Emerging from the thriving California rock scene, James Davis, former lead guitarist of the hard rock band Shameless, has unveiled his new supergroup, The Project, with their debut single Hold on Tight. Davis, who made waves in the early 2000s with Shameless, is back with a fresh sound that combines elements of metal and pop, signaling a bold new chapter in his career. Hold on Tight is the final track of The Project’s highly anticipated debut album, offering fans a taste of the musical evolution that Davis has undergone.
To understand The Project, it’s essential to look at James Davis’s illustrious career with Shameless. During their peak, Shameless was a powerhouse in the Southern California hard rock scene, earning numerous awards, including Best Hard Rock Band at the Southern California Music Awards in 2006 and Best Metal Band at the Inland Empire Music Awards the same year. Their song She’s So Pretty from the album Now Playing became an underground hit in 2007, further cementing their status as rock icons. With a devoted international fanbase, Shameless toured extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and Europe, showcasing their explosive performances and high-octane sound.
However, after years of success with Shameless, Davis felt the urge to explore new musical avenues. Thus, The Projectwas born, a band that merges his hard rock roots with pop elements, resulting in a sound that’s both heavy and accessible. As the creative force behind The Project, Davis is reintroducing himself to fans with a blend of styles that reflect his wide-ranging musical influences.
One of the most exciting aspects of The Project is its lineup of seasoned rock veterans, many of whom have made names for themselves in iconic bands. Davis has teamed up with some of the most respected names in rock and metal to bring his vision to life. Leading the charge is Jeff Plant, the powerful vocalist of Shameless, whose commanding voice drives Hold on Tight and adds a familiar yet fresh dynamic to the track.
On the instrumental side, The Project boasts an impressive roster of talent. Arron Rossi, the Grammy-nominated drummer known for his work with Ministry and Prong, lays down a thunderous foundation on three songs, including Hold on Tight. Erik Ferentinos, lead guitarist for Stephen Pearcy (of Ratt), delivers fiery solos that elevate the song’s intensity. Dennis Hill, a guitar virtuoso who has worked with acts like Face to Face and Sammy Hagar, adds his own flavor, co-writing the album with Davis while also handling production duties. The dual guitar work between Hill and Davis provides a tight, intricate backdrop for the song, weaving together melodic hooks and crushing riffs.
Additionally, the album features drumming contributions from Andre Bonter of Pump5 and The Poor Boys as well as Nate Walker from Lit, showcasing the depth of collaboration that Davis has fostered in this project. This rotating cast of top-tier musicians reflects the supergroup status of The Project, making their debut all the more highly anticipated.
Hold on Tight, as the last track on the album, serves as a climactic moment that ties together the diverse influences shaping The Project’s sound. While Davis’s hard rock and metal roots are evident in the song’s structure and intensity, there is also a noticeable pop sensibility woven into the melodies. The result is a track that’s as catchy as it is powerful, appealing to both rock purists and casual listeners.
The production, led by Dennis Hill, emphasizes clarity and power, with the guitars and drums creating a wall of sound that supports Jeff Plant’s soaring vocals. The combination of driving rhythms and melodic hooks gives Hold on Tight an anthemic quality, ensuring it stands out as a defining song on the album.
Lyrically, Hold on Tight mirrors the resilience and perseverance that James Davis has shown throughout his career. It’s a song about pushing through difficult times and holding onto what matters most, themes that are universally relatable and timeless. The band’s ability to balance intensity with accessibility makes Hold on Tight a fitting introduction to The Project’s wider body of work.
With their debut album ready to drop, The Project is preparing for a busy 2025, which will include extensive tours across the U.S., Japan, and the U.K. This global tour will give fans a chance to experience the band’s electric live performances, which will feature the full lineup of talented musicians that Davis has assembled. Fans can expect more surprises along the way, as Davis has hinted at future collaborations with other notable musicians, keeping the spirit of experimentation and collaboration alive in The Project.
The band’s tour will likely spotlight tracks from the new album, blending the best of hard rock, metal, and pop to create a unique live experience. With veterans like Arron Rossi and Erik Ferentinos bringing their talents to the stage, The Projectpromises to deliver shows that are as polished as they are high-energy.
With the launch of The Project and the release of Hold on Tight, James Davis has successfully transitioned from his days in Shameless to a new phase in his career. While his previous work laid the foundation for his musical identity, this new chapter sees Davis exploring fresh sonic territory, pushing boundaries, and collaborating with a host of incredible musicians. The upcoming album and tour are just the beginning for The Project, and fans, both old and new, have plenty to look forward to.
As Davis continues to blend his love for hard rock and metal with pop influences, The Project represents a bold statement of artistic evolution. With Hold on Tight, Davis is reminding the world that while the past may have been great, the future is even brighter. Keep an eye on The Project—this is just the beginning.
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