St. Louis band Augmented Hearts has released a new single called “Self-Destruction.” The track was produced by Kevin W. Gates with finishing work by Doug McBride.
The song explores addiction cycles and harmful patterns we struggle to break free from. It features a dynamic sound that shifts between quiet moments and powerful intensity, combining post-hardcore elements with cinematic qualities.
In our conversation, Augmented Hearts discusses the emotional themes of “Self-Destruction,” their writing approach, and how this release shows their artistic development. We also talk about their upcoming EP “The Weight to be Honest” and their future creative direction.
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Self-Destruction” is such a powerful title — what inspired this track, both lyrically and emotionally?
“Self-Destruction” is a personification of addiction—whether it’s to a person, a feeling, or a self-destructive habit. It’s about being caught in that cycle where the highs are intoxicating, the lows are unbearable, and yet you keep coming back. Lyrically, it explores the push and pull of knowing something is destroying you but still choosing it, because it’s familiar… because it’s everywhere.
Even when you try to walk away, it follows you—haunts you. You start to see it in everything and everyone, and escaping starts to feel impossible. It’s a song about being trapped in that emotional limbo, and the quiet desperation of wanting out but not knowing who you are without it.
Can you walk us through the writing and production process for this single? Any specific moments that stand out?
We started writing this song a year before actually writing it – if that makes sense. We had a core piece of it, but when trying to flesh it out, it just wasn’t quite right. We randomly revisited the idea a year later and lots of ideas started happening individually. We met up for a writing session with a few that we felt were strong, but weren’t really related.
We spent a bunch of time together in the same room working out how to make them meet, which resulted in a key change from B minor to A minor going into the chorus. We’re really happy with how smoothly it worked out!
Does the song reflect a personal experience, a broader commentary, or a fictional narrative?
All of the above. The song speaks to those cycles of being drawn to something or someone you know isn’t good for you—a reflection of how addiction, in any form, can blur the lines between desire, dependence, and self-sabotage. There’s truth in the chaos, and a lot of that truth is emotional rather than literal.
So while it’s rooted in real feelings and situations, we wrote it in a way that others could see their own stories in it too. Whether someone connects with it through a toxic relationship, a habit they can’t quit, or even their own inner battles, the emotion behind it is very real.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away after hearing “Self-Destruction”?
We hope Self-Destruction shows how we’re evolving as songwriters—it’s one of the most progressive and emotionally layered tracks we’ve created, and it pushed us outside our usual approach in a way that felt necessary. Musically and lyrically, it explores the magnetic pull of the things that hurt us—how easy it is to stay caught in a cycle, even when we know better.
More than anything, we want listeners to know they’re not alone in that struggle. The things that are bad for us often come disguised as comfort or love. But there is a way out. You have the strength to cut ties with what’s hurting you, even if it takes time. Healing is messy, but it’s possible.
How does “Self-Destruction” differ from your previous releases, sonically or thematically?
We played more with contrast—shifting between haunting softness and intense heaviness—to mirror the emotional turbulence in the lyrics.
Thematically, it goes deeper into the psychology of addiction and self-awareness than anything we’ve done before. Our past songs have explored loss, identity, and inner conflict, but this one really sits in the uncomfortable space of knowing something is toxic and choosing it anyway.
The name ‘Augmented Hearts’ suggests something both emotional and enhanced — how does this single reflect that concept?
Our name speaks to the idea of emotion pushed to its limits—raw feelings amplified, distorted, or reshaped by experience. This single lives in that exact space.
It’s an emotional gut punch, but one that’s layered with intensity and intention. The music enhances the vulnerability of the lyrics—every dynamic shift, every heavy moment or delicate pause is there to reflect the complexity of the emotions we’re expressing.
It’s not just about feeling something—it’s about diving deeper, turning those feelings inside out, and revealing what’s underneath. That’s what Augmented Hearts is all about.
If you had to describe the single in three visual images or scenes, what would they be?
– A match slowly burning down to your fingertips—there’s beauty in the glow, but you’re holding onto something that’s hurting you.
-A figure standing in the rain, staring at their reflection in a cracked mirror—distorted, unsure if what they’re seeing is real. – A dark room filled with flickering static screens, each one showing a different memory you’re trying to forget, but can’t escape.
Is “Self-Destruction” part of a larger project — an upcoming EP or album, perhaps?
“Self-Destruction” is part of our EP “The Weight to be Honest”!
Looking ahead, where do you see Augmented Hearts heading next creatively?
We’re really leaning into the idea of pushing boundaries—both sonically and thematically. “The Weight to be Honest” EP opened the door for us to explore darker, more complex emotional territory and more dynamic songwriting structures, and we’re excited to keep going down that path.
We’re experimenting with blending atmospheric textures, heavier moments, and even more vulnerable lyricism to create something that feels immersive and real.
Creatively, we want to keep surprising ourselves. We’re not interested in repeating what we’ve already done—we want each release to reveal a different facet of who we are. Expect more risk-taking, more storytelling, and music that challenges us as much as it connects with others.
