Today we’d like to introduce you to Gold Steps.
Gold Steps, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Gold Steps started as an idea between guitarist Zach and me (vocalist Liz); we left the previous band we played in together to start the project, to take a different creative direction. Our former bassist also joined Gold Steps, and we borrowed the drummer from fellow Austin band Nominee to record our first EP, ‘Louder Than Words,” which was released in November of 2016.
After the release of our follow-up single, “Toughen Up” and some lineup changes, Gold Steps wrote and recorded our follow-up EP, ‘Incandescent,’ in the fall of 2017. The EP centers around themes involving mental health, and the lyrical content is autobiographical for me; I’m very candid about my experiences with anxiety, depression and panic disorder. We were inspired to open up and focus on these themes because of a meeting with nonprofit Heart Support at So What Music Fest in March of 2017. We felt empowered by the idea that sharing our own experiences with mental health could help others and set out to convey the message that those struggling are not alone.
Gold Steps is now gearing up to release ‘Incandescent’ on May 25th, 2018, and we’ve already released singles “Firestarter” and “As Luck Would Have It” along with music videos. “As Luck Would Have It” was released as an official partnership with Heart Support to raise awareness of mental health issues, and the music video features several people who have struggled with addiction or mental health issues. The band also released a companion documentary that focuses directly on sharing their journeys through their struggles, and how they’re working towards recovery.
Mental health and the effects it can have on one’s psyche are also echoed in our third single and video, “Suckerpunch,” which focuses on the angst and negative thoughts often experienced by those who struggle. Our focus after the EP release is a tour to the Midwest and East Coast. and hopefully heading to the West Coast this fall. We will continue to be open and honest with our fans and share our message that there is hope even in the darkest moments experienced by someone dealing with a substance use or mental health disorder, and that we understand and support them in their journey.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Gold Steps writes songs that are fast and full of energy, paired with lyrics that are emotionally raw and revealing. We write about what we know; the lyrical content is autobiographical and about my struggles with anxiety, depression and panic disorder. Our new EP ‘Incandescent’ was arranged in a way to reflect the ebbing and flowing of mood cycles. It begins on an empowering, confident, anthemic note, which turns to anger and feeling unfulfilled, then progress, then another backslides into negativity, and finally finishes on an ambiguous note. It’s my authentic journey of trying to cope and grow from my lowest points, while also showing that the journey isn’t linear.
We hope people take away that there is progress to be made in whatever your struggle is, and that it takes time to make progress. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort, and you are loved and supported more than you know. We don’t know every person in the world suffering, but we care about them and their journey. We want them to know they aren’t alone, and that they can make it.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Get creative! Can you barter services with another creative to help each other out? Teach yourself the basics of a program that can help you avoid having to outsource. For example, teaching yourself how to use an open source software to create your own graphics. Learn how to use iMovie or another built-in app to edit short videos together.
One thing we’ve all learned is that sacrifice is necessary in almost all areas of life. We sacrifice a lot of free time for practice and playing shows. We use our PTO at work for touring instead of personal vacations. We take every chance to tell people about our music, and we pass out flyers at other events we’re at when we have something important coming up. Our band members have changed careers or picked up additional jobs so we can afford to produce high-quality content. That’s the most important thing to us, is making sure we are putting out the best music and content we can for people to enjoy and relate to.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
We love playing in Houston; people here are so enthusiastic and supportive of live music. Our next show in the area is in Katy on 5/26. We’ll be celebrating our EP release with some great locals and a surprise special guest will be joining our set for the night. Details can be found at our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/goldstepsatx. Our Facebook and Instagram (@goldstepsatx) are really the best places to follow what we do. We’ll be announcing our Midwest/East Coast tour in a couple weeks.
Our music can be found on all major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and is available for download on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Physical copies of our EPs can be purchased on our website www.goldstepsband.com, along with other merch.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goldstepsband.com
- Email: goldstepsatx@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldstepsatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Goldstepsatx/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/goldstepsatx
- Other: goldsteps.bandcamp.com
Image Credit:
Lauren Schorr
Shelby Kettrick
Matt Bender
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