Holdyn Barder – Kick It Up

By starrymag | June 27, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the story behind your new single “Kick It Up.”

 

A) “Kick It Up” was a song that I wrote with my buddies Tyler Skye and Scott Loewen! Over Christmas in 2021, I came up with the idea while jamming to a HARDY track. I wrote the first verse, the chorus and the melody in twenty minutes! I knew I had to get someone else on it, so I presented it to my boys! They absolutely loved it, ran with the idea and we finished the track a few weeks after its inception! It’s a feel-good anthem that celebrates the high-energy moments of life!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think my fans love when I have fun and I’m certainly having fun in this song’s music video! As a fan of artists myself, it always is awesome to see my favorite artists doing what they love. I hope this song achieves just that! Additionally, the song is produced incredibly well, and that guitar riff is so iconic!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video is just a big, fun party! We took stock characters from different neighborhoods in Nashville, dramatized them and showed the party and “chill” side of Nashville. My entire band as well as actors gave 100% energy throughout the entire shoot! The only message is to have fun and “kick it up!”

 

Q) The song premiered on CMT. What did that accomplishment mean to you?

 

A) I was super grateful for CMT’s support for the video! Whenever an outlet of CMT’s caliber spotlight’s my music, I’m always filled with excitement and gratitude! I grew up watching CMT’s videos on my TV when I was little, and to think that my video is on that platform is humbling!

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future or are you focused on singles for the time being?

 

A) I can’t disclose much about this, but I’d love to put a full project out later in 2023 or in 2024! I have a vision for all of my songs, and I think that they deserve to live together, on one sonically cohesive work! I can’t wait!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) While Nashville has my heart, I always love playing at home in Stone Harbor, NJ! I love the beach. I have memories of growing up here (as well as a song to go with it), and I always feel best when I am in the NJ area!

 

Q) Any plans to head out on a Spring tour around the US?

 

A) At the moment, I plan on playing one-off shows across the country. I am currently scheduled to open for Blake Shelton and HARDY at 2023’s Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, NJ! I am so excited!

 

Q) Which song(s) are still your favorites when you perform live?

 

A) I love performing my song “Backroad Baby!” The song has INCREDIBLE energy, and the fans always sing along! I also love performing a second song that may or may not be coming out this year! I can’t disclose this one, though! Top secret!

 

Q) What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians?

 

A) Do what you love. Love what you do. Fall in love with songwriting, talking to fans, and your music. Work harder than everyone around you. Always assume that there is someone out there who wants it more than you. If you do this, the rest will take care of itself.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for believing in me as an artist. If my music has touched you, please message me on social media and let me know! I want to meet EVERY single one of you. I can’t do this career without you!