Picture this: you’re cruising through the vibrant streets of Medellín, Colombia, with a soul-stirring indie rock track blasting through your speakers. That’s the vibe Josh Phillips delivers with his latest single and music video, “Holdin’ On,” the final gem from his February 2025 album Everything’s Good. If you’re a fan of introspective lyrics, lush melodies, and a story that hits you right in the feels, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into why this Asheville, NC artist is making waves and why “Holdin’ On” deserves a spot on your playlist.
A Sonic Journey Through Grief and Resilience
“Holdin’ On” is more than just a song—it’s a raw, emotional snapshot of Josh Phillips’ journey through love, loss, and transformation. As the final single from Everything’s Good, it encapsulates the album’s core themes: navigating heartbreak and finding peace amid chaos. The track blends indie rock with hints of alt-pop, featuring Phillips’ signature nuanced vocals that shift from solemn to hopeful. The melody is infectious, with a driving rhythm and subtle horn accents that give it a warm, lived-in feel. Lyrically, it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, capturing the struggle of clinging to what’s gone while yearning for closure.
The music video, dropped on May 2, 2025, and filmed in the colorful streets of Medellín, adds another layer to the song’s emotional depth. Directed with cinematic flair, it juxtaposes vibrant visuals with the song’s introspective tone, creating a striking contrast that mirrors the album’s exploration of light and dark. Whether you’re streaming it on YouTube (watch here) or vibing to it on Spotify (listen here), “Holdin’ On” is a track that sticks with you.
Who Is Josh Phillips?
If you’re new to Josh Phillips, you’re in for a treat. A cornerstone of Asheville’s thriving music scene, Phillips has been a creative force for decades. As a founding member of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, he brought funk and reggae-infused energy to stages across the Southeast. His Josh Phillips Folk Festival and the critically acclaimed album Wicker solidified his status as one of North Carolina’s most compelling songwriters. Now, releasing music under his own name, Phillips is stepping into a new chapter with Everything’s Good, a deeply personal project born from the ashes of heartbreak and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Asheville.
Phillips’ journey to this point hasn’t been easy. Everything’s Good was recorded over three and a half years in a studio he rented to bring his vision to life. The album, delayed by the hurricane’s impact, is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft. Tracks like “Never Ready” and “Already Gone” (the latter featuring a haunting collaboration with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra) showcase his ability to weave indie rock with introspective storytelling. His music resonates with fans of artists like The War on Drugs or Death Cab for Cutie, blending emotional depth with accessible melodies.
Why “Holdin’ On” Matters
In a music industry obsessed with fleeting trends, “Holdin’ On” stands out for its authenticity. It’s part of an album that Phillips describes as his best work yet, a collection of songs written over two decades that finally found a home. The track’s release comes at a time when indie rock is seeing a resurgence, with artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Big Thief paving the way for emotionally raw storytelling. Phillips fits right into this wave, offering a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.
The song also carries a deeper significance for Asheville. After Hurricane Helene ravaged the region, Phillips partnered with CommunityZ RecordZ to donate all proceeds from his “Already Gone” EP to BeLoved Asheville, a local disaster relief charity. This spirit of community runs through “Holdin’ On” and the entire Everything’s Good project, making it a love letter to both his personal journey and his hometown’s recovery.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
If Josh Phillips’ story inspires you to chase your own musical dreams, there’s no better time to start. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy for independent artists to share their music with the world, from Spotify to Apple Music. With DistroKid, you can distribute your tracks to major platforms and keep more of your earnings. Plus, you can score a 7% discount on your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a small step that could lead to big things, just like it did for Phillips.
Final Thoughts
“Holdin’ On” is a powerful closer to Josh Phillips’ Everything’s Good, a record that’s as much about healing as it is about heartbreak. With its captivating melody, heartfelt lyrics, and stunning Medellín-shot video, it’s a must-listen for indie rock fans and anyone who appreciates music with soul. Phillips’ journey—from Asheville’s music scene to this deeply personal debut—reminds us that great art often comes from great struggle.
What do you think of “Holdin’ On”? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about this incredible track! And if you’re an artist ready to share your music, don’t forget to check out DistroKid’s 7% off deal here. Keep streaming, keep creating, and keep holdin’ on.
