Photography by Stephanie Macias
"No one gets anywhere with out the help of someone else" writes Ali Holder, whether in the form of inspiration or actual help. "I am not my art, we are separate things" adds the Austin, TX singer-songwriter, of the many life lessons that she has learned along the way, including staying tough, being kind to yourself and others. Holder's sound has been described as equal parts outlaw country and Lilith Fair. Literary figures also loom large on her inspiration's horizon, the characters of Stephen King and the "word herding" of songwriter James McMurtry have all become central parts of her creative constellation. "If I did not have a creative outlet, I am not sure how that would have manifested itself in me. Being able to get all the darkness out of my hands and out of my mouth is truly life saving," Holder says of the healing, reparative power of music. And if you find yourself beginning to doubt the value of whatever it is that you do in this life time, learn to "let the universe surprise you" Holder offers, "over do it, under do it," but most of all just do it. Jump in, stay true to yourself, and live a life that makes you want to sing inside. AHC: What has this journey in music, so far, been like for you, the highs and the lows, and what life lessons do you feel you've picked up along the way? Ali: The lows have taught me how to be tougher and how to write more genuinely. The highs have taught me gratitude and the wisdom that no one gets anywhere with out the help of someone else - whether that be in the form of inspiration, for example, or actual help. I learned how to adapt - the only constant thing is change right? I often feel as if I am just behind the curve unknowingly grasping for what's next. It's seemingly better than being paralyzed by fear and inaction. So far this journey has taught that I have to continue to be tougher, continue to work harder, and continue to be kinder to myself and others. It's easy to become jaded, your attitude really is what dictates your perception and ability for happiness. Another lesson is that I am not my art. We are separate things. There are as many people who don't like my music out there as their are people who do - neither defines me as a person. It took me a long time to understand that. AHC: What first drew you to music and what was your early musical environment like growing up? Were there pivotal songs for you then that just floored you the moment you heard them? Ali: There was always music around my folks and my grandparents house. More Van Morrison and Beach Boys from my parents, more Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash from my grandparents. I saw a woman play Johnny B. Good note for note at a Jamboree in Newcastle, Texas when I was about 8 years old or so - it absolutely blew my mind to see a woman do that - that was a lightening bolt moment for me. Janis Joplin had a big influence on me growing up - Bobby Magee was the first song I learned to play on the guitar. Her voice is still a deep influence in my music. I try not to blow my voice out anymore but channel at least the passion she put forth in her singing. As far as songs flooring me - I can think of so many. Recently, 'The Rooster' EP by David Ramirez and 'Time of Ghosts' by Danish musician Ida Wanoe have been on repeat in my car. Both of those albums slay me. AHC: Do you remember the first song that you ever wrote or played? Or that first moment when you picked up a pen and realized that you could create whole worlds just by putting it to paper? Ali: The first song I ever wrote was about the sunset - north Texas still has some pretty hard to beat sunsets. It was something that felt very natural to me. I am not sure it was until the last few years that I really started to understand the power of the imagination and how you can really build your own empires within songs. AHC: Which musicians have you learned the most from? Or writers, artists, filmmakers etc? Ali: I have learned a lot about characters and intertwining themes from Stephen King. I have learned about herding words and descriptions from James McMurtry. My mind has been blown, vocally speaking, by Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine). I have learned the most practical knowledge from being a part of the Austin music community - like how to harmonize, how to be a band leader. I am so thankful to have an endless supply of schooling and inspiration from living in this town. For example, my roommate Little Brave is one of my songwriting heroes - she is a constant well of inspiration to pull from. AHC: What do you think makes for a good song, as you're writing and composing, is there a sudden moment when you know you've found the right mix, that perfect angle of light, so to speak? Ali: Even if I sit down and write every day I still sometimes need the strike of inspiration to get a good song. Whether it's a word or a verse - there is usually something that opens the channel to the rest of the song. I think a good song is a solid mixture of words, composition, instrumentation and mood. I edit while I am writing of course but I do edit very little once it's written - I will over time naturally sing something different (melodies or words) that eventually become the more mature version of the song. AHC: Do you consider music to be a type of healing art, the perfect vehicle through which to translate a feeling, a state of rupture/rapture, hope lost and regained? Does the writing and creating of the song save you in the kinds of ways that it saves us, the listener? Ali: 100%. If I did not have the creative outlet of not just writing but also singing the words to other people - I am not sure how that would have manifested itself in me. Being able to get all the darkness out of my hands and out of my mouth is truly life saving. If someone can relate or be saved by my songs the way I am saved by others - that is the goal. AHC: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town? On-tour, on-the-road? Ali: I am lucky to have so many. Just the general act of sharing time and space with people musically speaking is transformative and energizing. To create and express that creation with other people is a gift. In those moments you truly get a glimpse of what it might mean to have a purpose. I've experienced that both at home and on the road. AHC: When you set out to write a song, how much does 'where the world is' in its current moment, culturally, politically, otherwise, influence the kinds of stories you set out to tell? Ali: I tend to write from a very internal, emotional place. External things like culture, politics, etc. affect all of us over time whether we see/feel it or not but it is usually not what I write about directly. I am more directly influenced by literature and my own personal feelings/mishaps. AHC: Do you have any words of advice for other musicians and singer-songwriters out there who are just starting out and trying to find their voice and their way in this world? What are the kinds of things that you tell yourself when you begin to have doubts or are struggling with the creative process? Ali: Stop looking at social media. If you're using it to push/encourage yourself to do more - great. If it is making you feel worthless or like a failure - stop looking at it. It is a highlight reel and not something to compare yourself to. Other than that just keep writing, playing and singing - daily. Learn how to get into a routine of writing and creating every day, break it, then get back at it again. Play 34 shows in a row until you lose your voice. Over do it - under do it - learn how they both make you feel - watch how you expand and contract from both. Learn how to balance. All of these things make you stronger, quicker in the moment, better over all. You are the only person inside your head at the end of the day - your path will look exceptionally different than anyone else's and that is ideal. Don't give up - even if things don't look how you thought they were going to. Let the universe surprise you. AHC: Do you have any new projects in the works you'd like to tell people about? Ali: I did about 50 interviews on love and relationships last summer/fall as a part of my 30th birthday present to myself. I am just now getting around to transcribing those - my goal is to use the material for a new album. For more visit aliholder.com/site/ And on Bandcamp @ aliholder.bandcamp.com/
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