Critically-acclaimed, heavy rock band Islander have released a new track entitled “What Do You Gotta Lose?”. The song is a natural next step in the band’s sonic journey, mixing deeply personal songwriting with loud, infectious production.  With lyrics like “Take back the years that you’ve wasted/ Don’t fear tomorrow just face it/ What do you gotta loose?/ You can’t escape the truth,” the new track is a powerful anthem about moving forward in the face of mental health challenges.

““What Do You Gotta Lose?” is a song about hoping for a better tomorrow. I’ve personally dealt with suicidal thoughts in my life and I’ve met a lot of fans that have as well. If suicide could save our lives, we’d all have done that by now. It doesn’t. It only ends the possibility of it getting better. This song is a plea to anyone that hears it to hold on. Joy comes in the morning.” – Mikey

The band also released an accompanying artistic visual, produced by 12 Inch Media, featuring the stunning artwork imagery from John Wellman. In partnership with the mental health awareness non-profit organization To Write Love on Her Arms, the video points viewers to resources for anyone dealing with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.  In 2020 alone, TWLOHA reached more than 10 million people monthly and shared over 123 stories of mental health and healing through their blog, podcast, and LIVE events. They also invested more than $205,000 into treatment and recovery to help sponsor 2,600 individual counselling sessions and support 6,480 hours of group therapy for 673 people.

Of this partnership, Chad Moses, Director of Outreach and Experience at To Write Love on Her Arms, said, “This past year has taken so much away from so many people. It has stolen the chance to make memories, a sense of security, hugs, high-fives, and opportunities to be vulnerable. I think it’s going to take some time and some frequent reminders to recall the truth that we were never expected to get through life alone. Every day we wake up is an invitation to live in the presence of others — friends, family, counsellors, co-workers; and no disease, circumstance, or challenge waives your right to personal connection. I hear that message so clearly in this new Islander track. Regardless of what you are walking through, there is a place for you here. You belong here, and you are in good company.”