Lauren Minear’s latest single, “Protect You,” is more than just a song—it’s a poignant call to action. With her signature ability to craft emotionally charged, socially conscious music, Minear takes a deeply personal approach to one of the most urgent issues in America today. The track, which was released on January 31, 2025, was born out of a moment of profound grief and fear following the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, just a mile from her childhood home. As a mother, an artist, and a human being, she felt compelled to turn her pain into something that could make a difference.
Written the morning after the tragedy, “Protect You” captures the raw emotions of a parent sending their children off to school in a world that no longer feels safe. The song’s cinematic production, helmed by Dan Weeks and recorded at WWW Studios in London, enhances the weight of the message. The acoustic version, recorded and produced by Dan Barracuda in Brooklyn, strips the song down to its core, making it even more intimate and powerful. Every note and lyric speaks to the helplessness and heartbreak that so many parents feel, yet within it lies an unshakable resolve.
Minear first performed “Protect You” at a Moms Demand Action fundraiser in Bedford, New York, where she saw firsthand the impact of her words. Parents approached her after the performance, expressing how deeply the song resonated with their own experiences. That moment solidified her decision to share it with the world. Now, as the song prepares to reach a wider audience, it carries the weight of those conversations and the hope that it might inspire meaningful change. Net proceeds from the track will directly benefit gun violence prevention efforts, both nationally and in Tennessee, reinforcing Minear’s commitment to using her music as a force for good.
To celebrate the release, Minear headlined a hometown show at The Basement in Nashville on January 31, joined by special guest Chloe Halpin. The event also served as an opportunity for advocacy, with Moms Demand Action and March Fourth providing information on how attendees can get involved in the movement to end gun violence.
The single’s cover artwork, created by Nashville photographer and fellow mother Anna Haas, adds another layer of personal connection. As an elementary school classmate of Minear’s, Haas shares a deep-rooted tie to the community that has been forever altered by this tragedy. The imagery, much like the song itself, is a reflection of heartbreak and resilience.
“Protect You” stands as a testament to Minear’s artistry and her unwavering dedication to speaking difficult truths. Following the success of her sophomore album Chasing Daylight, which explored themes of self-discovery and transformation, this new single further cements her place as an artist who doesn’t just create music—she creates conversations. With over 932 thousand streams and a growing audience, Minear is using her platform to shine a light on issues that matter, reminding listeners that music can be both a refuge and a catalyst for change.
“Protect You” is now available on all streaming platforms, offering not just a song, but a statement. Through haunting melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a cause that demands attention, Lauren Minear ensures that the voices of those affected by gun violence will not be forgotten.
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