The most striking thing about Greg Holden is not the fact that he’s a world traveling free spirit with a nomadic zest for life, or even that he had innumerable eclectic jobs before he finally decided to pick up the guitar at eighteen – it’s his uniquely soulful and sensitive artistry which embraces the notion that singing aggressively about human issues and singing beautifully are not mutually exclusive.
Greg was born in Aberdeen, Scotland to a working class family who very frequently uprooted and moved in order to pursue more promising job opportunities. After moving to Lancashire, having changed schools and having moved again due to his parent’s divorce, Greg was often the target of the school bully’s antics. In the midst of his trying teenage years, Greg discovered a Bob Dylan song which sparked his deep passion for music and would forever change his life path. Feeling disheartened by the ostracism he experienced growing up, Greg moved to Brighton when he was twenty-one in order to pursue a band he was in at the time, which was the beginning of a lifelong trend. Greg would later find that he would move anywhere and everywhere for the love of his music.
The inspiration of Bob Dylan would emerge again when Greg decided to move from London to New York City in the winter of 2009. Having been inspired by the past and present folk music eminating from New York, Greg sold everything he owned in order to strive for the mere possibility of making it as a working musician in the most chaotic metropolitan maze. Audiences were shocked and delighted when the young and daring songwriter first started to attract a line around the corner of New York City’s most beloved folk venue Rockwood Music Hall.
Greg’s first real opportunity came when acclaimed singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson offered him a month-long national US tour after seeing him at Rockwood Music Hall, after having been impressed by his deeply personal lyrics, daringly musical arrangements, and his sarcastic boyish charm. During the whirlwind tour, Greg made appearances on Fox News and various local morning shows across the United States. Having toured around the country, Greg soon started diligent work on a new record. Greg’s new full-length record titled “I Don’t Believe You” reflects a profound new perspective and maturity reflective of his many years working through the pain and struggles of musicianship, living away from home, and feeling pressured by his own standards and expectations. “I started writing new material based on much darker aspects of my life and reality,” says Holden on his new full-length record produced by Los Angeles-based music guru, Tony Berg. With the support of a vast online community that follow his popular YouTube page and online presence, and the ever-growing zealous worldwide fan base who have supported Greg throughout his career, the album was funded by over $30,000 of donations on Kickstarter.com.
“I Don’t Believe You” is a genuine masterpiece of a record, as it inspires anger, tears, contemplation, and playful abandon from its listeners. Upheld by a landscape of powerful and monstrous guitar arrangements, thick and abounding vocal harmonies, and the bizarrely brilliant musical stylings of a handful of Los Angeles’ (if not the world’s) greatest musicians, “I Don’t Believe You” is unlike anything else currently in existence. The strange but perfect hybrid of Holden’s heartbreakingly sincere voice with the intense, gritty, and meaty song arrangements make for an emotional roller coaster of a record. Inspired by folk, punk rock, heavy metal, and a wealth of other diverse genres the songsmith loved growing up, Holden’s songs are reflective of his passionate journey with music.
The range of songwriting on “I Don’t Believe You” demonstrates the versatility, but simultaneously strong and distinct perspective Holden possesses. The song “As Far As I Can From Here” discusses the necessary personal struggle of leaving one’s hometown. “Coney Island,” featuring Jesca Hoop, speaks of the lonely disconnect and need for company one feels living a big city like New York. “Following Footsteps” illuminates the inspiring yet deeply emotional uncertainty of following one’s dreams. The title track “I Don’t Believe You” is of epic proportions, suggesting rightfully so that many so-called artists lack sincerity, vision, and opinion. Holden emerges from this record as a genuine force to be reckoned with, and as someone who’s boldness and power never compromise the peaceful sincerity from which these songs flow.
Greg has had songs featured on television shows such as ABC’s “Private Practice” and “Brothers & Sisters”, The CW’s “Life Unexpected” and ABC Family’s “Make It Or Break It” Although he is already beloved by his existing fan base, he is just at the start of a career that is no doubt limitless. Greg is living in Brooklyn, New York and tours regularly throughout the United States and Europe.