Episode 078: Fusion of pop-punk and post-hardcore, with ”cathartic emo vocals and lyrics” - Milwaukee’s Gold Steps -
Alternative Press has named them in their “10 unsigned bands to keep an eye on in 2021" and
aptly called their music a fusion of pop-punk and post-hardcore, with "cathartic emo vocals and
lyrics" that make for an eclectic blend all their own. For a band that says they've never felt like
part of the in crowd, this is just one of many accolades ringing throughout the industry.
The band has been featured in Rock Sound, had several features in Alternative Press, a spot
on San Antonio's Warped Tour, So What?!, Summerfest, and SXSW official showcases.
They’ve even shared the stage with acts like Belmont, As It Is, Forever Came Calling, The
Ataris, Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost), and more through regional and national
tours.
Self-proclaimed Warped Tour Kids who found refuge in bands of the 90s and early 2000s
pop-punk scene, Milwaukee’s Gold Steps brings a playful, energetic mood to all that they
create, with a sound that teeters between influences like The Wonder Years, State Champs, and
Neck Deep to create impassioned lyrics and hard-hitting, emotive songs.
”In creativity, there are no rules,” says the band. “We’ve written songs in many different ways.
Sometimes we jam something out and it just blossoms into an actual song. Sometimes it starts
with a vocal melody. We’ve even written a song by trying to emulate a specific feeling. Anything
goes; All creation starts with just... starting! Somewhere, however, wherever or whatever
inspires it..”
“Made up of married duo Liz Mauritz (vocals) and Zach Duarte (guitar), with Ryan Rivas (bass)
and Mike Britz (drums), the foursome have a slew of releases lined up for 2022. Up first is “Stay
The Same” a collaboration with Nick Thompson (Thief Club, Hit The Lights), who not only
shares vocals on the track, but appears in the music video as well.
“We shot at Four Seasons, this legendary warehouse skatepark in Milwaukee that's peppered
with murals by local artists, and asked the CIB Milwaukee chapter crew to skate and show off
their mad skills,” explains Liz. “We goofed around on this old toy tractor that's been in my family
for generations. And that was it! There were some mishaps pre-shoot, and the shoot was almost
derailed an hour before we were scheduled to start...but that's a whole other story."
The video achieves what all of Gold Steps’ music hopes to achieve—a feeling of belonging. Of
being part of the family, even if you’ve felt like an outcast. For these four friends, it’s all about
making music they believe in, and hoping that reaches a community of peers who, like Gold
Steps, have never been one of the cool kids; but who couldn’t possibly care less—so long as
they’re surrounded by the people and music they love.
For Fans Of: The Wonder Years, State Champs, Neck Deep
Follow Gold Steps:
Website I Instagram I TikTok
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