Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Holdyn Barder

Artist on the rise Holdyn Barder is well on his way to becoming a household name in the country scene. Already named one of Philadelphia’s “Emerging Regional Country Artists” by ReverbNation, Holdyn is taking the first big step in his career with his debut single, “Like You Do.” He spoke with us about the release and what he hopes to accomplish in his career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Holdyn: My journey to music began several years ago. I was actually playing tennis with one of my buddies and after playing I saw a random blue guitar-shaped paperclip resting on my bag! I took it as a sign from the Universe to start playing guitar, and I am glad I did! I still have it, too. I grew up listening to country music, and I am so glad to be able to play the same tunes that I grew up with in addition to my own!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Holdyn: Country music as a whole has had the biggest influence on my career. To me, country is a family and I feel like I am a part of that family. Growing up, I always felt this connection, especially when attending live shows. I always thought to myself, “Man, I wish I could be the guy on that stage singing his heart out—that would be amazing!” When it comes to specific artists, one of my largest influences, I would say for my music, is Luke Bryan.

PC: You’ve experienced a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Holdyn: Thank you so much! This is just the beginning. Looking back, one moment that stands out is actually from two weeks ago. I woke up to seeing my debut single “Like You Do” climb to #113 on the iTunes Country Top Songs chart. That was pretty dang cool, especially since it was my first single ever!

PC: As you continue on in your career, what are some of the goals you hope to accomplish?
Holdyn: A large, and if not my biggest, goal is to be able to uplift as many people as possible through my music. Another goal would be to play the Grand Ole Opry. I plan on being a full-time touring country artist and selling out stadiums. The sky is the limit! All in divine timing.

PC: As you mentioned, you have a new single out now. Tell us about “Like You Do” and the inspiration behind the song.
Holdyn: I wrote “Like You Do” back in March 2019 with two hit songwriters, Jason Matthews and Mike Mobley. I remember we got to chatting about how one of us knew someone who only had an “online relationship,” meaning that they would only interact digitally (even though they lived near each other). We were cracking up at how silly that sounded. That got us thinking about how we could write a song about that same dilemma but twist it in a positive way.

PC: What does the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2020?
Holdyn: I look forward to playing shows once COVID-19 passes and releasing more music as soon as I can! I like to live my life blindfolded, so honestly, I have no idea where I will be by the end of this year, and that is what is so exciting!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Holdyn: Taylor Swift and Post Malone

PC: First album you bought?
Holdyn: Toby Keith’s Pull My Chain

PC: First concert you attended?
Holdyn: Toby Keith

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Holdyn: Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party. This album means a lot to me because it brings back so many memories of being with my friends and family in the summer. It is one of my favorite albums and it helped me cope with some breakups, too. [laughs]

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Holdyn: Grand Ole Opry

PC: A must-have on the road?
Holdyn: I am not on the road yet, but when I do play shows and for when I do go on the road, I am almost certainly going to need one of my best friends!

To keep up with Holdyn, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Like You Do” today.