We’re so excited to premiere the video for Jess Kellie Adams’s latest single, “Hold On To Me.” Co-written by Dean Sams, Lauren Mascitti, and the talented Adams herself, the song is a powerful anthem inspired by her personal journey of seeking love and learning to stand up for what her heart truly deserves. The narrative reflects her courageous decision to establish ground rules, a testament to her authenticity and unwavering commitment to self-worth.
With deep roots spanning Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee, Jess Kellie Adams is rapidly making her mark on the country music scene. Having shared stages with the likes of Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins, Parmalee, Craig Morgan, and Ernest, Adams brings forth brazen lyrics and fierce vocals reminiscent of the leading, one-name-only ladies who define the genre. However, it’s her genuine connection to real-life experiences that sets her apart, allowing her to resonate with audiences nationwide.
Hailing from Ohio, Jess grew up immersed in the rich tradition of country music, listening to the Grand Ole Opry with her grandpa and absorbing every note played on her local country station. Honest storytelling lies at the core of her musical expression, emphasizing the importance of family and community. Jess Kellie Adams values her roots, and this is evident in the authenticity she brings to her sound and persona. Continue reading to watch the video and discover her insights on the video, the song, and background.
Watch the Video for “Hold On To Me” Now
How did you choose the concept for the “Hold On To Me” video?
I chose the racing concept for the music video because I wanted to be creative in connecting the message and the feel of the song to something out-of-the-box and almost unexpecting. After a lot of thought, I came up with the racing theme because being behind the wheel of a race car is a simile for guiding the journey of a relationship. If you think about it, a race is a lot like a relationship. Before we jump in, we must be mentally and spiritually ready so we can bring our best selves to the relationship.
Just like in racing, the race team must make sure there’s no issues with the car. Then, once that green flag waves, your adrenaline kicks in and you just want to get to the finish line, but there are many laps the car must run before that final flag – no laps can be skipped just like with a relationship. You have to make sure you take the proper steps to check your compatibility. There may be times when a caution flag is raised, and a pit stop must be made to take a pause and check in on ourselves. But if we run every lap and throw caution to the wind, we’ll walk away a winner in life and in love.
What was your favorite part about filming it?
My favorite part about filming was observing all the people on set to support me and this video. Bryson Sams and his amazing team with TapeSlate Productions invested many hours in pre-production to make sure the video was top shelf and the shoot went smoothly. Dean Sams of Lonestar is my music producer, but also plays a huge role producing this video and making so many opportunities happen. He pulled the whole video together through his connections in the business.
Tony Chambers, a race car driver and advocate for DSAMT, was a key component to helping Dean and TapeSlate Productions coordinate the track and drivers to make this race for love possible. Dean even brought Lonestar’s bus for me to use as a green room! The band backing me in the video is the actual band I tour with, I adore every single one of them. They are such great musicians but even better people. They dedicated their time to bring this part of the music video to life. They are my family. And then Keech Rainwater, the drummer of Lonestar, was brought in to be the jib operator for the video as well. Michael Gomez with Westlight Studios is one of the best photographers in Nashville and he came to capture behind the scenes photos. We even had a drone flying overhead!
Cam Payne, a TikTok influencer based out of Dallas, Texas, came to the shoot and is featured in the video as my love interest. I can’t say thank you enough to Highland Rim Speedway for allowing us to film there and all the amazing drivers that donated their time to race me and LOSE! LOL! Okay… they were instructed to stay behind me! Hehe! A really cool moment I want to share was when Dean and Keech took turns with the leaf blower blowing my hair so I had that cool Beyoncé effect! Lol. I am beyond grateful for this team of talented and hard working people. As an independent artist, my budget was small but everyone involved gave so much to pull this off. I am blessed and I know it.
Can you share the inspiration behind the song?
So many times, I’ve tried my hardest to make a relationship work whether romantic or friendship that just wasn’t meant to be and I would sacrifice who I am. Someone can be a good person but not a good fit. This song is hopefully a reminder to all of us that there are people who are perfect for us and we shouldn’t settle for anything less than what we know we need to be happy!
How did you get started as a country artist?
My grandpa loved country music and for as long as I can remember, he would have it playing throughout the house. He shared with me that when he was a little boy, the only source of entertainment his family had was the dial radio playing the only station they could get, the Grand Ole Opry. He said that when his mom turned the volume up to 11, you could hear the music bouncing off the hills down through the holler. Country music brought my grandpa so much joy so I started singing to make him smile. My grandpa, grandma, and mom are my biggest cheerleaders – they would always ask me to sing and the rest is history.
You’re releasing a seven-song EP this year. What can fans expect from it?
I’m so excited for all the songs that will be releasing throughout this year. When people ask to describe my music I say, Grit with Grace Country. My songs talk about troubles, insecurities, heartbreak, but also seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, finding your strength to persevere through tough times, and giving yourself and others grace. Each of these songs contains a message that I feel is my purpose to share. I want my music to leave people knowing they’re not alone, to see that their past doesn’t define them but has made them who they are.
What else is next for you in 2024?
I am so excited for this year’s tour! Our first show is on April 7th opening for Martina McBride at the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, Florida! I’m really looking forward to this show because Martina has been a major influence on me since I was a little girl. I would watch her music videos on repeat and then afterwards, lock myself in the bathroom for hours singing her songs into my hairbrush.
I’ll also be releasing new music every 4 to 6 weeks, and potentially a few more music videos as well. This year is going to be exciting, including a lot of fun and high-energy shows with my full band along the east coast and extending throughout the mid-west! I have a lot of plans for 2024, but I am just really excited to see what 2024 has planned for me! I’m constantly posting on all social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X @JessKellieAdams so if Country Evolution readers would like to stay up-to-date with new announcements and music releases, join my JKA Fam and be on this journey with me!
