Meet Holdyn Barder | Country Artist & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holdyn Barder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holdyn, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was leaving my hometown outside Philly to chase my dreams in Nashville back in 2019. Even though the decision itself was a no-brainer, the thought of leaving my family and best friends behind was a little nerve-wracking. I didn’t know anyone in town except for a few new friends I met via Instagram and a few songwriters I had connected with. While it was a lot in the moment, it all worked out. My advice to anyone wanting to pursue something they’ve always wanted to do would be to let the fear and adrenaline fuel you. It means you are out of your comfort zone. We are like muscles; we must stretch in order to grow. Being outside of our comfort zone means we are growing. Dare greatly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the most important part about being an artist is discovering yourself. By creating music and writing songs that mean a lot to you, you go through a lot of self-discovery. One of the unique things that sets me apart is my storytelling. I think as I grow, my storytelling is becoming more and more clear and refined. As a songwriter, I typically think about how this would sound in a stadium, per se. But I’ve started to just write to write. Those banger songs will come naturally. Often times I’ll tell myself and my co-writers that I only write bangers. But I’m starting to just let the tides of life push my creativity. I am most proud of myself for putting out songs that truly identify moments of my life that had some sort of significance. My end-goal is to sell stadiums.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it were back home during the summertime in Stone Harbor, NJ, I would take them to Sam’s Pizza in Wildwood, Fishin’ Pier Grille (best breakfast in Stone Harbor), and head downtown to check out some of the surf shops. My favorite is Sun Catcher Surf Shop. I’d take my friend to the beach every single day and then come back and swim in the bay to get the sand off! We could definitely head to Avalon, Sea Isle City, or Wildwood to check out some live music at night! My favorite beach is Hobie Cat Beach (near the Stone Harbor Point). It’s the only beach where I feel at home. We’d definitely be going there! Oh, and did I mention Wawa?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to use this space to shoutout the people who don’t typically receive shoutouts. Certainly God, my family and friends get credit. I’d also like to shoutout some folks who you might not have heard of. I’d like to shoutout Tom Kozic – one of the cats who inspired me to move to Nashville. Tom is one of the greatest guitarists of our time; Tim Gray, for pushing me to be the best version of myself, believing in me, my work ethic, providing me rare opportunities, championing me, and reminding me to always create fearlessly; Matt Alese, for maxing out my potential and for pushing my limits; Eric Van Hoven, for giving me the confidence to pursue singing back in college; Katie Talbot, for keeping me in top-polished vocal shape; Chris Suppa, for being a solid support system and pushing me to do my best always; Chris Loocke, for making me sound like a million bucks; Larry Stockton, for allowing my creativity come to life; Maureen West, for teaching me how to perform; and Kevin Davis, for reminding me to find the joy and peace in everything.

Website: https://www.holdynbarder.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdynbardermusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/holdynbarder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldynBarderMusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdv7Cbp5EK0KDIbWKvbNGg

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holdynbardermusic

Image Credits
Dave Coskey @ Seven Mile Times, Kenzie Maroney, James Gibson