Where did your stage name ‘HOLDN’ come from?
HOLDN is based on the main character in ‘Catcher in the Rye’ named Holden. Holden is a character who in the book, seems to be impossible for anyone to relate to, but in real life outside of the book, readers identify with Holden more than anyone else. As a general observation, most people only relate to or are willing to be there for someone when it’s convenient for them and only when it’s convenient for them.
What is your genre of music?
I call it ‘dark-pop’
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a 22 year old songwriter- that’s one thing i’d like to make clear from the start. I pride myself on writing my own material, calling my own shots, and being as involved as possible in every single aspect of my musical career. After all, it’s myself that i’m conveying through my music, my visuals, my message. This is me. I’ve experienced music and the industry from a few different angles and needless to say, I’ve learned a lot. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve applied to this project, but the most important thing I’ve learned was to have confidence and the ability to stand my ground.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve been around music since I was in the womb. I began playing around with instruments when I was about 3 years old. I’ve always been an entertainer; i’d put on little concerts for my family when I was a little kid singing into a hairbrush.
Are you signed?
I am currently independent!
You work with the 25/8 PR, how did that come about?
I’ve known Hope through music for a few years now and the timing was right for us to work together in this fashion!
Tell us more about your new DEBUT SINGLE ‘Burn’ and what the writing process was like.
BURN is a song that has been put on the shelf a few times and re-imagined musically. The lyrical content always had the same message because it was a feeling that was somewhat infectious throughout the time I was writing it. It constantly resurfaced as if it was still a fresh wound and that was all channeled into BURN- the lyrics, the production, everything.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was super liberating. I worked with an incredible producer out of Long Island, NY named Lupo. Upon meeting Lupo, he immediately understood my vision and realized we have a very similar style of writing. The recording/production process was made really fun because we were both constantly on the same page with bouncing ideas off of eachother.
Will you be releasing an EP or Album?
I’m looking to release an EP before the end of 2017!
Do you have any gigs or tours coming up?
Thats for me to know and for you to find out eventually 😉
Do you play any instruments?
I actually play 6 instruments! Guitar, keys, bass, flute, ukulele, & drums/percussion
Who are your influences?
My main influence is Sara Bareilles. She’s the #1 songwriter I will always look up to because her style and ability to make you feel what she is feeling is so unique and intriguing.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
My inspiration comes from everywhere. Whether it’s something that occurs in my life or just from being in New York City seeing people’s every day interactions. There’s inspiration everywhere!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In 5 years, I hope to be still making music, doing what I love all around the world.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I binge watch friends, make tacos, and love to go hiking/adventuring with my friends
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Bright Lights and Cityscapes by Sara Bareilles
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Best advice i’ve ever been given is to listen to my own intuition. Take other people’s opinions into consideration, but at the end of the day, no one knows you more than you know you. That’s something that I’ve learned is very important to remember.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Be YOU. Nothing will ever compare to raw, honest, emotion in an artist. There is too much bull shit being spoon fed to us right now and to be quite honest, everyone is catching on and they’re tired of being a product of manufactured art. People appreciate the real stuff. Remember that.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
My favorite quote is by Martha Graham:
“No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction; a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My hometown is Union, NJ! Home of the world’s largest water tower. If you’re not into water towers…. Like most people aren’t.. I wouldn’t recommend a visit, but I have a lot of great memories there.
Your straight off tour;
1/ where do you go? To bed! You don’t get much sleep at all on tour
2/ who do you see? My dog
3/what do you eat? I’d probably cook myself some real tacos
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My instruments, guitar picks, promo cards, my wallet, and extra cables
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Work on being the best you that you could possibly be for YOU and no one else.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
