Heart To Gold wear their hearts on their sleeves. The Minneapolis emo/punk trio, composed of vocalist-guitarist Grant Whiteoak, bassist Jim Kiser, and drummer Blake Kuether, write soaring anthems filled with cathartic choruses and blistering breakdowns. Their third full-length album, the Will Yip-produced Free Help, oozes with the band’s belief in their vision and why that self-assurance often yields an honest portrait of their artistry.
Having wrapped up a tour with Mannequin Pussy, Movements, and Softcult (plus some supporting slots for Militarie Gun, Ben Quad, and Prince Daddy And The Hyena), Heart To Gold paid attention to the moments of their live show that resonated most with audiences. Bringing those elements into Yip’s Studio 4 resulted in Free Help, their most intoxicating work yet.
Following the album’s release in November, Whiteoak sat down with Uproxx to talk about Katy Perry, King Krule, margherita pizza, and more in our latest Q&A.
What are four words you would use to describe your music?
Loud, abrasive, energetic, fun.
It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered for being a glimmer of light in a pattern of darkness. For being one of the best organically live alternative punk rock bands.
Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?
Probably Kurt Cobain, King Krule, or John Dwyer. All three have things that make them uniquely themselves. They have something that others don’t. That’s really inspiring. Skateboarding has been a huge influence also.
Where did you eat the best meal of your life and what was it?
Punch Pizza. It was a margherita pizza.
Tell us about the best concert you’ve ever attended.
Weezer with the Pixies haha. Seeing them as a headliner in a stadium was pretty magical. Crazy pyrotechnics.
What song never fails to make you emotional?
“These Days,” the Jackson Browne version. Makes me think about my parents. Also “I’m Having A Rave In My Room All By Myself” by Memo Boy. Both beautiful songs.
What’s the last thing you Googled?
How to spell “Giuseppe”.
Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?
Oh man. We’ve camped illegally in a few forestry areas and playgrounds. Maybe some crusty hardwood floor in the Midwest. Some little kids room with stuffed animals or something.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform and what’s the city you hope to perform in for the first time?
Minneapolis, MN. Next up I would love to perform “Tokyo” in Tokyo, Japan.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Start right now lil bro. Don’t wait to make rock/punk tracks. Avoid the wacky outfits for attention, specifically beach shirts. You’ll feel better about it all when you’re in your late 20s.
What’s one of your hidden talents?
We could make some really beautiful quieter alt-rock indie shit if we wanted. We can jam together pretty good.
If you had a million dollars to donate to charity, what cause would you support and why?
Suicide prevention. Lost some real ones in the mix of life. Depression is hard. We all need help.
What are your thoughts about AI and the future of music?
I’m cool with it until it isn’t cool I guess. Hard to say. A bit scary and even dystopian. I’m not going to stop making music the way we do it now. All I’d say is that if it turns out to spiral out of control and cause more harm than progress – we as a species may have asked for it.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location it would be held.
Somewhere in London. Too hard!
Right now I’d say King Krule/George Clanton collab set, Mannequin Pussy, Turnstile, Underoath, H2G/Hotline TNT/Title Fight secret set.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on social media?
Haha I have no idea. Maybe Djbonerboy. Giuseppe’s Garage. Aldo2swag.
What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?
Well it would be my grandmother’s name, or “fuck” poorly tattooed on my back. Enough said.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Run. Punch the air. Vocal warm-ups. Jumps. Handstands. Then we put our hands together and say “1, 2, 3, – H, 2, G!”
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Katy Perry.
You have a month off and the resources to take a dream vacation. Where are you going and who is coming with you?
I’m going to Whistler Canada on a snowboard trip with my snowboard dawgs Tom, Sid, & Blake.
What is your biggest fear?
Fear itself for sure. For days.
Free Help is out now via Memory Music. Find more information here.