How was Hold On created?
I saw a friend going through a difficult time – really down and struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts – and I wanted to write a song to lift them up and let them know they’re not alone.
When my co-writer Mike Meiers (the Emmy winning songwriter/producer, Not the comedian by the same name) came over with his guitar and started playing the chord progression, it matched the feeling, the tone and vision of what I wanted to say, and we wrote the song together.
Hold On recognizes the listener’s pain and says, in essence, ‘I see you and what you’re going through. Please know that you’re not alone. Hold on. I’m here for you and I’m not letting go. And I need you too.’
What were the collaborations on this song?
After Mike and I wrote the song, I took it to Nashville to record with my dear friend, GRAMMY-nominated producer Bobby Holland. Bobby is super talented – he’s worked with Kesha, ZZ Ward and Maggie Rose, among many others -and I’m grateful I was able to work with him to bring this song to life.
I love the way Bobby’s atmospheric guitars and synths provide beautiful support for ‘Hold On’s’ message of hope and encouragement. We brought in Adam Bokesch for the drums and Kaleb Thomas Jones for backing vocals. Together the four of us made an absolutely gorgeous record, if I may say so myself. I love how hearing it still makes my heart swell, even after listening to it a few hundred times, how it still makes me feel hopeful and encouraged. Proof that team work makes the dream work.
How do you know who you want to make a song with?
Songwriting is still a mystery to me. Sometimes I think the song chooses who it wants to bring to life, rather than the songwriter making the choices. Hold On was a little like that. At first it was just a collection of feelings. A little bit of hope, a little wistful, a strong feeling of empathy. And as we started to play, the song connected with Mike’s chord progression and picking pattern and my keyboard pads, humming and singing, and simultaneously with the idea of writing a song to help lift up my friend who was struggling.
Who is Hold on dedicated to?
Anyone who needs to feel uplifted, encouraged and less alone.
Was it difficult to make this track emotionally?
Actually, no. I think because Hold On is fundamentally a message of encouragement and hope. So even though it was inspired by witnessing a friend’s struggle, it is ultimately an uplifting song.
What has been the reaction to the single?
The most gratifying thing for me as a songwriter is when someone tells me my song resonates with them, that it helps them feel something. That has been happening a lot with this song. I’ve been getting private messages from people that the song touches them deeply, which means the world to me. Some have told me that they’re listening to it on repeat and letting the tears flow. People who have lost family members or friends to suicide, or mental illness have thanked me for the song. And others just love the song without even knowing the original intention behind writing it.
Hold On has also been nominated for a Positive Music Award, which is so exciting! The winners will be announced at the awards show (virtual) on Friday September 24, 2021. Details at https://empowerma.com.
How can fans listen to the single?
Hold On is available on all digital music platforms – Spotify, Apple, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Pandora, etc. as well as right on my website https://patriciabahia.com/music
Where can they continue to support you Patricia?
The best way to support me in this wild and crazy music career is to join the Bucket List Life email list (https://patriciabahia.com)
Following me on Instagram and Facebook at @patriciabahiamusic, and streaming and sharing my music anywhere and everywhere would be fantastic as well.
Any last words with our audience that you want to share?
My team and I just put the finishing touches on a beautiful and powerful music video for Hold On. Keep an eye out on social media for more news of when and where it will premiere.
Website: http://patriciabahia.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciabahiamusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaBahiaMusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PatriciaBahiaMusic
Music Streaming Services: Https://found.ee/PatriciaBahia
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview