Tom Morello has shared a new music video for the track “Every Step That I Take,” which features Portugal. The Man and EDM producer and DJ Whethan. This track, which is of the upcoming album The Atlas Underground, was released on October 4.
The lyric video opens up in a similar way to other promotional songs and music videos for the upcoming project with a cloaked figure in a hood using a voice changer to announce that the song is from The Atlas Underground. Morello explained that this track is being used to promote suicide prevention and awareness, referencing the recent passing of Chris Cornell.
“For the song ‘Every Step That I Take‘ with Portugal.The Man and Whethan, a teenage EDM marvel, we’re partnering with an organization called SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,) focusing on suicide prevention, information and depression awareness,” Morello explained in an interview with The Chicago Tribune. “With the passing of Chris (Cornell of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog and Audioslave) over a year ago, and the momentum towards removing the stigma from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, it was very important to have a song from that point of view.”
Morello also went on to explain his own family’s struggles with mental health issues, addressing the need to remove the stigma that mental health is often associated with. He went on to encourage others to seek help if it was necessary.
“I’ve had mental illness issues in my family and among my friends in the past, and there’s a current trend toward this demystification to encourage people, among your friends, loved ones and professionals, there is help and there are ways” Morello elaborated during the interview. “You know, you break your arm — it’s not a stigma to go to the hospital to get it set.”
“Every Step that I Take,” tackles the issues of self-doubt and depression that influences thoughts of suicide from a first person perspective. This song had input from Morello, along with songwriting credits by Matt Shulz of Cage The Elephant and Portugal. The Man’s lead singer Johnn Gourley.
“Hopefully we’re able to start looking at suicidal thoughts and depression in the same way that can materially save lives. “Every Step That I Take” is about how the dreams, and depression, and love and the lack of it on the emotional steps of the gallows are processed,” Morello stated. “It was a song written by myself and Matt Shultz from Cage the Elephant and Johnny (Gourley) from Portugal.The Man sings it and it’s just a beautiful song. One of my favorites on the record.”
The Atlas Underground has a variety of features on its tracklist, from dubstep and EDM producers like Whethan, Knife Party and Herobust, to rappers like Vic Mensa, along with GZA and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. Earlier this year Morello released “Rabbit’s Revenge,” a track featuring Atlanta rappers Killer Mike and Big Boi, along with dubstep producer Bassnectar.
Photo Credit: Marv Watson