Hold On

Album: Digital Noise Alliance (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Queensrÿche was formed in the '80s when rock bands weren't very accessible - you had to see them in concert, buy their albums, or watch their music videos if you wanted what they had to offer. That had certainly changed by 2022 when they released "Hold On," a track from their 16th album, Digital Noise Alliance. The song deals with how social media and influencer culture affect our well being. Fame always had toxic byproducts, but now anyone with a YouTube channel or TikTok account can be famous on some level, judged by followers and view counts. With lots of experience with fame and its fickly nature, the band pulls back the curtain in this track.

    In a statement, they explained that the song is "reminding people to not believe everything they see, and to not buy into the glorification of fame, money, and popularity. It strives to empower those that have been blinded by the distorted reality of the glorified social media lifestyles. It is a song reminiscent of older, simpler times."
  • By this time, Queensrÿche was fronted by Todd La Torre, who joined in 2012 when they parted ways with Geoff Tate. The two original members still with the band were guitarist Michael Wilton and bass player Eddie Jackson.
  • The music video shows lots of ring-lit footage of social media influencers (not real ones) peddling their wares. It draws a line from this consumer culture to depression and body image issues, as it's impossible to keep up with this constant influx without suffering some emotional problems. It was directed by Thomas Crane for A killDevil Films.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.