Singer-songwriter Chris Pannella has released his deeply personal new single, “Holdin On”. The song serves as both a tribute and a reflection on loss, inspired by the life-changing experiences that shaped Pannella’s journey as an artist and as a person.
Blending heartfelt lyrics with reflective melodies, “Holdin On” captures the experience of carrying someone’s memory long after they’re gone.
The story behind “Holdin On” begins in October 2021, when Pannella reconnected with one of his closest friends, Thomas, after weeks of focusing on a demanding new job. The two spent time together in Colorado, sharing conversations about life, philosophy, future plans, and the excitement of what lay ahead.
Just days later, on October 13, 2021—Pannella’s birthday—everything changed.
After waking up to birthday messages, including one from Thomas wishing him a happy birthday, Pannella waited for his friend to arrive so they could begin celebrating. When Thomas never showed, confusion quickly turned to heartbreak after a devastating phone call revealed that he had suffered a fatal heart attack while at work.
“I couldn’t process it at first,” Pannella recalls. “I reread that message a hundred times, then read it again. I was the last person from our group of friends to see him alive. It sent a shockwave through our community.”
What was meant to be a celebration with friends became a day of grief. Thomas was widely loved and remembered for his authenticity, kindness, and unwavering support of those around him.
“Thomas was one of the biggest supporters of my music,” says Pannella. “At the time, I was still an amateur. I didn’t even sing, even though he always encouraged me to. I ended up waiting until last year to finally start.”
The loss left a lasting mark.
“It is a brutal experience to lose somebody who understands you,” Pannella says. “Every October 13th, I think about that day.”
Through “Holdin On,” Pannella channels those emotions into a song dedicated to the people who leave an unforgettable impact on our lives.
“This is a song for the lost,” he explains. “For the people who changed the course of your life. For the friends we’ve lost and the memories that never leave us.”
While Thomas will never have the opportunity to hear the finished song, Pannella believes his friend would have loved it.
“Even though my friend will never listen to it, I know he would have loved it.”
About Chris Pannella
Chris Pannella is a singer-songwriter whose music transforms personal experiences into deeply relatable stories. Drawing inspiration from real-life moments of loss, growth, friendship, and perseverance, his songs blend honest lyricism with emotional authenticity. Through heartfelt storytelling and emotionally driven songwriting, Pannella creates music that resonates with listeners navigating love, loss, growth, and remembrance.