best rock song
On June 19, 2026, Brett Ryder released “Safe Sex,” his fourteenth single—and he wasn’t interested in playing it safe. Raw, provocative, and unapologetically honest, the track pushes alternative rock into uncomfortable territory, confronting the contradictions of sex, desire, and consequence.
Produced in Atlanta by Michael Cummings, “Safe Sex” explores what happens when physical intimacy remains after emotional connection has disappeared. Its title is deliberately ironic: what may be “safe” physically can be anything but safe emotionally.
The song moves through vulnerability, desire, loss, and the realization that two people can find themselves somewhere far different from where they once intended to be. Through intimate imagery and the recurring tension between love, broken dreams, and “safe sex,” Ryder turns a complicated relationship into a raw narrative about the choices we make—and what they leave behind.
Ryder wrote “Safe Sex” to be uncomfortable, honest, and impossible to dismiss. Its direct lyricism, melodic rock foundation, and provocative title invite the listener beneath the surface, transforming what initially sounds like a song about sex into something deeper: a reflection on intimacy, emotional disconnection, and the difference between wanting someone and truly being connected to them.
FIELD: Rock, Metal & Alternative
Best Rock Song
Best Metal Performance
Best Rock Performance
Best Rock Album
Best Alternative Music Performance
Best Alternative Music Album
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CREDITS:
LYRICS & MUSIC: Brett Ryder
PRODUCER: Michael Cummings.
MASTERING: Brad Wagner
VOCALS: Brett Ryder
GUITAR: Brett Ryder
BASS: Ryan Skerl
DRUMS: JJ Symanski
Brett Ryder is a multi-award-winning alternative rock singer, songwriter, and performer from Atlanta. At just 20 years old, Brett has built an independent career around original songwriting, fearless creativity, and a reputation for high-energy, engaging live performances.
His music blends alternative rock, pop punk, and melodic rock with sharp, provocative lyrics and an unmistakable edge. A prolific songwriter, Brett has released 14 original singles and continues to push himself creatively with music that is honest, emotionally charged, and unafraid to challenge the listener.
Brett’s work has earned recognition from organizations and festivals across the United States and internationally. His accolades include 2026 International Entertainer of the Year from the International Singer Songwriters Association, 2025 ISSA Music Video of the Year, Josie Music Awards Song of the Year, and Elite Entertainment Awards Breakout Artist of the Year, along with numerous music and film festival honors. He is also a current finalist in the Hard Rock Rising worldwide competition.
With more than 15,000 monthly Spotify listeners and nearly one million monthly Instagram views, Brett continues to expand his audience while performing throughout Georgia and the Southeast. His latest single, “Safe Sex,” represents another step forward in his evolution as a songwriter—bold, provocative, and deeply human.
