Interview With: Holly Henry

-What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family or did you just fall into songwriting all on your own?

"My father is quite musical. He plays various instruments and has been writing songs for a long time. My interest in music was undoubtedly influenced by being around him. My mother (though she denies it) can also carry a tune very nicely and sang to me often. They both brought me up in a musical household. As for the actual “writing”, I always loved to write when I was little. I would write stories, books, and eventually poems. When I started to view poems I’d written as lyrics, that’s when I think the songwriting began."

-What are your inspirations when it comes to songwriting ? Any favorite books or mentors you'd like to talk about?

"I find inspiration in really odd things and it’s never anyone or anything in particular. It might be a certain part in a song or something I read or think about. Very often, I’m inspired by where my life is at in that moment in time. My music is truly a therapy and usually whatever I’m feeling at the time is at the heart of what I write. If I’m feeling sad the song is usually sad etc. When it comes to people, I am influenced by anyone who is unique, really. I love people who look at the world around them and decide that they are going to be the first to be or do something different…and they do! I love hearing music that sounds distinct, like you know who is singing it because it’s so different from everything else. That’s pretty hard to come by in this day and age. I hope to be one of those people at some point. "

-Do you ever experience writer's block? If you do, what do you do to get over it?

"I wouldn’t say I consciously experience writer’s block. But that’s because I never sit down at a piano and say “I’m gonna write a song today!” because that never seems to work out. I write songs when I feel the urge to do so. If there is no urge…I won’t write haha. "

-What's coming up for you, Holly? What are you working on now and where do you feel your music is headed?

"I’m going to be raising money for a single and a music video in the near future. The new song is something I’ve been excited about for over a year. It’s both reminiscent of songs I’ve written in the past but also completely different. It’s also a lot less cryptic and weird than my previous releases. I love being cryptic and weird, though…so at some point after the music video and the song are released I would like to create an album that has a mixture of everything I am. That album is a little further down the road, though. For now..we are focusing on the new single and music video.

My ideal future is to be a recording artist/online musician. It’s funny because only a few years back that dream would be nearly impossible. But, now…there are so many ways to distribute your music and show the world your art without even leaving your home. Also, My YouTube channel (Hollymaezers) has also been growing quite a bit and I would love to maintain an audience on there by putting out covers. "

-What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

"A couple months ago I released a song called “Grow” on my Bandcamp for free. I think, for me, releasing free music is kind of a thank you to your following. I wrote it specifically for them and released it for free because they are such incredible supporters and have helped me so much. They deserve it.

And, having your music available online in general is the best thing ever. It’s so easy…both for the artist and for the supporter. I love the internet."

-Thank you for this conversation Holly. Is there any piece of musical advice you would like to give to our readers before we finish?

"I think the only advice I have is try to be different. Don’t model yourself after anyone else. This world is full of millions of incredible musicians..but there are a select few that really stand out. Creating something truly unique and original is what this industry and this world needs.

Thank you so much!"

If you want to hear Holly's music and follow her on Facebook look at the links below!

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/hollymaezers/videos

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollymaehenry

Tumbler: http://hollyhenrymusic.tumblr.com/

BandCamp: http://hollyhenry.bandcamp.com/

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/#hollyhenry-1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyhenrymusic

Instagram: http://instagram.com/hollymaehenry

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/holly-henry/id711891274

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