Holon Interview 01/04/2025

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MM: Can you tell us about your Band and who’s your biggest influences?
Holon is a solo studio project I started after years of being in bands that eventually split up or
fizzled out. I write, play, produce, mix, and master everything myself—though I do
collaborate with Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen, who handles the drums brilliantly. My
influences span progressive rock, jazz fusion, world music, and singer-songwriters.
Musically, I’ve been deeply inspired by Dream Theater, Frank Zappa, John McLaughlin,
Steven Wilson, and Rush. I also draw a lot from jazz-fusion giants like Chick Corea and Al Di
Meola, as well as from Eastern European and Indian music for their odd time signatures and
phrasing.

MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from?
Primarily from personal experience and philosophical reflection. For example, my upcoming
concept album Love & Behold is rooted in real events like the end of a relationship and the
journey to find love again. I’m also fascinated by themes of existence, consciousness, and
transformation—which heavily influenced my debut The Time Is Always Now. Musically, I
see songwriting as an experiment, like cooking with sound.
 

MM: What would you say is your band’s favourite song?
That’s a tough one! I think “Samsara” from the upcoming album is a deeply personal favorite
right now—it captures a lot of emotional weight for me. From the debut, “Two Grains of
Sand” has probably been the most well-received, and it’s one of the more accessible tracks.
 

MM: Plans tour and festival-wise for 2025?
Holon is mainly a studio project, so full-scale touring hasn’t been in the cards yet. That said,
I’m open to doing intimate, acoustic performances or special live events with a stripped-back
setup. If the right opportunity came along—like a niche prog festival—I’d love to make it
happen with session musicians.
 

MM: What can we expect from Holon live?
If I do a live show, expect something intimate, dynamic, and emotionally engaging. My songs
are built to evolve—both musically and emotionally—so a live performance would aim to
draw the audience in with atmosphere and storytelling, even in a minimal setup.
 

MM: What do you like best and worst about touring?
As I haven’t really toured with holon, but this is what I think it would be.
Best: Connecting with people in real life and seeing how the music touches them.
Worst: I’d say the logistics and lack of routine. Touring can be tough if you’re someone who
likes structure (like I do), especially when juggling so many roles in the project.
 

MM: Which three bands would be your ultimate touring buddies?

• Steven Wilson – for his attention to detail and sonic brilliance.
• Motorpsycho – local legends from Norway; love their eclectic, progressive
style.
• Shakti (John McLaughlin’s band) – would be an epic fusion pairing with
Holon’s more world-influenced elements.
 

MM: What’s the most memorable concert you’ve been to (other than your own) and
why?
Probably Extreme—getting to finally see Nuno Bettencourt live after being a fan since my
teens was surreal. The energy and musicianship were just off the charts. It was a total “full
circle” moment for me.
 

MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with Holon?
Finishing Love & Behold almost entirely on my own. From writing and arranging to
producing, mixing, and mastering—it’s been an incredibly challenging and fulfilling journey.
I’ve grown so much as a musician and producer through the process.
 

MM: Which are your two favourite albums of all time?
1. Dream Theater – Images & Words
The album that changed everything for me and opened my eyes to progressive rock.
2. Pink Floyd - The Wall
Really just a masterpiece. There really isn’t a dull moment and the storytelling is just
amazing.
 

MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have
people watching you?
Yes! I was nervous as hell, but once I started playing, I felt completely at home. It was a
school concert, and I remember being amazed that people were actually paying attention. It
gave me the confidence to keep going.
 

MM: Growing up, which bands’ posters did you have on your bedroom wall?
I wasn’t one of those guys that had posters on the wall. When I was very young I had
posters of my favourite football players, but I don’t really recall have much posters of
musicians.
 

MM: Who do you think influenced the world of Metal/Rock more than any other
person?
As the Metal/Rock sound is mostly based around the guitar then for me, it would have to be
Jimi Hendrix.

He wasn’t just a guitarist—he was a force of nature. Hendrix completely redefined what the
electric guitar could do, both technically and emotionally. He broke all the rules—feedback,
distortion, unconventional phrasing, wild improvisation—and turned those things into tools
for pure expression.
You can trace his influence through so many genres. Hard rock and metal inherited his
aggressive, exploratory approach to tone and improvisation. Progressive rock artists
embraced his free-form creativity and sonic experimentation.Even modern-day shredders
and ambient guitarists owe a debt to the textures and techniques he pioneered.
What makes Hendrix stand out, though, is that he paired all that innovation with incredible
soul. His playing wasn’t just impressive—it was deeply human.
He expanded the emotional vocabulary of rock music, and I don’t think we’d have the same
musical landscape today without him.
 

MM: What’s the most important thing to the band right now?
Getting Love & Behold out into the world and continuing to connect with listeners who value
thoughtful, progressive music. I also want to keep growing creatively and improving my
production skills with each release.
 

MM: If you could do a cover of any song, which one would it be and why?
I’d love to do a progressive acoustic version of “Karma Police” by Radiohead. It’s such a
beautifully written song with emotional depth, and it would be interesting to reinterpret it with
a holon spin—some atmospheric layers, odd time signatures, maybe even a world music
twist.
 

MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your band.
Because holon is not just music—it’s a journey. If you enjoy deep lyrics, thoughtful
arrangements, and genre-blending soundscapes, Holon offers something unique. It’s for
those who like to be emotionally moved and intellectually engaged by music.
 

MM: Four words to describe Holon?
Philosophical. Atmospheric. Progressive. Honest.
 

MM:Final Words for your fans and our readers
Thank you so much for supporting independent music. Every listen, share, comment, and
purchase goes further than you think. Stay curious, keep exploring music, and don’t be
afraid to feel something deeply through it. If you haven’t already, check out “Samsara” and
stay tuned for the full Love & Behold album coming soon.
Let’s keep this musical journey going together.