Up-and-coming folk and acoustic artist Tariq Abou-Bakr has just released his highly anticipated single, “Hold Your Ghost”. This isn’t just a normal release—it’s extra special because the song marks both a big milestone in Abou-Bakr’s music career and the first anniversary of his relationship with his partner, World Cup and Olympic-qualifying skier, Jeanee Crane-Mauzy. Who knew a match on Hinge would lead to this? This acts as the follow-up to his previous single “Run Baby Run”.
Known for his powerful voice and emotionally charged songwriting, Tariq Abou-Bakr blends his signature soft guitar strums with soulful piano and heartfelt vocals. His raw and soulful sound creates an emotionally resonant and intimate atmosphere, and “Hold Your Ghost” is no exception. Written entirely by Abou-Bakr, the song is deeply personal and showcases his growth as a musician. This track is the third single from his upcoming eight-track EP and offers a fresh sound that slightly strays from his previous releases, “Cold” and “Run Baby Run”, but still stays true to his folk-acoustic roots. The guitar chords fuse impressively with the beat and his voice, reaching deep down inside us.
The release holds added significance, as it is the couple’s first Valentine’s Day together, with Jeanee Crane-Mauzy also competing in the Freeski Halfpipe World Cup today, making the moment even more special.
“‘Hold Your Ghost’ is a pure love song,” says Tariq Abou-Bakr. “It’s about loving deeply and passionately. But more specifically, it’s about holding a place in your life for the ones you love, even after they’ve left it. This song is dedicated to Jeanee, capturing not only the romance we share but also her own tragic life experiences. She’s been through a lot of adversity, and with this song, I want to show her how much I value the depth of our love.”
Residing in Salt Lake City, Tariq’s American West roots influence his music, giving it a distinct folk and near-country feel. His powerful voice and acoustic guitar melodies set him apart in the current folk-acoustic music scene. With each new release, he proves he’s ready to establish himself as the next big star in the genre.
“Hold Your Ghost” is the perfect showcase for Abou-Bakr’s unique storytelling and songwriting abilities. As the third single from his upcoming EP, it’s clear that he is poised for great things. With five more tracks set to follow, he’s set to further solidify his place in the folk-acoustic music scene and is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
“Hold Your Ghost”, by Tariq Abou-Bakr, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via The Proper Way. Be ready to hear something raw, real, and full of love this Valentine’s Day!