Story & Lesson Highlights with Brandon Holley of Huntington Beach, CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Brandon Holley and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
This Summer I wanted to start working on different music and take this project in a bit of a different direction. As an independent and solo artist, no one else truly sees the time and effort you put into your work behind the scenes. Even just the amount of thinking and planning seems to be endless. The beauty is that at any moment you can work on an idea, film a video, design artwork, or whatever you want because it’s you vs you. I’ve spent a lot more time working on this new sound and direction which has been a fun process. I’m excited for what’s to come!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a DJ/ Music Producer currently living in Huntington Beach, CA. For the past 10 years I have focused more on music production after spending my 20’s on the road touring. Don’t get me wrong, touring is always a good time but there came a point in my career where I wanted to really sit back and work on my sound. I love collaborating with artists and always up for a fun experience making new music.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In second grade I got my first guitar which lead to endless hours of learning and practicing. I remember my Dad always got the biggest kick out of me playing Bush “Machine Head” in my room over and over. From then beginning my parents were always super supportive of my love for music. I remember seeing the look on their faces at certain shows which was always the best feeling. They knew I was an artist from a young age and their continued support has been amazing.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Whenever you are chasing a dream, you will almost always come to a fork in the road. Do I continue hustling and grinding as an artist? Or give up and get a regular job to make a living? The struggle can be real and there came a point in 2018 where I chilled out on music for a bit and got a job in sales. Working Monday through Friday in an office for years was not ever my plan but it allowed me to recalibrate and get back on my feet with what really mattered in life. I am beyond thankful with where I am currently at in life.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads is a funny word and it’s definitely real in the music industry. As long as you stay true to yourself and make what you want to make, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. I feel it’s pretty easy to point out the cheeseball fad artists in this world. Music is a way to express yourself and I truly love that about the creative process. I can go back to any of my songs and immediately tell you how I was feeling. It’s fun going through my catalog of music and reliving certain moments of my life.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am for sure doing what I was born to do. Without a question. I was meant to create and I have a few different avenues that I work on daily. I tried the 9-5 life and it wasn’t for me. Sure having a consistent paycheck is nice, but waking up and creating whatever you want to makes you the richest person in the world. Do what you love and never stop working towards your goals.

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