Earlier this week, Milwaukee Record posted a list of our favorite local music released in the first half of 2025. As is mid-July tradition, just a few days after hitting “publish” on said list of standout albums, songs, and music videos, a Milwaukee-made effort comes along that easily would’ve earned inclusion in that half-year local music check-in. This year’s culprit is none other than Gold Steps.
Today, the emo-tinted area outfit—and perennial “Favorite Milwaukee Music Of [insert year]” honoree—released a brand new song. We’re told “Rent Free” is the first of four singles the band has planned for 2025. There’s no question why they’re leading with this one, as it’s a shimmering and sun-kissed throwback to early-aughts pop-punk that comes complete with vibrant instrumentation and super catchy lyrics about living your best life regardless of what people think.
The certified summer anthem gets an equally beach-y video treatment. Milwaukee videographer Samer Ghani (who previously collaborated with Gold Steps on last year’s “Narcissist” music video) met the band on Bradford Beach, where he captured them gallivanting in the sand and recreating moments from Top Gun, Baywatch, and various other pop culture touchstones. Spend a few minutes at the beach with Gold Steps and watch the music video for “Rent Free” below.