I’m stoked to finally share the story behind my new album, “Hold Fast.” It’s been a wild ride getting here, and believe it or not, it all started with a tattoo during the peak of the pandemic lockdown.

You see, like everyone else, I was feeling pretty lost and uncertain back then. Gigs were canceled, and the world felt like it was on pause. I needed something to grab onto, a reminder to stay strong and keep moving forward. So, in a moment of pandemic-induced inspiration (and maybe a little boredom), I found myself at the “jankiest little tattoo parlor in San Fernando,” as I like to call it.

And that’s where I got “Hold Fast” tattooed across my fingers.

“Hold Fast” is a maritime term, a command shouted on sailing ships, urging sailors to grip tightly to ropes or anything else when the seas get rough. It’s a philosophy of survival, of weathering the storm, and it resonated deeply with me. Looking down at my fingers, I knew those words would be a constant reminder to persevere, no matter what life threw my way.

Little did I know, that tattoo would become the seed for my next album.

The idea for the album started swirling in my head, a collection of songs reflecting that “Hold Fast” mentality. But life, as it often does, had other plans. I ended up facing some serious health challenges, including spinal surgery and, more recently, a cancer diagnosis. It was a tough period, to say the least.

But you know what? That “Hold Fast” tattoo kept me going. It reminded me of my own strength, my resilience, and the importance of holding on tight, even when things felt overwhelming. Music became my anchor, my therapy, and my way of expressing all those emotions.

So, I poured my heart and soul into this album. I wanted it to be more than just a collection of songs; I wanted it to be an experience, a journey through the ups and downs of life, with a message of hope and perseverance at its core.

I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I enlisted the help of some incredible musicians. Alex Foley finally made it onto one of my records, and Javier Reyes from Animals As Leaders was my partner in crime for mixing and producing. He really helped me sculpt the sound I was hearing in my head.

And since I’m old school, I wanted to make sure the physical album was something special too. I worked with a fantastic graphic designer and photographer, Ava Martinez, to create a beautiful package. It’s got a fold-out wallet, all the info you could want, and a big poster to put on your wall and remind you to practice! There’s even a collage of all the people who played on the record, including my cat, who apparently moonlights as a keyboard player (he’s wearing a beanie and everything!).

“Hold Fast” is available now on all the streaming platforms, but if you want to support me directly (and get access to the digital booklet), you can head over to stuhamm.com and order a download. You can even get a signed copy!

This album is more than just music to me; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of holding onto hope, and the incredible support of my fans and fellow musicians. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can always find something to hold onto, something to keep us going.

So crank it up, and remember to always “Hold Fast!”