Yellowstone's Luke Grimes' Motivation After Loss

Before releasing his debut album, Luke Grimes, known for his role as Kayce Dutton on "Yellowstone," found himself contemplating his dual artistic identities.

In an interview with CMT , Grimes ultimately, he concluded, "I'm an artist who creates."

Grimes' venture into music came during an unexpected break from acting due to a writers' strike, providing him with ample time to explore his musical talents in Nashville alongside renowned producer Dave Cobb.

Grimes delved into songwriting, a new realm for him, co-penning ten out of the thirteen tracks on his album. The actor-turned-musician was initially daunted by the prospect of songwriting, admitting, "I didn't even know co-writing was a thing."

However, he quickly embraced Nashville's collaborative spirit, finding a new passion in the process. "That has been the coolest thing that's happened to me in a long time, discovering that (songwriting) community," Grimes reflected.

His journey from acting to music was also fueled by a personal loss. After his father passed away, Grimes was motivated to pursue his musical interests more seriously, viewing it as a tribute to his father's memory.

He remarked, "That's when I decided, 'You know what, life's short. I can't be so worried about what people think that I don't do what I want to do.'"

Grimes' transition into the music industry was a significant leap, especially considering his previous involvement in an alt-country band and his casual approach to songwriting.

His first major live performances as a musician were as grand as they were daunting, with his debut show attracting a crowd of 11,000 in Montana, followed by appearances at major music festivals like Stagecoach and the Under The Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, Montana.

Despite his rapid rise in the music scene, Grimes remains grounded, attributing his success to the collaborative nature of Nashville's music community and the unexpected free time the writers' strike afforded him.

"I had never played a coffee shop before that," he shared, underscoring the surreal nature of his musical journey. Now, with a major label album release under his belt, Grimes looks forward to connecting with audiences and continuing his artistic exploration.

"I know how blessed I am to even have this opportunity and how hard people work for it. I just hope the music connects with people so I can make another album."

Grimes' self-titled album was released March 8 by Universal Music Group Nashville and is available on streaming services.