Toronto, ON (July 17, 2020) – “Hold On” the debut single from up-and-coming Australian artist Mikhail Laxton is available today, and marks his first release since signing with Canadian indie imprint Acronym Records. “Hold On” serves as a powerful introduction to the rising star, blurring the line between genres while highlighting Laxton’s dynamic artistry and vocal abilities, and is the lead single from his forthcoming debut album Real, available next year.
“’Hold On’ is about when the anxieties within you build up to a point where you’re about to break; you’re ready to quit on being the good guy and just lose it,” says Laxton. “But you have that person and just by their presence, their spirit and their love, they’re able to remind you exactly why you need to hold on to the good inside of you and to always do what is right. For me, that person is my wife, and I hope this song reminds you of who that person is for you.”
STREAM or DOWNLOAD “Hold On” HERE
Laxton, now a permanent resident in Canada who calls Ottawa home, grew up in the small town of Mossman on Australia’s northeastern coast. Discovering classic rock at the age of 10, starting out playing the drums before making the switch to guitar, and by his early 20s he was busking at a farmer’s market in Brisbane, and playing regularly at a café run by his then future wife. He soon became a mentor to young local singer/songwriters, a natural extension of his outgoing personality.
In 2015, he auditioned for the Australian version of “The Voice”, where he advanced to the “Super Battle” round. Though the rules stipulated contestants sing songs by other artists, celebrity coach Jessie J encouraged him to keep developing his own original material, which ultimately set him on the path to moving to Canada.
Laxton quickly found a writing partner in Maia Davies, known for her co-writes with Jill Barber, Serena Ryder and more in addition to her own music and former band Ladies of the Canyon. Agreeing to produce the record, Davies also introduced Laxton to her business partner, multi-award winner Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Barenaked Ladies) who leaned in with co-writing and additional production on some tracks. Together, the songs were fleshed out in arrangements that explore folk, R&B, rock, pop and blues with a heavy focus on Laxton’s incredible voice. The forthcoming release of his debut album Real delivers an extended expression of Laxton himself, drawing primary inspiration from the power of love as an extension of who he is; honest, humble and soulful.
WATCH the video for “Hold On” HERE
