‘When hanging on becomes holding back’
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Chris Abbott
Editor
Olivia Mae Graham releases new single - I’m Not Sorry - on digital platforms
A new year brings a powerful new single from Olivia Mae Graham, one of the country’s rising country voices.
I’m Not Sorry, released Feb. 20 globally on streaming platforms, is another standout song from a prolific Norfolk County songstress.
“It’s release day, which is always like a little kid on Christmas morning – up at 6 a.m.,” Graham laughed early Friday morning. “Then at the desk, just making sure everything is up to date and all the links are working, and all the messages are responded to… so I’m good, I’m here. Later tonight my family and I will celebrate.”
Written about ‘the art of letting go,’ I’m Not Sorry includes one of her most poignant lyrics to date and one of her favourites… ‘When hanging on becomes holding back.’ Graham feels her raw - and real track - is a true testament of an artist singing her truth.
Early release response has been good, she said.
“It’s been really cool. This song is one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever written and it’s a very different message than I’ve ever put out. It’s about choosing yourself and leaving a situation.”
For Graham, songwriting comes from a process of reflection – something she’s been through before, something she’s felt.
I’m Not Sorry was different. As she was writing it, she was discovering how she felt about a situation. And it was at that point she realized ‘It was time to go.’
“I think in the lyrics of the song, you can really hear that. Every lyric is a realization. It’s like ‘oh….’ ‘oh…’ ‘okay it’s time to go…’ kind of situation. So when you put something like that out into the world, people resonate on a bazillion different levels. So far, the messages have been so positive, people saying ‘I relate to this.’ It could be a relationship or a job, a friendship, whatever it is that you felt like you had to leave. It’s kind of cool that music is such a universal language in that way.”
Graham had that feeling when she decided to leave a safe 9-to-5 and dive into making and performing music full-time. There was fear, she admitted, and no guarantee in sight.
“For me, that was the leap. Not being sorry for that. Not being sad about it.”
When she wrote, ‘When hanging on becomes holding back,’ she realized that’s what she had been doing, holding herself back. When she let it go, and trusted herself, that’s when she stepped into the unapologetic life she is living today.
“Something my co-writer Jay Allan is so good at is writing a song that is universal. So it could be moving your location, maybe an actual (relationship) breakup. If you feel, ‘Hey, I’m not even sad, at this end, then it’s like ‘Ok, maybe that’s an indicator.’ If it’s not working for one person, it’s probably not working for the other person either.
“It can be scary, people sometimes cling to what’s secure vs what actually sets their soul on fire and the things that bring us joy and happiness. For me, it was just a realization that where I was at in life had just run its course.
“I just want people to know, it’s February and it’s OK if you want to change your life.”
Following a milestone 2025 year that included the release of her debut album Nobody, multiple award nominations, and extensive touring, Graham continues to solidify her reputation as an artist to watch in Canada’s country music scene.
Each release has its own thrill, she said, its own uncertainty.
“For me, ‘release day’ eve is always like saying a prayer to the universe… and whoever needs to hear this song specifically, I hope they get to hear it. And I hope it gives them the courage to step into the life that they’ve always wanted.”
On the eve of releasing I’m Not Sorry, Graham shared with her team ‘success isn’t the numbers, it isn’t the streams, it isn’t the money. It’s the messages of the people that connected to it.”
She launched her YouTube video for the song on Sunday.
“The last release was super upbeat, super ‘live show’ driven. This one is like super ‘heart’ driven.” One more song from her debut full-length album, Nobody, will be released as a digital single this spring. It was however included on her earlier vinyl/CD album release as a ‘secret song.’
“And we’re going back into the studio,” Olivia shared. “I’ve been writing so much since the debut album, and we are ready to start making the next one. It sounds so crazy to say, but that’s where we’re at right now, which is really cool.”
About Olivia Mae Graham
Olivia Mae Graham is a 2025 CMAOntario Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee and 2025 Manitoba (MCMA) Songwriter of the Year nominee. Born and raised in Norfolk County, she is known for her emotionally resonant songwriting, captivating live performances, and commitment to creating music rooted in homegrown collaboration. Her debut album Nobody helped establish her as one of the province’s most promising emerging country artists.
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