Behind The Scenes With Justin Holmes: The Making Of His First Music Video
on Apr 19, 2024
After the success of his first studio single, country artist Justin Holmes is back with “Heartbreak Honky Tonk,” a song that fans of ’90s country are sure to love.
Justin Holmes, who has quickly risen in the ranks of country music, recently filmed his first-ever music video for his new single, “Heartbreak Honky Tonk,” which encapsulates the themes of heartache and resilience, hallmarks of the classic ’90s country vibe that Holmes so effortlessly channels in his music.
The Journey of Justin Holmes
Holmes, a Kentucky native and Air Force veteran, first captured the public’s eye in 2016 with his viral rendition of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Following this, his tribute to George Jones and the widespread acclaim of his original track, “Damn Addiction,” further endeared him to country music enthusiasts.
“Heartbreak Honky Tonk”: A Nod to ’90s Country
With “Heartbreak Honky Tonk,” Holmes pays homage to the era of country music that he grew up loving. Inspired by artists like George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, and Tracy Lawrence, Holmes crafted a song that tells the story of a place where heartache and honky-tonk music intertwine.
The song resonates with fans who crave the classic sounds of ’80s and ’90s country, proving that the genre’s traditional roots still hold a special place in the modern music scene.
RELATED: Justin Holmes Channels The ’90s For New Single, “Heartbreak Honky Tonk”
The Making of the Music Video
After becoming the first artist signed to Country Rebel Records, Justin Holmes was given a chance to showcase his music in ways beyond his wildest dreams.
In an engaging conversation with Country Rebel, Holmes shared his excitement and insights about creating his very first music video.
“I told my wife that it was just crazy. It was a legit music video. You could turn on CMT and see something that looks like this on there, as far as the quality goes.”
Crafting the Visual Story
The creation of the “Heartbreak Honky Tonk” music video was a venture into uncharted territory for Holmes.
Under the direction of Ryan Hamblin and producer Jerrod Neimann, and filmed at the iconic Nashville Palace, the video features performances by Redneck Records’ artist Jessie G and her husband, Matt.
It’s a visual treat that captures the heart of the song, showing the emotional journey of remembering love and past times.
Holmes’s creative concept had been the guiding force behind the video, having envisioned a dimly lit bar scene as the backdrop for the unfolding narrative. His meticulous attention to detail and hands-on approach culminated in a music video that not only complemented the song but also elevated it.
“I did come up with a concept in my mind. I pictured the guy at the bar. Maybe there’s a couple guys around. Maybe he’s alone, but I just wanted this dim lit bar and maybe a jukebox in the corner. That was the first iteration. I’m gonna serve him a drink, or a bartender’s gonna serve him a drink and say something like, ‘Hey! Welcome to Heartbreak Honky Tonk,’ or something like that.”
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A Journey Come Full Circle
For Holmes, the release of “Heartbreak Honky Tonk” and its accompanying music video marks a milestone in his career, bringing his artistic journey full circle. The excitement of seeing his vision come to fruition and sharing it with the world is a sentiment that Holmes cherishes deeply.
“When you write something, and people enjoy it, and they sing it, and now they’re gonna see this awesome video, it’s just that full circle thing that I never thought I’d be doing. But it’s very cool to see. I’m very proud of the work that all of the team did on this one. And I think people are really going to enjoy it.”
Watch the captivating music video for “Heartbreak Honky Tonk” below.
You can also stream and download “Heartbreak Honky Tonk” on Apple Music or Spotify today.
