It wasn’t that long ago that singer-songwriter Jett Holden had given up on a career in not only country music, but music entirely. Luckily, the desire to give up on his dream came right around the time Holly G, founder of Black Opry — an organization, tour and now record label celebrating and supporting Black artists in roots and country — stumbled upon his music online. “I found the first verse and chorus for ‘Taxidermy’ and asked if he planned on finishing the song,” G says. “He told me he wasn't sure, so I got him a grant to finish and record that song.” She reached out to Rissi Palmer, founder of the Color Me Country Artist Fund, and sent her the first verses of “Taxidermy.” Moved by Holden’s painfully earnest songwriting, Palmer awarded him the funds to complete the visceral song, setting him off on the journey he’s on today. The song, which mounts a harsh critique of performative activism, made a mark on listeners. “That’s when I realized I had the power to do something really cool here,” Holden says. “People were connecting with my honesty, so I got a chance to say the things that people aren’t saying and Black Opry Revue performances gave me the chance to say those things in safe places. That song launched my career.” Back when Holden was recording “Taxidermy,” “Holly was a flight attendant and I was working a stay-at-home job for AT&T,” he remembers. Fast forward to now and hard work, sweat and more than a fair share of tears have led to him releasing his debut album The Phoenix on G’s new label, Black Opry Records. Produced by Will Hoge (CMA and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter) and recorded at Cartoon Moon Recording Studio in East Nashville, The Phoenix highlights Holden’s sincere songwriting and sometimes gritty, always melodic vocals while featuring multiple talented Nashville musicians who Hoge tapped to lend their musicality to his 10 vulnerable tracks. “Taxidermy,” the song that started it all, opens the album, giving listeners a first glimpse at a collection of songs that reflect on Holden’s experience as a Black, queer man growing up in the rural South. Now that he’s set to share his art with the world in a genre where Black musicianship is rarely championed, being an example of what’s possible isn’t lost on Holden. “The first question Holly asked me was ‘Why do you write music?’ and I said ‘I write the music I wish I heard when I was growing up.’ If someone hears my music and it makes them feel safe and less alone, it’s done its job, and I’ve done my job.” He also hopes the songs remind listeners that “You’re not alone in this.” “These feelings are valid. They’re universal,” he says of the album themes. “You’re deserving of all the love in your life — regardless of how that looks.” “The title The Phoenix represents the resurrection of my career,” Holden adds. “When Holly found me, when the Black Opry found me, I had quit music. I was done. This whole process pulled me back into music. Everything feels possible now.”
