Trace Nixon Introduces His Captivating

Neo-Traditionalist Style  

In “Secondhand Hold On Me” Video 

“. . . showcases Nixon’s deep respect for classic storytelling, seasoned musicianship, and visual authenticity.” – Becky O’Connor, Country Evolution 

Nashville, TN (July 24, 2025) – Neo-traditionalist Trace Nixon’s debut music video, “Secondhand Hold On Me,” premiered on Country Evolution this week. Filmed primarily at The Station Inn (Nashville) and directed by William Gawley, the clip was produced by Michelle Robertson. Director of photography Wayne Taylor caught the camera’s love for the 6’2” singer/songwriter and captured his ease on stage. 

Trace has an honest voice with a touch of vulnerability that lays the groundwork for playful glances and bashful smiles as he leads the band on stage and connects with one special audience member. Heartbreaking reflections are captured as dream-like close ups highlight love lost. Intimate shots, moody lighting and drone footage are utilized to offer a fitting introduction to one of Country’s most impressive newcomers. Written by Trace and his fiancée Ashley Grant (who plays his love interest in the video), the idea for the song came from a line in Forrest Gump. “I saw a Facebook clip of the New Year’s Eve scene from the movie,” Nixon says. “Gump says, ‘she tasted like cigarettes,’ and I started thinking how funny it would be if Forrest was into that. Inspired by some of my wilder days, the song came together pretty quickly. I’ve always been a big fan of wordplay and lines with double meanings, so it was a fun one to write.”  

And I’ve never liked the smell of cigarette smoke, 

Aww but when she pulled me close…  

It’s like I was addicted, I couldn’t resist it. 

You’ve never felt anything like this. 

Through smoke & swingin’ doors, 

Jonesin’ for one more, 

Well I was hooked from our first kiss. 

And I don’t know when it hit me, 

But man I just couldn’t believe, 

The way she had a Secondhand Hold on Me (Nixon/Grant) 

The video is a companion to his “Secondhand Hold On Me” single, released in June for Charlotte Avenue Entertainment. The track will be on Trace’s upcoming EP, due this Fall. Fans can purchase the single now.  

Keep up with Trace: 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube 

ABOUT TRACE NIXON 

A Virginia native, Nixon was born to music. His parents, Nick and Michelle (SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2006) were professional musicians, and Trace grew up backstage - watching, listening, and learning. His parents met while performing at the Old Dominion Barn Dance in the early ’90s and had played all over the Virginia honky tonk circuit by the time Trace came along in ’95. As a young boy, Trace was drawn to Alan Jackson, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley. Along with music, he also developed a love for baseball and football at an early age. Eventually, Trace wound up playing baseball at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. During his time at SU, he leaned heavily on music and spent much of his free time honing his skill as a guitar player and songwriter. After graduating college in 2017, he returned to his hometown and quickly started performing as a solo artist. In early 2023, he formed a Country band, aptly dubbed Gone Country, with fellow musicians Chip Hale, John Holden and Corey Marshall. Later that year, he recorded his first single, “This One’s For Alan,” which he released independently in April 2024. After running the road every weekend and performing at nearly every bar and music venue in the state, Trace recorded an EP, which is due for release this Fall. When he’s not on stage or in the studio, Trace enjoys slowing things down and spending time with his fiancée Ashley and their dog, Kyla, at their home in Hanover, VA. 

# # # 

Publicity Shot - Credit Robert Isacson, Isacson Studios

Click on image to download

Contacts

Publicity: 

Martha Moore / so much MOORE media /somuchmooremedia@gmail.com 

Management: 

Michelle Robertson /Charlotte Avenue Entertainment / bsr_michelle@msn.com 

so much MOORE media