Software Synthesizer Sound Designer Hollan Holmes
Hollan Holmes has been earning praise for his amazing science-fiction audio soundscapes since his debut album in 2010, A Distant Light which was released to immediate critical acclaim. Two of his albums, Phase Shift and The Spirits Of Starlight, were nominated as One World Music’s Album Of The Year. His 2017 double release, Prayer To The Energy, was the most difficult work of his musical career, requiring two years of serious effort and careful introspection, but was very well received and is considered by many to be his finest work. Holmes has already gained a reputation as a serious fine artist and graphic designer, the skills of which have allowed him to design and create the layout of all of his albums. Both of these careers, Holmes says, feed off of one another much like a symbiotic relationship. Energy from one feeds the energy for the other. Self-taught in both disciplines, Holmes strives to master both art forms to the very best of his abilities and the act of sharing his creations with the world brings him great joy, which drives him to create even more.
Artist website: http://hollanholmesmusic.com
“Each of our milestones in life adds to our growth in so many ways. My growth as a composer involves, in no small way, experimentation and each album is an attempt to grow and improve and hone my craft to the very best of my abilities. Music, however, is much like any art form in that it is subjective and that is the risk with doing anything creative. However, I made a promise to myself before I made my first album that I would only make music for me and no one else. While it is my sincere hope that others enjoy what I’m doing, my goal is to make the kind of music to which I personally want to listen.
“Milestones is entirely software-based, with regard to production. While I continue to explore hardware-based performances, this one was done using soft-synths and an array of digital effects and processing. One of the most exciting things about what I do is in the creative process of sound design. It isn’t uncommon for me to come up with a sound that interests me so much that I build an entire song around it. Sound design is very important to my work. Certain emotions are best conveyed by certain sounds and I am constantly trying to be mindful of this. Also, what processing is applied to a sound is actually a huge part of my methodology. It is among the most exciting things I do while making my music.
“I relied primarily on Propellerhead’s Reason to create my 7th album, “Milestones,” although Presonus Studio One IV was also used. Many plugins were used, as well, such as Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere, Native Instruments Kontakt, Heavyocity’s Gravity, Arturia’s V Collection and so many others. My go-to effects plugins include Valhalla Room and FabFilter’s Pro-Q and Timeless-2, but many others were used, as well.” (the preceding quotes came from the Spotted Peccary Music artist notes)
This is where it all happens:
I had the opportunity to explore ideas about the creative process by way of email with Hollan Holmes and I have some notes to share with you now about his music and about his newest release, Milestones, available February 21, 2020 from Spotted Peccary Music. ( https://spottedpeccary.com/)
Tracks:
1 Transmitter 05:00
2 One Giant Leap 05:17
3 The Truth Laid Bare 05:44
4 Slipstream 07:02
5 West Texas Backroads 07:05
6 Bulletproof 06:21
7 Inner Sanctum 07:12
8 The Phone Call 07:10
9 Something Wicked This Way Comes 06:49
10 Ayyappan 07:19
What is it about the electronic sound that attracts you to soft-synth technology?
It’s incredibly expressive! You can make sounds no one has ever heard before and use those sounds to describe your emotions or to tell a particular story in very creative ways. Also, working with soft synths is both very efficient and intuitive (most of the time).
Sound design is something that makes up half of my interest in all of my musical endeavors. It’s very important to my overall music making experience. Eric Persing and Richard Devine are among my favorites. Joel Thomas Zimmerman (Deadmau5) comes to mind, as well. They’re an inspiration, because they create sounds that are original, very unique and very emotive.
Eric Persing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Persing
Richard Devine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Devine
Joel Thomas Zimmerman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadmau5
Where were you born, where do you live now, and how might that have influenced your work?
I was born in Dallas, Texas. From there I moved to Wichita Falls, then Abilene, then to my current location of Euless, so I’ve been in Texas all my life. The land is what inspires me the most. I love the Hill Country of Central Texas, but I find most of my inspiration in the rugged lands of West Texas. While West Texas may seem more connected to Country and Western music, I think there is a connection between that land and more electronic based sounds.
Above all else, you have to practice. Let nothing stop you from doing what you love to do, even when someone tells you that you don’t have a chance at success (yes, it happens). Do not listen to the naysayers, listen to your heart. Also, find a worthy mentor, someone who inspires you and is willing to help you learn your craft, so that you benefit from their experience and avoid developing bad habits. Experiment often, try different methods, follow tutorials, take workshops. That’s another thing, don’t let anyone tell you that going to a college is required. It is not. Most universities teach very little about what it means to make it in the music or art world. They teach their own, focused agenda that often has little to do with your ultimate goals. I’m not saying that college won’t help you, but I am saying that it is not required (at least it wasn’t for me and many others). What is absolutely required is an undying passion for your work, whatever it is. Find what you love to do and make it a way of life.
What have been your most important discoveries?
I would stress the importance of experimenting. Exploring sound and sound relations. Ideas often come from being inspired by music you love. Maybe NASA and all their achievements inspire you. Maybe a video game soundtrack moves you to create your own compositions. Do not copy, do not steal, but let the work and actions of others inspire your own ideas and influence your explorations. Experimentation is a huge part of what I do, both in music and art.
How did your parents introduce music into your life?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story!
You can hear all the albums of of Hollan Holmes musical work on bandcamp ( https://hollanholmes.bandcamp.com/), and you can purchase Milestones directly from Spotted Peccary Music ( https://spottedpeccary.com/shop/milestones/), in CD format and in 24-BIT AUDIOPHILE, CD QUALITY LOSSLESS, MP3 and streaming formats.
About Spotted Peccary Music:
Portland-based Spotted Peccary Music is North America’s finest independent record label with a focus on deep, vast and introspective soundscapes. For over three decades, the artists of Spotted Peccary have been on a mission to develop, produce, publish and release ultra-high-quality, deep-listening experiences that engage the listener and exceed expectations. Every release is carefully prepared in a variety of high quality formats from MP3 to high-res studio masters. Explore more than 160 titles and 45 artists at www.SpottedPeccary.com and www.AmbientElectronic.com.
Spotted Peccary Album page: https://spottedpeccary.com/shop/milestones/
Spotted Peccary Artist Page: https://spottedpeccary.com/artists/hollan-holmes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spottedpeccary/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/spottedpeccary
Album unboxing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPr3fw3qB3g
Bandcamp: https://ambientelectronic.bandcamp.com/
Artist website: http://hollanholmesmusic.com
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Originally published at https://ello.co.
