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2024 . 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 tag celebrating and supporting Black artists in roots and country - stumbled upon his music online. InchI found the first verse and chorus for 'Taxidermy' and asked if he planned on finishing the song,Inch G says. InchHe told me he wasn't sure, so I got him a grant to finish and record that song.Inch She reached out to Rissi Palmer, founder of the Color Me Country Artist Fund, and sent her the first verses of InchTaxidermy.Inch 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. InchThat's when I realized I had the power to do something really cool here,Inch Holden says. InchPeople 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.Inch 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. InchThe 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 it's job, and I've done my job.Inch He also hopes the songs remind listeners that InchYou're not alone in this.Inch InchThese feelings are valid. They're universal,Inch he says of the album themes. InchYou're deserving of all the love
