LA singer/songwriter/producer M.T. Roads, the musical project of Mike Rubsamen, is poised to start 2025 with a deeply moving and experimental new single, ‘Hold Onto’.
‘Hold Onto’ is a cinematic electronic pop journey, drawing on genres like indie, electronic, and experimental pop to create a lush, emotive atmosphere. The track’s origins lie in a drone and hi-hat beat Mike created using Moog synths, leading him into a reflective state of nostalgia, focusing on memories of friends, lovers, and family. Adding layers of piano and synths, he felt a deep connection to the past that informed the rest of the song.
He says “I had been having dreams of the past recently, and felt old memories were surging through my mind. At the same time, I had this feeling like I was writing new pieces of these old memories; pieces that never happened; extensions of what had already passed for me. It was an interesting realization, and had me thinking about memories and how we process them over time.”
While traveling in the mountains, Mike brought along his acoustic guitar, and it was there that the track truly took shape. What emerged is a smooth, atmospheric blend of sultry beats and emotional depth—recalling the experimental pop styles of Future Islands, Hayden Thorpe, and RY X. M.T. Roads’ commanding vocals shine throughout, delivering a sense of vulnerability with immense finesse.
‘Hold Onto’ by M.T Roads is set for release on March 13th, 2025
Listen here: