LISTEN: Luke Grimes Shares New Song, ‘Hold On’

Luke Grimes is giving fans another taste of what’s to come on his much-anticipated debut album with the release of the new track, “Hold On.” 

The Mercury Nashville / Range Music recording artist and star of the hit television series Yellowstone was pitched the song after a songwriting session with Northern Ireland-based singer/songwriter, Foy Vance, fell through. Vance is one of his musical inspirations and although they didn’t get a chance to write together, Grimes fell in love with the song, written by Vance with Ilsey Juber,  immediately. He put it on hold upon first listen and recorded it with his producer, Dave Cobb. 

He Connected To The Song Immediately

According to a press release, “Hold On” is one of only two songs Grimes didn’t have a hand in writing for his forthcoming album. 

“‘Hold On’ has become one of my favorite songs on the (upcoming) album,” Grimes said in a statement. “Foy Vance is one of my favorite current songwriters and although he and I couldn’t get together in person, I knew I wanted him to be a part of this album. He had this song that had not been cut and I immediately fell in love with the words; I felt so connected to it. It’s a familiar feeling, the fear of falling too deeply for someone because you could ultimately get hurt. I think it’s a universal feeling for anyone who has had their heart broken.” 

The song serves as a warning to Grimes’ potential love interest as he admits he may not be the best person to get involved with. 

Listen

“Hold me and I don’t recommend that you adore me/ If you do, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he says within the opening verse, accompanied by light percussion and guitar. 

On the chorus, Grimes ponders about their possible future as he sings, “Wish that I could not go crazy / Wish that I could make you hate me / Maybe I should change my name and run / So I don’t have to hold on / Maybe you and I would make it / It ain’t the kind of risk I’m taking / Maybe I should change my name and run, run, run / So I don’t have to hold on.” 

The Track Is His Third Solo Release

“Hold On” follows the release of “Oh Ohio,” which serves as an ode to his home state, and “No Horse To Ride,” his first-ever solo release. 

“No Horse To Ride” debuted inside the Top 10 of the Country Songs sales chart at No. 7. In its second week of release, “No Horse To Ride” racked up 95K Shazams, placing it No. 2 on the Shazam Country chart, No. 2 on the Shazam Top 200 USA chart and No. 37 on the Shazam Global chart. This is a rare feat for a country artist.

Additionally, Spotify placed the song on the cover of its Country Hits 2023 playlist, with the song in the No. 1 position, and the song has been on eight Spotify Viral Charts.

Will Soon Make Stagecoach Debut

The release of “Hold On” comes just days before Grimes is set to make his Stagecoach Festival debut. The rising star will perform on Sunday, April 30. Also included on the Stagecoach lineup are headliners Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Chris Stapleton, plus a stacked roster of country hitmakers like Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn, Parker McCollum, Old Dominion, Gabby Barrett, and more. 

Late last year, it was revealed that Luke Grimes had signed a major record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in association with Range Music. 

“As an actor, Luke Grimes has effortlessly brought the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront of American culture,” said UMGN President Cindy Mabe. “As a country music artist, Luke has tapped into that same honesty and authenticity to capture a raw grit and pure depth of artistry that will expand the sound and reach of country music.  We are so excited and proud to welcome Luke Grimes to Universal Music Group Nashville.”

While this move may come as a surprise to some, it’s a natural next step for Grimes as he grew up playing music in church. He spent a lot of time listening to country greats like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, thanks to his father who was also a Pentecostal pastor.  

Luke Grimes is best known for his role as Yellowstone’s Kayce Dutton, however, he will soon be recognized for his music as he continues his musical journey.