I first encountered Jacob Rose at a holiday fundraiser last December. What immediately struck me was his rare combination of humility and quiet confidence – a refreshing departure from the music scene’s typical posturing. While many artists cycle through phases of mimicking their influences, Rose exuded a natural comfort in his own artistic skin. This self-assurance speaks volumes about his maturity as a musician who has discovered his authentic voice.
Though his performance that evening was brief, it left an indelible impression that had me eagerly anticipating more. When news broke of his latest single, my interest was immediately piqued. “Hold Your Head Up” arrived on all major streaming platforms just last Friday.
For this release, the Saint Stephen, NB based artist surrounds himself with exceptional talent. Chris Kirby’s production, mixing, and engineering work demonstrates remarkable restraint and musicality. In an era where digital tools allow producers to sanitize every imperfection, “Hold Your Head Up” embraces a deliberate rawness.
Some of its most compelling moments emerge from what contemporary production might consider flaws. The backing vocals by Yvette Lorraine, Victoria Howse, and Kirby occasionally linger beyond the lead vocal—an “imperfection” that many producers would hastily correct. Instead, these natural moments breathe life into the recording, lending it authenticity and emotional resonance.
Rose’s vocal performance commands attention throughout, particularly in the chorus where his soulful delivery evokes Nathaniel Rateliff’s powerful presence without veering into imitation. His acoustic guitar forms the backbone of the arrangement, brilliantly complemented by Joshua Van Tassel’s precise drumming. The snare, positioned prominently in the center of the mix, punctuates each guitar strum with purposeful energy, driving the composition forward.
Meanwhile, bassist Ron Hynes provides a foundation with rich, sustained notes that create an emotional undercurrent, while Kirby’s additional instrumentation introduces dynamic swells that elevate the arrangement at precisely the right moments.
True to its title, “Hold Your Head Up” explores resilience with poignant clarity. Lyrics like “All your convictions they make me laugh / To you I sound outrageous / There’s no reason to be ashamed / We’re just sleeping with the enemy,” reveal a nuanced self-awareness – an acknowledgment of imperfection and shared responsibility. Yet the chorus transforms this vulnerability into strength through its repeated refrain to “Hold your head up high,” offering hope amid struggles. This message of perseverance feels especially timely in our current cultural climate, where quick abandonment often replaces steadfast commitment when challenges arise. Rose reminds us that there is profound dignity in weathering storms together.
“Hold Your Head Up” stands as a compelling testament to Jacob Rose’s artistic vision – a single that balances technical excellence with emotional authenticity. As I eagerly anticipate his future releases, his existing catalog certainly warrants exploration. In a musical landscape often dominated by artifice, Rose’s genuine voice offers a welcome reminder of music’s power to connect through honesty.
Photo Credit: Ollie LeBlanc
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
