Tom Morello Honors Chris Cornell With ‘Every Step That I Take’ Suicide Prevention Song
Prophets of Rage guitarist Tom Morello is set to explore a number of themes and work with a variety of musicians while digging into the more EDM-tinged new album The Atlas Underground. With the death of his Audioslave bandmate Chris Cornell last year, Morello turned his attention to removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues with a new song called "Every Step That I Take," and he revealed to the Chicago Tribune that there are plans to partner with the SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) organization in promoting the track.
Morello reveals, "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, focusing on suicide prevention, information and depression awareness. With the passing of Chris [Cornell] 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."
The guitarist continued, "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. You know, you break your arm — it’s not a stigma to go to the hospital to get it set. Hopefully we’re able to start looking at suicidal thoughts and depression in the same way that can materially save lives."
Morello says, "'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. 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."
Morello's upcoming effort, The Atlas Underground, finds the guitarist working with an eclectic lineup of guests, all while pairing EDM with his harder edged guitar work. In addition to Gourley, the album includes Mumford and Sons' Marcus Mumford, Killer Mike, Big Boi, Vic Mensa, RZA, Steve Aoki, Pretty Lights, Knife Party, Bassnectar and more. Look for the disc dropping Oct. 12.
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