On September 18th, Greg Holden is coming to the DMV where he will play at Baltimore Soundstage! We were very lucky to get an interview with him, I hope you all find this very interesting as much as we do!
Greg Holden
Q. How would you describe the style of your music and how it differentiates you from other artists?
A. Well, I would never claim out loud to be different from other artists because it would make me sound pretentious. But, if I had to come up with an obvious dissimilarity, it’s that I don’t tend to write typical songs about love. For better or for worse I focus more on the more difficult subject matters, such as refugees, homelessness, homophobia, and politics. Essentially, I’m a huge bummer.
Q. Who are your musical influences?
A. Old: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, The Kinks. New: The 1975, David Bazan, The Killers, and a lot of hardcore and metal, believe it or not.
Q. What do you want your listeners to take away from your music?
A. That my music is more than just a catchy melody in their head.
Q. What projects are you currently working on?
A. Staying sane, optimistic and inspired in an incredibly worrying time on planet earth. I also have a new single coming out in October, and I’m hoping to release a full-length record before the end of the year.
Q. What is a piece of advice you’d tell your younger self?
A. Take up the guitar 10 years earlier.
Q. How do you feel about the internet and digital media and their role in the music business today?
A. It has never been easier to record, release and promote music, and make your own money from it if you put real effort in. I think that’s an incredible thing. There is of course now a lot more shit you have to fight through to be heard, but that’s equally inspiring if you don’t let it intimidate you, which I of course absolutely do.
Q. Are there any new artists you’ve been listening to recently?
A. Not that they’re a “new” artist, but I’ve been enjoying Flor’s music lately.
Q. What advice would you give to younger musicians getting their start in the industry?
A. Keep your publishing. It’s the only thing potentially still worth something.