[Cover photo credit to Nick Wolf]

On their upcoming second album, Buckle Up, DD Verni & The Cadillac Band bring their love of big band music to Rock ‘n Roll. Out September 19, 2025 via DEKO, the 14-track album gets its first preview with the single/video “Lucky 13.” The video features the full 13-piece band.

DD, who is known as bassist/songwriter with Thrash Metal band Overkill, says:

This was the first song I had written for this new album and kinda set the tone. Everything the band is about, cool riffs, great horn arrangements by Jim McMillen. Really wanted the first song and video to let people know again where the heart of the band is.

I was watching ‘Casino’ or maybe an old Dean Martin movie. I love the idea of being at the craps table with your girl and she’s blowing on the dice, you’re having a few drinks, and your buddies are around. You really don’t care whether you win or lose–you just want to be with the girl!

This is really where this music comes alive…on stage! I can just feel the energy and vibe. So fun to be a part of! This was a really fun day, lots of laughs with a good bunch of guys and gals.

Buckle Up follows their 2021 debut album Let’s Rattle, on which DD sang and played guitar. The new album adds more evolved horn arrangements written by Jim McMillen, known for his work on TV’s Beverly Hills 90210 and Bridgerton, and with Grammy-winning artists Christina Aguilera and Ricky Kej.

Buckle Up features longtime Brian Setzer drummer Bernie Dresel and bassist Johnny Hatton, horn players with Paul McCartney’s band and The Eagles, pianist Or Matias (Josh Groban/Broadway music director), guitarist Angus Clark (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and backing vocals by Pop-Rock duo Kingston and GreyStarr. Buckle Up was produced by DD and mixed by Michael Frondelli (Billy Idol, Pat Benatar etc.)

DD says of the album:

This is timeless, fun music. And for me, in a world that seems so chaotic every day, it’s a joy to have something that’s just plain fun, simple and energetic. To just leave your troubles behind, grab a drink and your girl and go out to a show like ours and have fun! Hoping to get to your town later in the year with the band!…and bring some of that energy.