LISTEN: Luke Grimes Shares New Song, ‘Hold On’
“I think it’s a universal feeling for anyone who has had their heart broken,” the “Yellowstone” star shares.
Photo Courtesy Luke Grimes
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.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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