What is your name?
Holdyn Barder

What is your genre of music?
Country

Give us a little bio about you.
Having acquired 16,000 collective internet-based followers in his first ten months as an artist alone, and claiming the consecutive rank as Philadelphia’s #1 Emerging Regional Country Artist on ReverbNation, and a semi-finalist in Unsigned Only’s 2019 Music Competition for his balladist version of Luke Combs’ hit single, “She Got the Best of Me,” Holdyn Barder’s journey to Music City has been nothing but magical. This Houston-born, Philly-raised country artist is on his way to becoming a household name in Nashville’s next generation of country music, and there is absolutely nothing in his way. Catching the attention of artist manager Jordyn Elliott (Meghan Patrick, Eric Ethridge) in 2018, Holdyn was immediately sent to Nashville for song-writing collaborations, several of which included distinguished writer Patrick Jason Matthews (Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Chris Young, et al.). One of those initial writes led Holdyn to co-pen his debut single with Matthews and Michael Mobley (Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, et al.), “Like You Do,” releasing March 27, 2020. Capitol Records recording artist Dierks Bentley encouraged Holdyn to “plug away” at his craft, and he is doing precisely that. “I want my music to be something people can easily relate to,” says Holdyn. “There’s nothing better than a song that perfectly describes your feelings, and I believe “Like You Do” is definitely one of those songs!” Holdyn is more than ready for the next stage in his professional career as an artist. Holdyn’s debut single “Like You Do” placed #113 on the iTunes Country Charts on its release day, March 27, 2020.

What made you go into music?
My journey to music began several years ago. I was actually playing tennis with one of my buddies and after playing I saw a random blue guitar-shaped paperclip resting on my bag! I took it as a sign from the universe to start playing guitar, and I am glad I did! I still have it. I grew up listening to country music, and I am so glad to be able to play the same tunes that I grew up with, in addition to my own!

Are you a signed?
I am an independent artist and I am an independent songwriter!

You released your new single ‘Like You Do’, tell us more about the single.
I wrote “Like You Do” back on March 22, 2019 with two hit songwriters Jason Matthews and Mike Mobley. I remember we got to chatting about how one of us knew someone who only had an “online relationship,” meaning that they would only interact digitally (even though they lived near each other). We were cracking up at how silly that sounded. That got us thinking about how we could write a song about that same dilemma but twist it in a positive way.

What is the meaning behind ‘Like You Do’?
Mike, Jason and I got into writing a song about a guy who misses his girl so much because she’s always on her phone scrolling through social media. He reminds her that the only thing that he cares about is her, and not the extra, materialistic things. To me, “Like You Do” perfectly describes how social media can pull people apart in their relationships. In times like these though, I think it can also pull us together – balance is key.

Describe the track in two words.
Romantic, honest

Will we see a music video for the track?
I created a very cool lyric video for the track! A music video sure does sound like an incredible idea!

Will we see an EP or Album this year and if so what can we expect from it?
Currently I am focused on this single and getting as many people as possible to listen to it! However, I do have some songs that I have written, as well as some from others that have been written which I am considering for a debut EP! I am not sure when that will be, but definitely soon! When it does drop, you can expect a new, fresh, and high-vibe country sound!

Do you have any shows coming up?
Due to COVID-19, a lot of my shows, including writer rounds, were postponed. I look forward to rescheduling these and, once things open back up, getting some shows in! I am ready to be on stage! You can find me doing many online shows now, however!

If so where will you be heading?
I love to play anywhere I can! My hometown area is up in PA/NJ so I look forward to playing more shows there and across Nashville and other cities when the time comes!

What else can we expect in Early 2020?
High energy! We just surpassed 10K Spotify streams for “Like You Do” in its first two weeks being published. The consumption my team and I have seen so far has been incredible and I am beyond grateful. This release is more than I could have ever imagined, and I look forward to seeing what this year holds! I definitely will be putting more music out in no time!

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
I do not have any collaborations coming up with any artists, however, I plan on inviting a lot of my colleagues to join me on Instagram and Facebook live while we are self-isolating in COVID-19!

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I am always open to working with new minds! I think the best music is created when two or more minds come together – it is a beautiful thing. Should an artist or songwriter want to work together, please email my team at holdynbardermusic@gmail.com! I look forward to it

Do you play any instruments?
Yes! I am a vocalist, I play guitar, both acoustic and electric, and a bit of piano and violin! I mainly use piano and keys as a tool for song writing and production!

Who are your influences?
I grew up listening to all sorts of music. Here is a list of some artists that come to the top of my head when I think of recording and songwriting influences: Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Schneider, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran, Sam Hunt, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, and MANY more!

How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Inspiration comes to me in many ways. It could be a really catchy melody that comes into my head, or a one-liner I hear in a conversation, or perhaps a memory I have. There is no form to it and I love that. One minute I could be writing a slow ballad and the next I could be writing a pop hit. It really depends on the vibe I am feeling at that moment!

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself as a full-time touring artist and songwriter. Music is my passion, and all things are possible! I try not to put too much limits on where I see myself because if you’d asked me two years ago where I’d be, I wouldn’t have told you, “living in Nashville and pursuing my dreams professionally.”

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
When I am not doing music, you can find me resting, at the beach with my family and friends, spending time with loved ones, being outdoors. I love playing tennis and paddle boarding / kayaking. I belong at the beach or any body of water. I feel most at home there and I am sure many people can relate to that feeling!

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Country as a whole made me want to pursue music in general. There is no specific song I can think of that clicked in my brain where I was like, “Oh my gosh, I need to do this career path.” For me, it more had to do with attending live shows. Numerous live shows from my favourite artists, some of which I listed above, are what triggered my brain to follow this path.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Max-out every opportunity you have. Don’t let any opportunity go to waste. Take advantage of it in the most efficient way you can. Learn, adapt, grow, and most importantly listen.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Follow your dreams. You ARE the industry and it’s impossible to take that out of the equation. Being an artist means you are your own CEO in your own industry. You need to make a commitment to yourself and invest your energy into your art and business. Plant your seeds, water them, farm them, and let them harvest. Don’t let others’ opinions stop you from following your path – there is a reason you feel you are meant to do music. You can ultimately only take care of your own path. Trust your gut and just do it. There is no right or wrong way! You have to start somewhere!

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance.” – The 7 P’s. My father was in the Marine Corps and I grew up with him using this saying. I adopted it since it always works and it is true!

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I am from Bucks Country, Pennsylvania! A must-go visit is definitely attending a Philadelphia Eagles NFL game. NFL games are fun in general, but there’s nothing like being in Lincoln Financial Field with Philly fans… I feel at home there! If you ever come to Philly in the winter, don’t pass up on going to a game!

Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
I haven’t been on a full-scale tour yet, so these questions I will answer as hypotheticals. I assume home and straight to my bed for this one, ha-ha!
2/ Who do you see first?
My family and loved ones.
3/What do you eat first?
A Philly cheesesteak or my Aunt Cindy’s homemade meatballs. I always take a pitstop at Wawa too, a local convenience store that is AMAZING.

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
When I am at a gig, 5 things I cannot forget are:
1. My guitar (that wouldn’t be ideal!)
2. My tuner / capo (can use without, but it can make life easy!)
3. A glass of room temperature / warm water / fruity spice tea (helps with vocals!)
4. A good luck treat of some sort before playing (does wonders!)
5. To have an absolute amazing time performing!

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
All of my social media sites and streaming platforms can be found using this link: https://linktr.ee/holdynbardermusic