Multifaceted artist and engineer Hollywood Cobain has returned with new music depicting a stark reflection of his harrowing journey via his new single, “Tryin.”
However, this track is not just another song; it’s a window into Cobain’s struggles, resilience, and his unfiltered expression of a tumultuous period in his life. The creation of “Tryin” began in April 2022, a time Cobain describes as a deceptive calm before a storm of depression.
“I wrote the song right before I fell into a deep depression, around my birthday,” Cobain recalls. At that moment, Cobain felt he was in a good place, yet the lyrics hinted at underlying turmoil. “Listening to the record now, I see what my subconscious was trying to tell me. It was my way of trying to remain positive through a difficult time, but you can hear me in the song nearly drowning.”
The writing and recording of “Tryin” were swift, and accomplished in a mere hour. But, despite the quick turnaround, the song’s release was delayed due to life’s unexpected twists. Cobain found himself in a toxic relationship, prompting a drastic life change.
“I announced I was selling all my shit and quitting music and I did. I moved back to L.A. to enjoy life and get to know myself again.” This period of reflection and upheaval gave Cobain the clarity he needed to appreciate the song’s significance.
“In times when I was down, I would play it to remind myself how my thoughts are when they aren’t as clouded.”
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Among the poignant lyrics in “Tryin,” one bar in particular stands out for Cobain.
“I keep tryna move forward / Every time I try to take a step your / Telling me I never changed from before,” he croons.
The lyric itself encapsulates the struggle of personal growth against the backdrop of past perceptions.
“People who once knew a version of you don’t see behind the scenes, the hard work, the growth… they treat you like the person you used to be,” he said.
For Cobain, the song is about continuous self-improvement and the recognition that others’ views are often rooted in a static past. Additionally, the release of “Tryin” is more than just a musical endeavor for Cobain; it’s a step toward self-acceptance. Cobain, who says in the past he has often masked his insecurities with tattoos and hoodies, and allowed anxiety and other factors to lead to canceling video shoots, is making a concerted effort to no longer be controlled by his self-doubt.
“I’ve struggled silently, and not so silently if you’ve listened to previous albums, with depression, PTSD, and body image issues; basically being my own obstacle,” he admits. “I’ve always been transparent in my music so why stop now?” he states, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and vulnerability in his art.
Cobain’s recent move back to Orlando, Florida, and his enrollment at Full Sail University, marked a turning point in his creative journey. Surrounded by driven artists, he found renewed inspiration. As a result of taking control of his environment and investing in himself, Cobain has accumulated a new cabinet of supporters into the fold, including a mentor, who he says gave him words of encouragement which further fueled his resolve.
“He was like, ‘F your insecurities, put the music out. It’s not for you, it’s for them.’” This, coupled with an article highlighting June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, galvanized Cobain to revisit “Tryin.” He mixed the track himself and crafted the artwork, signaling his return to music.
Looking ahead, Cobain views “Tryin” as a mantra for his personal and artistic growth. “The hardest step is always the first one,” he says, indicating plans for future releases and a potential album by the end of summer. For 2024, his focus remains on maintaining a balance between life, music, and school.
“Being able to find a healthy balance in your life is a necessary discipline,” he notes, underscoring the importance of mental health and purposeful living.
As Cobain continues to navigate his path, “Tryin” stands as a testament to his resilience and the power of authentic self-expression. With each note and lyric, he invites listeners into his world, a place where honesty and growth prevail over the shadows of the past.
Check out the stream for “Tryin” above.
