Release Date: December 13, 2024
Key Tracks: “Blazing Glory,” “Birds on a Wire,” “Don’t Call Me Baby,” “Stone Cold Sober,”
“Come Up Kid” Rating: ★★★★★
Come Up Kid is a triumph. It’s Jax Hollow at her very best — and it’s an album you don’t want to miss.
From the moment I was introduced to Jax Hollow’s music by Jenn Smits in 2023, I knew there was something truly special about her. Tracks like “Wolf in Sheepskin” not only earned critical acclaim, including winning the International Songwriting Competition, but also marked Jax as an artist destined to make waves. Fast forward to the present, and her new album, Come Up Kid, is everything I hoped it would be — and more.
This record is a statement, a triumph, and a deeply personal journey captured in music. It’s a gritty, raw, and electrifying collection of songs born from struggle and perseverance, showcasing Jax’s ability to turn life’s hardest moments into anthems of hope and resilience.
As Jax shares:“It all started when Melissa Etheridge asked me to open for her at the historic Ryman Auditorium. After my set, the pews started to shake... people were standing, applauding, and I fell to my knees. For the first time in my life, it felt like my dreams were coming true. Like all my hard work and dedication was being realized — that I could actually make it as an independent artist in Nashville.
But soon after that incredible day, I’d find myself living out of my car. Sleeping with my head in the trunk, and feet in the cabin. I had a choice to make: Do I call it quits, or double down?
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. Come Up Kid is the culmination of that dedication. 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 keep moving forward. I can’t wait to share these songs with you.”
Jax’s story is one of unwavering determination. It’s about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to keep climbing. Her journey fuels every note and lyric of Come Up Kid, making it more than an album — it’s a testament to the human spirit.
The album contains powerhouse tracks like “Blazing Glory,” an anthem that immediately grabs you with its unrelenting energy and confident swagger. It's a perfect introduction to a record that blends Rock, Blues, and Americana with seamless precision.
“Birds on a Wire”, a stunning balance of vulnerability and strength. The intricate guitar work, paired with Jax’s soaring vocals, makes it a song that stays with you long after it ends. It’s an emotional highlight that encapsulates the raw honesty of the album.
Other tracks like “Don’t Call Me Baby” deliver fiery declarations of independence, while “Stone Cold Sober” slows things down with a hauntingly beautiful ballad about heartbreak.
Then there’s the title track, “Come Up Kid,” which serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing adversity.
Jax poured everything into this record — time, money, and most importantly, heart. For an entire year, she dedicated herself to songwriting and collaborating with Nashville’s best session players, engineers, and studios. That effort is evident in every track.
Come Up Kid is not just a collection of songs; it’s a labour of love. Each track tells a story, capturing moments of struggle, triumph, and everything in between. Jax’s lyrics are unflinchingly honest, her guitar work is masterful, and her vocals are packed with emotion.
Fans of Jax’s electrifying live performances are in for a treat. She’s set to celebrate the release of Come Up Kid with a show at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville on December 8th, 2024. With her powerhouse trio, Jax promises a night of high-energy rock ‘n’ roll that’s not to be missed. Jax’s trio, featuring Michael Lupo on drums and Taylor Tuke on bass, provides a rock-solid foundation throughout. Their tight musicianship perfectly complements Jax’s fiery guitar solos and soulful vocals, creating a sound that’s both polished and full of raw energy.
In an age of overproduced, cookie-cutter music, Come Up Kid stands out for its authenticity. It’s raw, real, and unapologetically Jax Hollow. The album is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the strength it takes to chase your dreams.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Come Up Kid is an album that inspires. It’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt beaten down and found the courage to keep going.
Since Jenn Smits first introduced me to Jax’s music, I’ve been a huge fan. I’ll admit, I’m biased — but I have no doubt that Come Up Kid is one of the best albums of 2024.
With this release, Jax Hollow has cemented herself as one of the most exciting independent artists in music today. And with her relentless drive and undeniable talent, the best is surely yet to come.
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