Earlier this year, Austin pop-punk powerhouse group, Gold Steps announced their forthcoming EP, Incandescent. Produced by Rick King of King Sound, the EP (out 5/25/18) is a musical representation of emotions experienced in mood cycling episodes. It starts out with fire, a taking-on-the world feeling which could be interpreted as a sort of manic state, but as the EP progresses the tone becomes more erratic.
Today, the band have unveiled the music video for their latest single, “Suckerpunch”. The song directly addresses vocalist Liz Mauritz’s frustration with mood swings and her inability to love herself. Keeping the conversation toward mental health, Liz elaborates:
“‘Suckerpunch’ describes the constant struggle to rise above damaging thoughts inside your head; just when you think you’ve got it under control, another “wave” of anxiety and pain drags you back down. Being at war with your own mind is a battle no one chooses. The exhaustion of self-doubt, the anguish of incessant negative thoughts, the distress of paranoia and constant fear—it weighs on you. The video’s boxing storyline plays on the literal title of “Suckerpunch,” and also shows how much energy is exerted in coping with anxiety. Round after round, blocking and trading hooks, praying to knock out your worst adversary: yourself.”
To continue pushing the EP, the band exclusively partnered with Heart Support to unleash a heartwarming and powerful documentary/music video for their new single, “As Luck Would Have It.” The band’s lead vocalist, Liz Mauritz is passionate about sharing her story with mental health in hopes that is can inspire and help those around her. She expands, “As long as I can remember I’ve struggled with mental health. A lifetime of anxiety and years of self-hard, body image issues, and panic disorder have haunted me into adulthood. I always felt along in my pain, turning to music for solace, and often writing lyrics about my inner turmoil.” For more on why Gold Steps partnered with Heart Support, head over to Substream Magazine now. In addition, Liz curated a special blog about mental health exclusively for Heart Support, which can be read here.