”It all started when Melissa Etheridge asked me to open for her at the historic Ryman Auditorium.”
This is blues-rock virtuoso Jax Hollow, who seemed to be on top of the world after receiving a standing ovation after her opening performance for Etheridge — yet she would soon after find herself still living out of her car and asking herself: is the dream of being a successful independent artist worth it?
To her, it was. She says of this time: “For an entire year I wrote songs like it was my religion. I spent every penny I had on studio time and connecting with the best session players, engineers, and studios that Nashville has to offer.”
Her latest album, Come Up Kid, is the triumphant result of her relentless dedication. A gorgeous record blending revival rock with blues and Americana, it’s a showcase of her emotional songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and masterful musicianship.
The album — which hit streaming services December 13th, 2024 — follows her 2023 debut release, Only The Wild Ones. The title track, “Come Up Kid,” is touching. Her dynamic voice flips from a gentle, inspiring falsetto, to bellowing blues grit. She sings over fiddles about the pain of growing up: “If I can make it to daylight / I can make it to anything / So come on you come up kid.”
Other songs of note include “Birds on a Wire,” in which acoustic guitars trickle and gently dance, then burst into emotional storytelling. Hollow’s soulful voice marries her Americana sensibilities to create blues-infused rock n’ roll. Another one that caught my ear, “Stone Cold Sober,” is an endearing and raw ballad, showcasing her vulnerable songwriting.
Raised in Western Massachusetts, Hollow got her start posting videos on YouTube that gained steam. After attending Berklee College of Music, she made her way to Nashville, quickly garnering acclaim. She would go on to play sold-out shows across Europe, and share stages with rock icons like Billy Gibbons, Rick Springfield, and Sammy Hagar among others.
On social media, Hollow wrote of Come Up Kid: “This is the story of a girl from Montague, MA trying to make it in Music City, TN… writing these songs gave me strength, courage and brutal honesty. I hope they give you something as well, and help you find the tenacity to move forward.”
Jax Hollow’s passion, persistence, and determination to follow her calling is inspiring as evidenced on her new album, and invites listeners into the spirit of courage.
