In the heart of a tumultuous time, Hollywood Cobain has crafted a deeply personal narrative in his new single “Tryin.” This track, recorded in April 2022, emerged during a period of Cobain’s life when he was grappling with a latent but severe depression. “I wrote the song right before I fell into a deep depression, around my birthday,” he shares. Although he initially felt in a “good place,” listening back now reveals the undercurrents of his subconscious trying to stay afloat amidst encroaching darkness.
The creation of “Tryin” was swift but profoundly meaningful. Cobain penned and recorded the song within a single hour, a testament to the raw emotion fueling his creative process. He describes the track as a reflection of his struggle to maintain positivity despite feeling submerged by life’s challenges. “The thing about living with long-term severe depression is that you don’t notice when you’re depressed or on the verge of a breakdown,” he notes, highlighting the subtle yet powerful grip of mental health struggles.
The lyrics, particularly poignant lines like “I keep tryna move forward / Every time I try to take a step you’re / Telling me I never changed from before,” encapsulate Cobain’s belief in the necessity of personal growth and moving beyond the confines of one’s past. He emphasizes, “People who once knew a version of you don’t see behind the scenes, the hard work, the growth… all they see when they look at you is the same person they used to know.”
Returning to Orlando and immersing himself in the vibrant environment of Full Sail University reignited his passion for music. A pivotal conversation with a mentor encouraged him to release his music, breaking the chains of his insecurities. “My mentor told me I was being selfish for keeping my music to myself,” Cobain recalls. This push, combined with the poignant reminders of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and the personal losses his family faced due to untreated mental health issues, fueled his resolve to share his music with the world.
For Cobain, “Tryin” is more than just a song; it’s a mantra and a beacon of his ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and growth. His process, driven by raw emotion and spontaneous creativity, is a reflection of his commitment to authenticity. “When I write songs, it’s like I blackout,” he says. This uninhibited approach allows his music to resonate deeply with listeners, offering a window into his struggles and triumphs.
As Hollywood Cobain looks to the future, he plans to continue releasing music, maintaining a delicate balance between life, art, and his studies. Through his work, he aims to shed light on the often unspoken realities of mental health and inspire others to find strength in vulnerability. “Hollywood Cobain is about showing the reality that most people are too afraid to admit,” he concludes, underscoring the mission that drives his artistry.
Check out the stream for “Tryin” above.
