CDSM Premiere Video for ’80s Hip-Hop-Inspired Single “What Do You Make?”

“What do you make?” is typically one of those higher-level uncomfortable questions, but not when it comes to CDSM. While you’re picturing someone physically and emotionally squirming in your seat while asking this question that society has deemed to be politically incorrect, you can enjoy the music video for CDSM’s latest single “What Do You Make?”

The song comes from their forthcoming album Convertible Hearse, due May 23rd via EXAG Records and Mothland. This is the second single from the Atlanta post-punk outfit’s latest studio outing. It sees them tease an old-school hip-hop sound with a very recognizable retro rap style, somewhat reminiscent of ’80s Beastie Boys.

Like many of their songs, “What Do You Make?” has many interesting sonic elements. There are electric piano hooks, woodblock grooves, and slap bass sounds—the perfect recipe for a retro-infused sound.

Commenting on the song, CDSM states:

“‘What Do You Make?’ is an open-ended question searching for a close-minded answer with the deftness of a hand blindly rummaging through a knife drawer. Keep your eyes on the prize – if it can’t be monetized, you won’t be recognized! Let your work adorn the refrigerator door of your life and validate your purpose in the only truly universal language – cold hard cash.”

While this track has obvious hip-hop influences, CDSM, aka Celebrity Death Slot Machine, is generally a post-punk group. Their sound is unique, built around dancey rhythms, irregular synthesizers, saxophones, and even goth rock-influenced melodies. The band first formed in 2021 and has made steady progress in that short time. They have toured North America and Europe, including festivals like SXSW, Treefort Festival, Art Rock Festival, and M for Montreal. Their debut EP, Hell Stairs, was released in 2022, which included the release of four music videos. Convertible Hearse is a more fully realized version of the sound the band started to build on that EP. Not chained to any particular musical style, they are no doubt something unique in a climate full of copycats.

Convertible Hearse Track Listing

1. This Is My New Hell
2. Not Another Bleeder
3. Nashville TV
4. Bad Dog
5. Slug Fucker
6. Cuck Jail
7. Dinner
8. What Do You Make?
9. I’m Disappearing
10. Shockable Rhythm

Tour Dates:

03/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn w/ TVOD
03/10 – 03/15 – Austin, TX @ SXSW 2025
04/04 – Knoxville, TN @ Pilot Light
04/05 – Murfreesboro, TN @ Punk Rock Flea Market Murfreesboro
06/06 – Atlanta, GA – Convertible Hearse LP Release show @ The Earl

CDSM “What Do You Make?” single artwork

CDSM ‘Convertible Hearse’ album artwork