Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Tell us how you got started in this industry.
I’ve been writing songs and performing for about 10 years now. But I’ve had a love for music my whole life and grew up playing the piano by ear. In my early years I taught my self to play guitar and played in a band or two. But then met a boy, fell in love and had some babies, 3 to be exact! I pretty much focused on my family. I never considered doing anything else with music again as my life was very full! You never know what is just around the corner.
Several years ago I was listening to an interview with a singer/songwriter who had said “you don’t just wake up one day and start writing music” but in fact that is exactly how it happened for me. I had never written music until 2000. In 1999 my mother passed away unexpectedly, she was young, and our youngest daughter left for college around the same time and I was left with a huge hole in my heart and in my life. I grieved and was depressed and then one morning I woke up, grabbed by guitar and much to my surprise my tears had been replaced with words that came flowing out. Through these life changing experiences I was given the gift of writing music. Sometimes it’s still hard for me to believe this is who I am and what I’m doing. The first record I recorded was initially going to be just for my children and me but we ordered a 1000 copies and my husband started freaking out and suggested I start playing out publicly. Then of course I started freaking out. I hadn’t sang in front of people for a long time but as it turns out people from all over the world have connected with my music and I am so amazed and grateful.
Doesn’t your husband play with you…I, mean, musically speaking…of course.
Yes, I play as a duo with my husband Jerry Holder. We couldn’t have picked better stage names right? Terry and Jerry. Sometime we joke that I changed my last name so he changed his first name.
…so, how would you classify your music?
This is a hard one for me. I find it difficult to say my songs fit into just one genre. If I had to choose one genre it would be Americana Folk Pop with a dose of Alt country. If I could classify it out of normal genre terms, I’d say honest, heartfelt and gutsy.
My inspiration comes from my life experiences. From my inner voice which is inspired by my children, my husband, friends and from what I see in the world around us. Several of my songs were inspired by my grand daughter Jade.
My last song is called Fortune Teller, A friend of mine encouraged me to write out a list of all the things I wanted to do and the things that I had already done in my life time. So I did. Then I stuffed it in a drawer. A few months ago I wrote this song inspired by that list. The song, “Fortune Teller,” is a conversation between me and a fortune teller. It will be posted on the web in November 2009.
Do you have any new stuff going on?
I just released my third and new CD “Ticket to the Moment.” National Radio Promotion is starting in October 2009. We are performing in our home state of Washington and the western US. Oregon, Idaho, CA etc. We are planning a extensive tour in the fall of 2010.
I’m writing new songs and will be working on putting together a video this year. Every time a song is performed live you can find new things that work and those that don’t. My songs that we perform live continue to evolve.
I usually tour as a duo and perform at house concerts, festivals and listening room venues. We’ve been from San Diego, CA to Fairbanks, AK and Hawaii too. I really love performing at house concerts and listening rooms where People specifically come to hear live music. It’s so intimate! It can also be somewhat intimidating, you never know what you’re going to get.
How can people learn more about you?
www.terryholder.com
www.myspace.com/terryholder
Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other musicians who are just getting started?
Keep going, keep writing, and stay true to who you are! The music business is like being on a roller coaster. There are definite HIGHS and LOWS. Its hard work but it can also be gratifying. It’s an amazing feeling when you connect with other people you don’t even know through a song you wrote! If you can find the balance, network with the right people you can do it all. But make no mistake, it’s a lot of hard work especially if you are an independent.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with the fans?
Thank you so much for listening to my songs and buying my music. With out you (the fans) I wouldn’t be here. Keep checking my website www.terryholder.com for new songs!
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