Salt Lake City art-pop band Die Shiny have released their most emotionally direct track to date with ‘Gold Star, Good Citizen,’ a powerful reflection on solidarity, responsibility, and collective action in uncertain times.
A striking departure from the group’s usual synth-heavy, dancefloor-focused sound, the track brings a more delicately constructed alternative-pop feel. Soaring vocals rise above, swelling atmospheric synths, vocoders, swelling bass synths, and spacious percussion inspired by military drills. To create the track’s rhythmic foundation, friends of the band were recruited to contribute synchronized stomping, clapping, and body percussion, reinforcing the song’s tension between conformity and resistance, ultimately resulting in a track which brings alternative-pop and trip-hop undertones to a powerful and gritty social and political commentary.
Written in a single morning by vocalist and songwriter Callie Crofts, ‘Gold Star, Good Citizen’ made its live debut just one week later in a stripped-back performance at a protest on the steps of the Utah State Capitol. The song’s Independence Day release was a deliberate choice, shaped by a challenge from a fan who suggested the band should write “the new national anthem.”
“A fan recently commented that we should write the new national anthem. If I were ever to attempt such a thing, this would be that song,” says Crofts.
On ‘Gold Star, Good Citizen,’ Die Shiny deliver a song that embraces uncertainty rather than avoiding it. Balancing personal vulnerability with political commentary and a wider call for action, the track brings a biting intensity which contrasts against the ethereal instrumental backdrop. The on point lyricism and gutsy vocal performance give the track a true sense of purpose and intent which carries the track forward and gives it a hearty punch.
Formed in 2019 by Crofts and audio engineer and drummer Zac Bryant, Die Shiny have become one of the most distinctive voices in Salt Lake City’s underground music scene. The queer-and-allied group blends art-pop, electronic experimentation, existential questioning, and a deep sense of community, creating music that transforms difficult subjects into cathartic and emotionally charged experiences.
In a state often associated with Mormon culture, political conservatism, and rapid technological expansion, Die Shiny offer a different perspective rooted in empathy, solidarity, and shared humanity. Their live performances combine theatrical spectacle, sharp social commentary, and joyful celebration of queer identity, turning each show into both a communal gathering and a statement of resilience.
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