Joe Cotela

Joe Cotela began his musical journey at an early age, influenced by a diverse range of artists from Bruce Springsteen to Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. He initially explored punk rock, playing guitar, and gradually developed his skills in songwriting and band dynamics. Before forming DED, Cotela was involved with the Arizona band The Cover Up. When issues arose with Epic Records regarding the promotion of their album, the band transitioned, eventually forming Man Made Machine. This period was instrumental in shaping Cotela’s experience in the music industry.

In 2016, Cotela co-founded the nu-metal band DED, alongside percussionist Matthew Reinhard, and former Greeley Estates members David Ludlow and Kyle Koelsch. The band quickly made an impact, releasing their debut track “FMFY” in December 2016, produced by John Feldmann. This was followed by their first radio single “Anti-Everything” in February 2017, which premiered on Sirius XM Octane and reached No. 18 on Mainstream Rock songs by May 2017. DED released their debut studio album, “Mis-An-Thrope,” on July 21, 2017, achieving No. 3 on US Heatseekers, No. 16 on US Independent Albums, and No. 80 on US Sales.

Joe Cotela has continued to lead DED through significant milestones, including tours with notable bands like Korn and Stone Sour in 2017, and performances at major festivals such as Carolina Rebellion, Rock on the Range, and Aftershock Festival. In April 2020, DED released the “Mannequin Eyes” EP, featuring the tracks “A Mannequin Idol (Lullaby)” and “Eyes Sewn Shut,” under a renewed multi-year deal with ADA Worldwide. Their second studio album, “School of Thought,” was released on October 15, 2021, and they are preparing for the release of their third album, “Resent,” scheduled for September 19, 2025, via UNFD. Cotela’s work demonstrates a continuous commitment to developing and performing original music while collaborating within the music industry.