, warm, yet melodic foundation that gives the verses and chorus extra depth, while Powell’s dense and crisp drumming locks in every transition and builds tension with just the right touch of restraint and energy. Adding to this layered dynamic is the guitar solo — fierce yet tasteful — which slices through the bridge with just enough bite to amplify the song’s emotional peak. Subtle yet essential, the backing vocals and well-placed harmonies enrich the chorus, bringing an anthemic feel that sticks with listeners long after the final note fades.

Vocalist and guitarist Moriah Formica says, “We live in challenging times. That reality has often left me feeling deeply empty and hopeless. ‘Why’ is a song that conveys that sentiment.”

Lyrically, “WHY” cuts deep with its raw, unflinching reflection on the darker side of humanity — a theme that feels especially resonant in today’s turbulent world. From the very first line, “Every time I open my eyes, I bear witness to the endless suffering,” the song calls out the damage we inflict on each other and the planet, framing us as both witnesses and perpetrators of our own downfall. The chorus drives this existential crisis home, repeating the haunting question, “And I don’t know why…” — a plea that echoes the collective confusion and helplessness many feel in the face of war, hatred, and destruction. Yet within its bleak honesty, the bridge cracks open a fragile sense of hope: “Can we build a better tomorrow?” This question shifts the song’s tone from despair to a challenge, daring listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while also imagining change. 

PLUSH - Why | Artwork by Ashley Suppa and Seven Goza
Courtesy of Pavement Entertainment

LYRICS
Written by: David Draiman, Moriah Formica

Every time I open my eyes
I bear witness to the endless suffering
Horrified by the monsters we’ve become
I’m beginning to realize
We’re a cancer, consuming everything
Doing damage that cannot be undone
 
CHORUS
And I don’t know why
We’re allowed to survive
And I don’t know why we’re alive
(Tell me why)
And I don’t know why
Our humanity has died
Can anyone tell me why
(Tell me why)
 
On the edge of destruction now
Every day, getting closer to the end
As we stand there and watch what we have done
As every corner of the world is shaken
I feel the hearts of mothers breaking
Will we even have the strength to carry on
 
BRIDGE
This can’t be all that we know
Can we build a better tomorrow?
Cause our time is borrowed
There’s nowhere left to run
 
This can’t be all that we know
Can we build a better tomorrow?
No time left to borrow


Co-written by David Draiman and Moriah Formica, “WHY” becomes more than just a heavy rock anthem; it’s a modern protest song, calling on us to face the consequences of our actions while asking whether we still have the will to choose a different path.

Johnny K, David Draiman, Moriah Formica | Photo courtesy of Pavement Entertainment

On collaborating with Draiman and Johnny K, Formica notes, “Writing this with David Draiman was an amazing experience. It was also special to be able to co-produce with Johnny K, who was instrumental in helping to launch Disturbed and Plush, so there was a familiar energy throughout the process.”

With this monumental work, the band boldly steps into a new chapter. For PLUSH, “WHY” is more than just a single — it’s a statement that they can evolve their signature heavy sound through collaborations with iconic producers like Johnny K. and co-writers like David Draiman of Disturbed without losing their distinct identity. In doing so, they signal to fans and critics alike that they’re not just here to revisit old ground, but to claim new territory in rock — bigger, bolder, and more unified than ever before.       

To commemorate the single, PLUSH has new merchandise for “Why,” which is currently available for pre-order on their website. There are two bundle options as follows:

    Signed “Why” CD single and t-shirt

 ____________________________________

    Regular “Why” CD single and t-shirt


Catch PLUSH on the Edge of Destruction Tour this summer. The band will be touring the US, starting on July 18 in New Bedford, MA, at The Vault. The Edge of Destruction Tour goes through September and ends in Hampton, NH, on September 25 at Wally’s. PLUSH has meet & greets available for the tour. 

PLUSH - Edge of Destruction Tour
For full dates, tickets, and more information on meet & greets, visit: https://plushrocks.net/tour-dates/

More Plush on SULÉY ERA | Music Life & SULÉY TV

Plush - Why | Written by: David Draiman, Moriah Formica

Photo by Ashley Suppa | @suppashots | Courtesy of Pavement Entertainment

PLUSH is:

Moriah Formica - Vocals, Guitars

Ashley Suppa - Bass

Faith Powell - Drums

Follow Plush:

Plush is a rock band with a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry. The band is composed of talented young women, ranging from 20-23, whose accomplishments and talent eclipse their age. Plush is fronted by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Moriah Formica, bassist Ashley Suppa, and drummer Faith Powell.

Plush emerged on the rock scene two years ago with their powerful, self-titled debut album. It featured the singles “Hate” and “Better Off Alone,” which both placed on Billboard’s Top 40 Active Rock chart
They have performed across the United States supporting rock legends, such as Kiss, Alice In Chains, Evanescence, Daughtry, and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, among others. The young ladies have electrified audiences on the big festival stages of Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life, Rocklahoma, and more.

 

Pavement Entertainment is a rock and metal label, promoting releases by established artists, as well as, releases from state of the art new up and comers. 

The company has secured distribution with the legendary Megaforce Records in cooperation with Sony-RED

 

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 Gene  Aaron

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