San Holo: Crafting a Unique Sound in the Electronic Music Scene
When diving into the world of music genres, San Holo can be somewhat of a puzzle. Some tracks are classified under “trap,” while others explore the realms of “future bass.” However, Holo himself prefers to take a different approach. He describes his artistry as a blend of indie and electronic dance music (EDM), striving for a sound that stands out rather than conforming to labels.
The Journey of an Artist
In a recent interview, Holo shared his aspirations to carve out a unique lane for himself. “I just feel like I want to be in my own lane and find my own sound — find my own voice,” he stated. This desire for individuality has driven him throughout his musical journey, which includes his current tour and a new album that has captured attention across various platforms.
One intriguing aspect of San Holo’s performance is his distinctive stage presence, primarily characterized by his guitar playing. With over 14 years of guitar experience, he proudly identifies as a guitarist. However, after years of performing in bands, he faced a creative roadblock, feeling he had exhausted the possibilities of the instrument. This led him to explore beat production, initially focused on hip-hop and electronic.
Fusing Guitar with Electronic Sounds
A significant turning point for Holo occurred only about a year ago when he made the bold decision to integrate his guitar skills back into his electronic music. By merging these two genres, he has effectively bridged the divide between indie and EDM, thus creating a fresh sound that deviates from traditional electronic music styles.
His journey has not gone unnoticed. One notable achievement that highlights his versatility is his remix of Dr. Dre’s “Next Episode,” which has garnered over 180 million views on YouTube. Additionally, his recent nomination for an Edison Pop Award—akin to the American Grammy—underscores the broad reach and appeal of his artistry.
“I feel I could do any genre that I want as long as it still has my sound, you know,” Holo expressed, emphasizing his flexibility as an artist. Yet, he seeks to redefine how his music is labeled, pushing against the mainstream categorization of “future bass.” To him, this push for innovation is a response to an oversaturation of certain music genres, which led to a flood of similar beats and melodies.
Defining “Album1”
San Holo’s debut album, “Album1,” released on September 21, has taken the music charts by storm, debuting at number seven on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. The album radiates a mellow, indie vibe while maintaining elements often found in EDM tracks—but with a subtler energy that sets it apart from typical club anthems.
Holo narrates the creative process of recording “Album1” as an immersive experience spent in an Airbnb in Los Angeles for two months, influenced by the rich tapestry of life around him. He describes the resulting work as offering “a pleasantly sad kind of feeling,” which resonates with the emotional intricacies often found in love.
The Complexity of Love in Music
But “Album1” is more than just a collection of sounds; it is imbued with story and emotion. Holo started writing these tracks in early 2018, with the themes and experiences woven throughout the album emerging from a heartfelt, organic place. Love, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping the music.
Songs like “Love (whip)” and “Everything Matters (When it comes to you)” strongly exemplify this theme, portraying the complexities of love through Holo’s lens. He articulates a nuanced view of this universal emotion:
“Everyone experiences love in a different way, and the way we portray it in the media is not a truthful representation of what love is,” Holo remarks. He raises profound questions about love—whether it’s about possession or freedom—reflecting on how these ideas have influenced his creative output.
Connecting with Audiences on Tour
Currently, San Holo is wrapping up his tour in support of “Album1,” feeling that the journey has been a success. He mentions the joy of performing new tracks and the connectivity he feels with his audience, who eagerly sing along to the lyrics and melodies.
The tour will continue to make stops, notably in Eugene and Portland on December 19th and 20th. Fans can still snag tickets online and are encouraged to explore “Album1” available on all major streaming platforms.
Holo stands as a compelling figure in the electronic music landscape, driven not only by his artistic innovation but also by an ongoing quest to redefine the soundscape around him. His commitment to individuality and exploration continues to captivate listeners, establishing San Holo as an artist to watch in the ever-evolving world of music.
