Holdyn Barder – Like You Do

By starrymag | July 24, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as unique, fresh and bright. I think my sound is a breath of fresh air!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up for an appreciation of all genres of music. I think for me some of my greatest musical influences would be Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Dylan Schneider, Ed Sheeran and many more! While I fall under the genre of Country, I don’t define myself having barriers in my musical creativity as an artist!

 

Q) How has life in Nashville changed you as an artist?

 

A) Nashville pushes me to be the best version of myself daily. Living in a community with elite songwriters, artists and players is inspiring and I am glad I can call Nashville my new home. There is no city like it and I cannot wait to create many memories in this city.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Like You Do.”

 

A) I wrote the song with two hit songwriters in Nashville, Jason Matthews and Mike Mobley, and we wrote it one afternoon in March of 2019! It was actually my last day in town before heading back to Pennsylvania, where I am originally from (before I knew I would be returning as a resident later that summer). “Like You Do” is such a happy summer love song. It’s a testament to how social media can impact our relationship with others. In the case of this song’s story, it is a boyfriend explaining to his girlfriend about the reasons he truly fell in love with her and not the materialistic stuff. I fell in love with it the minute we wrote it and I could not be prouder of this song being my debut single!

 

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

 

A) I think the song has a very warm atmosphere about it. I believe everyone craves a love as deep as the one expressed in the song. I think it sheds light on the important things in our connections with others like spending time together without being on our phones. I think it is a reality so many can relate to, and as a young guy myself, I know I can as well. The hook in the chorus is a great lead into the emotional explanation the storyteller states to his girlfriend. The guitar riff is absolutely incredible as well. All of those components together I think help fans connect to the song!

 

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

 

A) I think the video perfectly captures the vibe I am trying to express in the production of “Like You Do.” I love the natural airy vibe of the lyric video. I think that it is a perfect supplement!

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I think it depends on the song and there is no formula. Sometimes I’ll get sent a really incredible track that will need lyrics or I will have the lyrics to something and play on my guitar to find the appropriate melody. For me, most of my songwriting process derives itself from melodies. I often times will hear melodies in my head and I’ll record them into my iPhone or computer. Sometimes I also get a lyric in my head or will hear a line somewhere. Often times a lyric will inspire the vibe of the song or the melody. I always keep a stream of consciousness in my iPhone of ideas, themes and melodies. It may look like a mess, but it’s my place to turn to when I am looking to put puzzle pieces together.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I think of production in different stages. I include songwriting in that process. So, in essence, yes, I have a lot of hand in the production of my music. When it is time for my producer to throw a mix together after tracking, I actually prefer the producer to use his or her mind. In the studio, the producer is the creative and I think that allowing them to do their thing is really important. I will tell him or her the type of vibe or energy I would like to capture and then I let them go ahead and create that. I really enjoy hearing the version they derive from the original demo or work-tape I had handed them.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I do plan on releasing music in the coming months! For now, I am focused on getting “Like You Do” out to as many people as possible! I am creating and songwriting like crazy now that I am in quarantine, but I can’t wait to share these ideas with all of you!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Growing up Luke Bryan was one of my biggest inspirations in choosing to begin pursuing music. While there are many artists who hold this role for me in my life, I would be humbled and grateful to have a chance to work with him on a song. I am curious to see how we would connect artistically and it would fulfill many of my childhood dreams.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I have been all over Luke Combs’ recent album. That man is a legend. I have been listening to him on repeat for the last four years, but I will never get bored from his sound and craft. He is a master songwriter and I admire that. I think his story is also inspiring. I enjoy listening to artists and songwriters who are good people — simply by being a good person I will love your music tenfold. Luke Combs just hits different in an amazing way. The songwriting techniques, lyrics, melodies, everything!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Given the climate of the world pandemic, I’ve found many artists turning to social media even more. I think for me, social media is such an important way to connect with my fans because it gives them an opportunity to connect to an artist that otherwise they may not get to chat to until a meet and greet. I think it is a great way for others to look into my life and see me for who I am completely. Social media can pull us apart, which is what my song alludes to, but it also can bring us together. And in times like these this is especially important. Using social media to create positive change and inspire others is what it’s all about for me. My journey is magical and I want my fans to experience that magic — the same magic that drives me to do what I love every single day.

 

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

 

A) I would like to say thank you for all of your love and support. As a new artist, it can be difficult to put music out and hear the audience’s reactions. I think that vulnerability is why being an artist is so great. That vulnerability is something the fans can tap into and choose to support. I am beyond grateful to every single one of you reading this and for the love you have shown for my very first single — not even an album. I can’t wait for the next. For those of you reading this who are new to my music – hit me up! I run all of my own social media and it means a lot as a new artist to connect with you!