Hollyn began her music career in 2013, appearing on season 12 of American Idol, where she advanced to the Hollywood week rounds before being eliminated. She gained popularity after being featured on TobyMac's album This Is Not a Test on songs like "Backseat Driver" and "Lights Shine Bright," which charted on the Billboard magazine Christian Songs chart. Hollyn's first extended play was released in 2015 and charted on the Billboard magazine Christian Albums chart. Her debut album, One-Way Conversations, was released in 2017, and she released the single "Hola!" later that year. Hollyn was signed by Gotee Records' TobyMac after he saw her videos on YouTube and collaborated with her on the song "Alone." The song was inspired by her favorite verse at the time, Isaiah 30:21.