Behind The Lens: Holly Bruce
- Charles Luberisse
- May 27, 2024
- 4 min read
How did your journey in music begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in the industry?
Since I can remember, music has been an essential part of my life and self expression. Wiitnessing other singer songwriting artists share their brave self expression so unapologetically gave me courage and inspiration to express my own feelings and process discoveries through my music as well. It has always been an important part of my life. I hope to be able to share my heart and inspire others.
Can you tell us about your musical style and the genres that influence your work?
I am an Indie Americana/Pop/Folk Artist, Singer-Songwriter & Composer. Everything influences me from Classical, Bluegrass, Pop, ballads and catchy melodies, etc. I grew up listening to everything from the radio, theatrical tunes, musicals, alternative bands and was especially drawn to powerhouse female vocalists, artists that bare their souls and modern instrumentation. I was fortunate to get to study Music Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where I was heavily influenced by Classical and other styles. I am deeply inspired by Singer-Songwriting artists that share a certain kind of raw honesty. I often find myself drawn to my own instrument to write and process in these ways.
What's the story behind your latest release, and what message or emotion are you trying to convey through your music?
Love Remains the title track from my upcoming album, was written to process feelings after discovering of the 2014 mudslide that buried a town alive in Washington state. It is about reflecting upon what really matters in life, and discovering that the vibration and response to things in any given moment affects what happens in the next moment. I am reminding myself of the importance of "choosing love” in each moment with this song. That at the end of the day, what matters is my vibration and what reflecting upon what vibration do I want to have and/or leave? This incorporates personal discovery and spiritual practice. I hope to inspire and encourage a movement of "choosing love,” being kind and compassionate to self and others, digging deeper into discovery and uncovering wisdom.
How do you approach the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or routine?
I often have a feeling or hear a melody in my head and sit at an instrument. Then words will usually follow to match what it is I’m feeling or processing a the time. On occasion, words will come first and music comes later. It’s often in unexpected times. Making food in the kitchen, in my dreams, driving, singing to my cats, etc.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
There are a lot of learning opportunities on this path. One I‘ve learned is to have contracts up front in writing, be extra clear as necessary in my business dealings and at times be flexible with myself and others. Don’t assume anything. I have entered multiple business dealings to be disappointed or confused due to my not having things clearer up front. Fortunately, I work with professional and wonderful supportive people that value clear communication. This goes for my self talk and care as well. I am learning to be kinder and gentler with myself, addressing mental health topics. As I have focused on inner work, I find that I seem to attract more healthy relationships. A mentor once said to be willing to pay for mistakes, which are actually learning experiences. I do my best to remember to plan for learning experiences that may need extra time and energy, etc.
Are there any artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Growing up, I was very much into Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, among others! Certainly these artists had an impression on me. Vulnerable truth telling and processing feelings. I am deeply inspired by artists that share a certain kind of raw honesty (thinking Sia, Adele), that moves me as well as artists that aim for incorporating wisdom and growth (Jason Mraz, India Arie). These are only a few.
How do you stay creative and inspired when working on new music?
When working on new music, I find it is easy to be inspired and creative. I love singing and playing newer music, it’s fresh and exciting. It’s sometimes more challenging to stay inspired with older music. I find inspiration playing my guitar songs on piano and vice versa, switching things up to play those songs differently, in new ways to keep the juices flowing so to speak. I also take pressure off to do perfectly by singing / making up fun /silly songs for my cats. This brings joy and generates creativity.
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your career so far?
Playing an original composition on a grand piano on the Grand Ole Opry stage at age 15 for about 1,000 peers. It was a magical experience that made me want more! And honestly right now, I am releasing a decade+ long project that I am very proud of and have overcome a lot and I am so excited and thrilled to be sharing it!
What one inspirational quote or mantra you believe in?
"Adults announce, children explain.” (Learned from a trusted mentor). This has been so helpful in identifying when I am being in my "adult self" and/or when I am giving my power away unnecessarily.
In what ways do you use social media and online platforms to connect with your audience and where can people connect with you?
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