New music video from Divergent

Hailing from Iowa, Divergent are a band that proves music dreams don’t have an expiration date, only a waiting period. Formed by James Richards on guitar, keys and vocals, Mike McAlister on bass and vocals and James’ brother Paul Richards on drums and vocals, this trio has turned a decades-old passion into a creative renaissance. Their story is one of revival and determination, of rediscovering what first lit their musical spark as teenagers and breathing new life into it with the perspective that only time can bring.

The genesis of Divergent stretches back nearly 40 years to when James and Mike first played together in the Chautauqua Road Band, a youthful project full of energy and ambition that flickered out as life inevitably pulled them in different directions. For decades, their shared love of songwriting and performing became a “what if” quietly waiting in the wings but when they reunited years later to revive Chautauqua Road Band as a classic rock cover act, that familiar chemistry reignited. Eight years of performing together brought out something far greater than nostalgia, it reminded them that their story wasn’t over and when that chapter closed, they made a decision, no more covers, no compromises, just original music and with that, Divergent was born.

The name perfectly captures their ethos, their music shapeshifts across rock, pop, alternative and progressive influences. It’s a sound built on collaboration with three musicians feeding off one another’s instincts and flair, each voice and instrument given equal space to shine. Their songwriting process is democratic and spontaneous, driven by experimentation and a shared trust forged over decades of friendship.

Their debut single “Runnin’ Free” served up the first taste of their blend of storytelling and sonic energy that showcased their ability to pair rock impact with melodic charm. Now, they return with “Not Until It’s Right,” a track that captures Divergent at their most infectious and musically engaged. The song kicks off with Paul’s razor-sharp drumming, pulling listeners straight into an uptempo world where rhythm and romance collide. Thematically, the song recounts a tale of a fateful encounter on a dance floor, a flirtatious game of timing, attraction and the thrill of the chase.

The protagonist is smitten, but the object of his affection has her own rhythm, “No, no, no,” she insists, “you gotta dance all night.” Built on James’ bouncy piano groove, composed on his cherry wood Chickering upright, the track comes alive with Mike’s swaggering bassline and Paul’s crisp snare shots, resulting in a buoyant mix of catchy songwriting, danceable energy and stunning musicianship flair, proof of a band whose chemistry only expands with every session.

The music video, filmed at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne in Indiana, shines with Divergent’s live spirit in full bloom. It’s a performance bursting with joy and excitement with James lost in the keys, Mike gliding across the fretboard and Paul pounding the drums to deliver a thrilling live performance of the track that brings the music alive on screen in spectacular fashion. With “Not Until It’s Right” building the hype for their upcoming album Rev It Up due in 2026, Divergent are sure to continue their exciting musical adventure and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

Watch the music video for Not Until It’s Right below

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