There often comes a time in a relationship when you realize that what used to sustain you no longer works for you, and that you need to move on. But what if the relationship is with yourself?
On his new single, “Letting You Go,” Coquitlam B.C. alt-rocker Tim Steinruck confronts the man he used to be, and hands him a breakup letter that’s as eloquent in its execution as its message is heartfelt.
Comparing his former self to a “darkness” and a “virus,” Steinruck takes a hard look in the mirror and announces that he’s cutting ties. “I want you to know/ I see who you are /And I’m letting go,” he declares. “I don’t need you now.”
Musically, the song has everything it takes to make that kiss-off land with all the force it deserves. It’s an instantly indelible latter-day muscle ballad, with a hint of country to widen its appeal. Joining Steinruck on the second verse is fellow BC singer-songwriter Sarah smith, who in the accompanying music video literally meets him at a crossroads to lend her vocal and moral support.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/3HEyEvmfu9KpoqRvLn6KeV?si=9755e98437a74b65&nd=1&dlsi=ff3a426e04bc482d
Arriving at that crossroads is the culmination of a five- decade journey for Steinruck, who’s finally been able to divest himself of the self-flagellation he learned from his harsh Mennonite upbringing. The casualties of that mindset were copious: a failed marriage, dead-end forays into the film and cleaning businesses, and an ill-fated management and recording deal with Paul Stanley of KISS (one of Steinruck’s childhood idols) were among the casualties before he finally learned to get out of his own way.
The catalyst was a transformative life-coaching session on New Year’s Eve 2020, which showed Steinruck how deeply rooted his self-defeating tendencies were, and how he could live a different life free of shame and ego. So it’s only appropriate that he now works in the self-empowerment field himself, as an Accelerated Evolution (TM) Success Coach who helps lead others on journeys of personal emancipation like the one he’s traveled.
At the same time, his creative life continues to flourish. Triumphs like “Letting You Go” exemplify his success as both a solo artist (where he’s billed simply as Steinruck) and the leader of the project The Mighty One, which he calls a cross between band and an alter ego. Both undertakings allow him to express a new kind of spirituality, one more nurturing and forward-facing than the shame-based theology he was raised with that took so long to shake off.
But the fruits of his self-improvement don’t stop there. Today, Steinruck runs a record company, a reality TV show, and an independent multimedia network. He’s the proprietor of Begin Street Studios in Coquitlam, which provides recording, mixing, mastering, and production facilities for musicians and others who are looking to polish their presentation. Clients can also avail themselves of his songwriting smarts. Double up with his life coaching, and they might find themselves just as successful and enlightened as he’s become.
“I am passionate about songwriting, performing, and supporting and guiding independent artists’ careers,” he says. “I am also committed to the study of human psycho-spirituality and the power of discipline and purpose. My journey to becoming a certified Accelerated Evolution (TM) Success Coach not only transformed my life but also continues to transform the lives of those I serve. Armed with these priceless life lessons and gifts, I stand here now, committed to supporting others to create their legacy, as I continue to expand my own.”