In their latest single, promising pop-punk band When The Sun Sets asks the question, “But What If We Struck Gold?” The inspiring song featuring lolitslea marks the band’s first original release of the year, aside from their rock cover of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s country chart-topper, “I Had Some Help.” They have also confirmed that their full-length album is still on its way, revealing the title as The Cards We’re Dealt.
Describing the song as “a love letter to the music industry,” lead vocalist Zack Baumgartner wants other artists to know that pursuing a career in music is by no means easy, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever pay off. He encourages them to keep going in case they “strike gold” one day. The lyrics are quintessentially emo, with a deep-hitting hook about finding success in an ever-changing industry: “But you keep changing all the locks, and I can’t find the key.” Along with Baumgartner, the track also features flawless vocals from Lea McNamara of lolitslea. She comes in on the second verse, “ready to start a fire,” and sings the next chorus before turning it back over to Baumgartner for the bridge. On collaborating with McNamara, Baumgartner has said, “Bringing lolitslea in on this song was a no-brainer because she is one of the hardest-working artists we know. She is grinding in this scene and showing artists that it’s not only okay to be independent, but it is something you should be PROUD of.”
When we last caught up with When The Sun Sets, they had just released “Undertow” with Definitely Maybe in November and were looking forward to the new year. In the interview, Baumgartner shared the band’s excitement for the new album (whose official release date has yet to be announced) and their goal to play some music festivals, which they have already achieved by taking part in Never Early Fest in May. They also have some shows lined up for August, such as a headlining show on August 17 in their hometown of West Dundee, Illinois.
At that hometown show, the band will play songs from The Cards We’re Dealt. Besides “Undertow” and “But What If We Struck Gold?,” the 10-song tracklist also consists of fan favorites “Honest” and “Getting Matching Jet Skis Was a Bad Idea," as well as unreleased songs like "If Love Was a Highway, Then You Missed Every Exit" (ft. latenightsinmycar) and “Talking to Your Ghost." According to Baumgartner, “This album shines a light on some of the happiest times in our lives, and some of the most vulnerable because we want every listener to know that this life is full of ups and downs… The Cards We’re Dealt is a perfect summary of this band in one package, with all of our friends + family who made it possible.”
