The Holdup – Cool Spot

By starrymag | June 1, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It’s difficult to do because I don’t stick to even a couple genres. Collectively, I try to fit it all under “pop” songwriting, but the style of production varies from Rnb, to reggae, soul, hip hop, even disco-pop.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I listen to a ton of artists. Lyrically, I like how conversational hip-hop can be. A lot of Biggie’s lyrics sounded very stream of consciousness. My favorite lyrics are ones that sound like a conversation, but they rhyme. That’s a very difficult thing to do. It’s easy to rhyme, but not to also make it sound like authentic dialogue. Other contemporary rappers who I think do that well are Drake, J. Cole and Belly. There are so many. Musically, I love anything groovy. So, I love reggae bass-lines and drums. John Mayer is one of my favorite guitar players. Generally, I just love catchy melodies, so there are a ton of pop songs that will inspire me from all eras.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Cool Spot.”

 

A) I kind of wrote it without thinking. I didn’t have a concept before the lyrics came, which is unusual for me these days. I just picked up the guitar and it poured out. I’m not even sure what it means for certain, but there is definitely a theme of maintaining your own sanity or peace. I don’t watch the fucking news because it’s all just fuel for fear. I try to avoid unnecessary conflict, etc. “Cool Spot” is a metaphor for a healthy mental state.

 

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

 

A) Honestly, it’s probably just the melodies, groove and attitude. There’s not a ton to grasp onto conceptually. It’s just a feel-good tune.

 

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

 

A) It depends. These days I try to have something I want to say before even picking up an instrument. It’s just easier that way. Then, I play some chords and start singing general phrases that are relevant to what I want to talk about and some catchy melody will prevent itself. Usually if you get out of your own way and just start singing, your unconscious brain will articulate a feeling much better and more poetically than you will if you think it out consciously.

 

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

 

A) I do nearly 100% of it myself. I have one friend who helps me on occasion.

 

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

 

A) I’m not a huge collaborator. I just have no idea who I would mesh with. My style is weird. In my opinion, Belly is one of the most slept on rappers and I would love to do a song with him.

 

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

 

A) Of course. Always. That’s what I do. I write songs and release records.

 

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

 

A) Tame Impala. Kevin Parker is an animal. I LOVE his production, his drum grooves, basslines, riffs, melodies…and he does it all himself. Like me! lol.

 

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

 

A) Because it’s a direct link between you and the fans. It’s an unprecedented amount of control for an artist in this industry. It’s the standard and we’re all used to it, but it’s very new in the scheme of how long the music industry has been around.

 

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

 

A) I am just incredibly grateful and flattered. I don’t feel like I deserve your love. I’m so lucky and that cannot be understated. Gratitude gets thrown around a lot but I really can’t even think about this for too long because it makes me so emotional. I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude and guilt at the same time. I just don’t know what I did to deserve this life. All of you people complete me.