GAUSTAD’s latest single “Boy Behind the Mask” chronicles the progression of living a lie to experiencing your truth. It seems as though, from even the earliest memories you have, your complete identity has remained carefully hidden. A deep anger resides inside of you and it protrudes into every aspect of your life. You have always tried to ignore those feelings of being someone you did not quite understand. There has always been another side of your identity that was different than what you were told to be. What you are is not what you believed you were supposed to be, and this has taken over your life. Differing gender identities resonate within you and all your forceful hiding has reached its limit. No amount of masking your inner conflicts with numbing substances can truly free you. Who you truly are, as complicated and different as it seems, craves acceptance and understanding from within yourself. Your innermost fantasy is being true to yourself, and that means self-acceptance. The anger that once permeated throughout your entire being no longer exists as you accept the boy behind the mask.
“Boy Behind the Mask” is an indie and alt pop anthem with a somber yet introspective tone and meaning. We are first introduced to melancholy piano chord progressions that set the mood. With the introduction of GAUSTAD’s stunning vocal performance, we begin leaning heavily into the overall narrative. The instrumentation leads you to believe that this single may be an entirely somber experience, but as the story progresses, we learn of the redemptive self-love the narrator gradually accepts. As percussive elements are introduced, we understand that the complex feelings displayed in the beginning are not meant to last. The audience is expected to, and does, learn and understand more as the song progresses. This accumulates into a shared experience of growth and progression.
GAUSTAD is an American singer-songwriter who already has a thriving music career at just twenty-two years old. They first stepped into the public eye in 2018 with their cover of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” which has amassed over 20 million views over time. In 2021, they released their first E.P. as well as their debut album. One of the singles from their debut album features a music video that had a surprise guest appearance from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay. They received relative success and have made guest appearances and features in many well-known platforms. GAUSTAD has made guest performances and features on shows such as The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Today Show. They have received praise and admiration on social media from celebrities such as Lady Gaga on Twitter and Mick Jagger on Instagram. Through their music, they showcase their life experiences by incorporating it through their lyricism. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “Boy Behind the Mask” a listen!
Written By Willow Gray
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