Deth Rali

The project of multi-instrumentalist Jay Maike and collaborator Nathan Rodriguez, Deth Rali blends synthpop and darkwave into narrative music that creates a universe of its own. Maike’s fascination with dystopian sci-fi and 1980’s dark pop helped set the table for their 3rd studio album “The Fall of Neon” (Winter 2026). Recontextualizing themes from Ziggy Stardust or the Thin White Duke for the Tik Tok era, The Fall of Neon explores populism and social media through the sonic lens of bands like Tears for Fears, Drab Majesty, and more. 

Deth Rali’s idiosyncratic vision is often described as a “synth-pop straight from a cult documentary” and their commitment to theatrical, avant-garde performances have earned them critical acclaim and adoration from audiences. Maike’s willingness to experiment across genres help create the band’s fluid sound. Inspired by the cinematic worlds of Hayao Miyaziki’ and Studio Ghibli, Deth Rali’s breakout second album “Ruby’s Castle Island” tells the story of a little girl named Ruby who leaves her sheltered life in search of adventure. The story, part rock opera and part cult documentary, is one told in vignettes across 12 brand new tracks, and feels sonically evocative of 80’s synth pop, 90’s shoegaze, and early 00’s indie pop.  

“[Ruby] feels like a breath of fresh air in a music landscape that’s choked full of repetition more and more lately. Deth Rali meshes a seemingly sporadic and disparate list of genres into one cohesive and amazing listening experience.” - Pillow Princess Press

Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Deth Rali formed during the pandemic as the solo project of songwriter Jay Maike. After releasing his heart-string 2021 synth-pop EP Light Levels, Maike began collaborating with veteran drummer Nathan Rodriguez to create new music, which would eventually become the demos for Ruby’s Castle Island in 2023. That same year, Maike co-founded the music and apparel company Distant Planet with artist Hanna Williams, where they now release Deth Rali’s music and merch alongside visual art and design.