Bailey Zimmerman Discusses New Song and Journey in Music

Bailey Zimmerman, a rising star and nominee for the Best New Artist award at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, attributes his current success to perseverance. Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Zimmerman expressed his desire to inspire hope in his audience through his latest song, “Holding On.” “I really hope it just gets people through something,” Zimmerman shared, emphasizing his aim to connect with listeners and assure them that they are not alone.

The journey to his current stature in the music industry did not come overnight. Zimmerman’s previous hit, “Rock and a Hard Place,” went five times platinum but required “months and months of production,” whereas “Holding On” was completed in just a few days. The song was a creation of his friend Blake Whiten and producer Austin Shawn. “We were about to put out a different song, and then I heard [‘Holding On’] the weekend before,” Zimmerman explained, adding that he knew instantly “This is the song.”

Zimmerman’s path to success began with humble beginnings. Out of high school, he worked in building gas pipelines and engaged in building trucks with his brother. Venturing into music, he recorded himself singing Black Stone Cherry‘s “Stay” during downtime from his work. It was a TikTok video in 2020 that propelled him into the spotlight, leading him to quit his job and fully pursue a music career.

Since then, Zimmerman has achieved a record-breaking streaming debut album, multiple platinum singles, and has sold out a headline tour. “The whole point of ‘Holding On’ is you won’t ever get there if you quit,” he noted, conveying a message of persistence and resilience. Zimmerman’s nomination at the CMA Awards has left him “speechless,” as he remarked on the honor of being embraced by the Nashville music community.

Zimmerman is motivated by storytelling through music, describing how songwriting has become a means to unburden himself and relate to his audience. “At 18, I was carrying all this weight,” he reflected, highlighting how his music helps him and his fans alleviate emotional burdens.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Zimmerman is involved in the Concert for Carolina, a benefit concert aimed at supporting relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. Set for October 26 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the event is headlined by Luke Combs and Eric Church. The concert aims to “bring people together” and leverage the healing power of music, according to Zimmerman.

In his personal life, Zimmerman is adjusting to life with a new puppy, Pie, who had a concerning bout with parvovirus shortly after adoption. With timely medical intervention, Pie has recovered and is expected to join Zimmerman on future tours, alongside his other dog, Marley.