Holly Bruce is an artist whose music serves as a profound journey into emotional healing and resilience. With a foundation in Music Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory, Bruce’s work is characterized by its ability to connect deeply with listeners, offering a sanctuary for introspection and personal growth. Her compositions, crafted by ear since childhood, reflect a natural talent for channeling emotion through sound. As she evolves as an artist, Bruce is now exploring new avenues to share her music, including opportunities in television and film, with the intention of inspiring others to embrace the power of love and self-care.
1. SJ: You’re a Nashville recording artist, and studied Music Composition at the San Fransisco Conservatory. Can you tell us a little bit more about your musical background, how you started, and how you got here today to release your first album?
HB: I have been composing music, writing, and performing for most of my life in some way or another, mostly as a way to process complex topics, feelings, and life experiences. This practice started in childhood and has continued into adulthood. Although I have written music, my primary focus over the last couple of decades has been self-discovery, health, healing, and spiritual growth. It took me a while to be regulated enough to trust others in the music industry enough in order to finish this album.
2. SJ: You said, "this album feels like I raised a child and now am sending it off to college upon its release." Can you tell us a little more about what you mean by that?
HB: Yes! As mentioned before, it’s been a long personal healing, self-discovery journey, and many people and experiences make this moment possible. This album release feels like I have “raised” multiple parts of myself to graduate “good enough” to release this project. I have struggled with perfectionism-related OCD that has made it almost impossible to accept anything as “good enough.” Now, thanks to my support and recovery, I am finding more ease in allowing mistakes and learning to tolerate things that would normally have been difficult and/or shift how I respond. For some, perhaps this is common sense. For some of us on a healing journey, it can be a climb to access these tools.
3. SJ: How would you describe the themes in this record? What did your songwriting process look like?
HB: Lots of pain and hope for something else drove me to process my life topics through this music. "Love Remains" was written during the ending of a long-term relationship, the discovery of deep historical dysfunction and personal crisis as well as integrating personal and spiritual discoveries I was making. These songs were written over the span of about a decade. I am fortunate enough to have a strong willingness to grow, despite of discomfort. Several songs came to me like “downloads” that got in my ears. I would then go to an instrument (keyboard or guitar) to figure out what wanted to be said, then a song baby would either be birthed or start to be. I am very grateful for this as it often was the hope that the song would help others too that got me through the difficulty.
4. SJ: What was your recording process like? Were there specific musical influences, collaborators or important producers/engineers you’ve worked with that helped shape this record?
HB: Yes! It takes a village for sure. There are many who contributed to this. My friend singer songwriting artist, Jason Erie introduced me to Chris Brush, producer, and drummer for this project in 2019 and we started recording summer of 2019. We brought in some amazing high-level musicians and it grew into a big project! I have learned a lot along the way, including setting up my own recording studio at home and recorded most of the background vocals on the album myself. Also, discovering the need to have things in writing and to have a clear budget. Regarding musicians, I love sharing how they elevated the music for me. Lex Price on bass brought so much joy to “What I Know.” Brian Allen also on bass, creates epic vibes on “Love Remains.” Tim Galloway brought his creative insight and skills to “High Road” etc. And Kevin Dailey also on electric guitar brought his unique approach to the album. Chris Brush has many skills and wears multiple hats making this album polish and shine. Of course, the strings of Cremaine Booker and Lauren Johnson Conklin bring songs to life.
5. SJ: You first released the record on Bandcamp, next you’ll have an in-person release show on August 23rd, and finally will be releasing the record on all major DSPs on the 30th. What inspired this release rollout?
HB: For this project, I wanted to encourage friends and fans to support purchasing the album exclusively on a platform that helps me, the artist to possibly recoup costs without a Kickstarter. Having paid for the album out of pocket and it growing quite big, I wanted to make it available first where folks can support me as directly as possible. I am excited that so many folks wanted the album both CDs and downloads.
SJ: What is one song you wish Holly Bruce wrote?
HB: I am a fan of Sia’s “Elastic Heart” - especially her piano acoustic version. It moves me to tears.
SJ: What’s next for Holly Bruce?
HB: A period of rest and resetting and then soon as able, recording my next project. I’m very stoked about the next album and want to savor this one. I realize as with most things, it takes time.
SJ: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us!
HB: Oh my gosh, thank you so much for the into-me-see! It’s my pleasure! Keep rocking!
Listen to "Love Remains" below!
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