This October saw the release of Holden Miller’s debut album My Brain is Fired, with Michael Edwards producing six of the songs. Holden released his first music video from the album in April for his song The Messenger, and in 2024, he has plans to release a deluxe version of My Brain is Fired. Earlier this year, Holden headlined his East Coast Mini-Tour, collaborated with Julia Campbell for her song Kool Aid and co-headlined a show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles alongside Laur Elle. Recently, Holden answered our questions about releasing My Brain is Fired for his debut album, working with Julia Campbell for Kool Aid and performing at Troubadour and on his East Coast Mini-Tour.
How was it releasing My Brain is Fired on October 20th and can you tell us about the album?
I was definitely ready to get this body of work out in the world. The night the album came out, I listened through it front to back for the first time and had forgotten how special these songs were. My Brain is Fired parallels my anxious, depressed, borderline-insomniac cranium with my fun-loving, curious, quirky, insightful spirit that has kept me going all these years. The album has something for everyone. It ranges from folk to indie rock to alt-pop, and spans influences like Weezer, Alexander 23 and Mac Miller, while still remaining truly authentic. If there’s one way to describe the sound of this project, it’s ‘Holden’. 😀
How have you found the experience working on your debut album and how long has it been in the making?
The experience, which was about a year, didn’t feel super holistic because I didn’t set out to create an album. I knew I wanted to make a bigger project than just releasing singles but the process felt more focused on each individual song than the album as a whole. I still believe the project is cohesive but it has made me even more excited to approach the next album with a wider view and more intention of ‘making an album’. I think this album is a beautiful stepping stone in my journey as a creative.
How was it writing/co-writing the songs and where did you get the inspiration for the lyrics?
I am so grateful for the collaborators on this album. My primary producer, Michael Edwards (produced six of the songs on the album), also happens to be one of my closest friends, so I feel very comfortable creating with him. I also had the opportunity to write with some new faces for a few of the songs, and that was amazing too. I am constantly blown away by the amount of musical talent in LA. The inspiration for the lyrics came from myriad feelings and experiences; love and heartbreak, my struggles with anxiety and depression, intense waves of nostalgia and questioning the ways of society.
Do you have a favourite song on My Brain is Fired and how was it listening to the completed album for the first time?
My favourite is probably I Lose My Sh*t Over You but it was also the final song we made, so there may be some recency bias. My top three would be rounded out by The Messenger and Dig a Hole. I thought I was tired of these songs, but when I listened through for the first time, I was reminded of how special each composition is, and felt very proud of myself and my collaborators for creating such a unique, fresh, quality body of work.
What do you hope listeners will take from the album and who do you think will enjoy the release?
I hope listeners feel seen and heard from the album. I try to write about universal, relatable experiences, and my favourite part about releasing music is listeners (and myself) feeling less alone. I also hope listeners ponder life. I truly believe this album has something to enjoy for everyone!
What has it been like seeing the response to your new music so far?
Although it is growing increasingly hard to reach people these days, the responses to the album have been overwhelmingly positive, and it makes me feel so grateful that I am even able to share my music with the world in the first place.
You released your first music video from the album – The Messenger – in April, what was it like to film?
Filming the music video for The Messenger was one of my favourite creative experiences ever. It was filmed over the course of a single day with a few friends. It really made me appreciate guerilla filmmaking and the ability to make something special with a small team and a low budget. I was sick that day, and I think the Sudafed I took turned me into a different person. I truly had an out-of-body experience while in that clown makeup.
How was it collaborating with Julia Campbell on the single Kool Aid?
Julia showed me the first verse of Kool Aid when I walked into our session, and I immediately knew I had to be a part of it. I sort of hijacked the song LOL. Julia is a good friend and one of the best writers I know. It’s always a pleasure working with her!
Can you tell us what it was like performing at Troubadour in Los Angeles in August with Laur Elle?
SUCH a fun experience. The Troubadour is one of my favourite venues so it was a dream and honour to play.
What did you enjoy most about headlining your East Coast Mini-Tour earlier this year?
My bandmates also happen to be some of my best friends, so it was a tonne of fun travelling around with them. Being from New York, the New York show was incredibly special, seeing a bunch of family and old friends.
How would you describe your sound and do you have a favourite aspect of being a music artist?
My sound is a tad hard to describe as I don’t believe I sound much like any one artist. It ranges from indie folk to alt-pop and everything in between. My music is quirky and sometimes experimental and comes from a wide range of influences spanning multiple decades. My favourite aspect of being a musician is getting to create with the immensely talented people around me. I also love playing shows!
Where does your love of music come from and how did you get started in the industry?
My love of music comes from my family. My dad clued me into the amazing music of the 60s and 70s at a very young age and really shared his appreciation for music with me. My brother inspired me to start playing guitar and writing when I started high school. I released my first single when I was in college, and it was received well, starting my journey in the industry.
What are some of your favourite music artists to listen to?
This is constantly changing. I tend to binge artists and then move on to the next. Some of my all-time faves include Jason Isbell, Barenaked Ladies, The Beatles, Steely Dan, John Mayer, Fountains of Wayne, Jack Johnson, Billy Joel and Eminem. Some more recent faves are Still Woozy, Harry Styles, Medium Build, MyKey and Mt. Joy.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with friends, playing sports (basketball, pickleball, bowling), playing video games and board games, watching movies, and hanging out with my puppy!
Do you have any upcoming events or music plans that you can tell us about and what are you hoping the next few months bring for you?
Following the release of the deluxe version of my album in 2024, I’m mostly excited to continue working on the next body of music and take a step back from the constant releasing. I think a little break post-album will be good for my soul and creative energy.
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