NOFX Releases New Song with Collaborators as Their Last Chapter Approaches
NOFX has recently released a new song, possibly one of their last, in collaboration with Codefendants. The track, titled “What Are We Doing This For,” originates from the unfinished sessions of what was intended to be NOFX’s final album. The band never completed the record, but Fat Mike managed to record vocals for a few songs, including this one, capturing a snapshot of the band’s closing moments, enhanced by the inclusion of Codefendants.
In his signature cheeky style, Fat Mike explained the song’s evolution, revealing that he liked the lyrics but felt it needed two singers. After attempting it with Melvin without success, he enlisted the singers of Codefendants for their expertise in songs with extensive lyrics, sometimes referred to as rapping. Guitarist El Hefe, described humorously as “a Mexican I used to be in a band with,” added the finishing touch with his guitar leads, which Fat Mike praised for pleasing his ears.
The experience of recording with NOFX early in their journey was surreal for Codefendants, bringing together punk, hip-hop, and hardcore genres to create something unique. One member, Julio “Ceschi” Ramos, reminisced about the energetic track filled with dense, fast lyrics touching on the era of disinformation during the Trump administration. The collaboration was a life-changing moment, and seeing the song finally released years later made it even more special.
The resulting track is a blend of NOFX’s rapid punk style with Codefendants’ sharp vocal delivery, creating a confrontational, fast-paced, and unapologetically political sound that is both classic NOFX and modern. While fans may be disappointed to accept the fact that there may be no more regular NOFX releases, there is still a surprise in store. Fat Mike has announced the upcoming release of A to Z, a triple album series featuring rare tracks, unreleased songs, and demos spanning the band’s career.
The first installment is set to be released on December 5, 2025, in a limited edition vinyl format with exclusive color splatter combinations, restricted to just 3,500 copies worldwide. The collection includes never-before-heard tracks like “Barcelona” and features a range of demos and live recordings. With NOFX wrapping up their storied career that began in 1983, “What Are We Doing This For” serves as a testament to their rebellious spirit and refusal to conform. Though their exit may not include a polished final album, it does include a track that encapsulates their signature style of defiance and humor.