Today we learn all about Holon who takes on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
“Learning to Live” by Dream Theater. That track completely changed how I thought about music. The emotional weight, the storytelling, the dynamics, and the ambition—it was all there.
Hearing it for the first time was like someone opening a door to a whole new dimension. I realised you could be technical, emotional, and thoughtful all at the same time. That was a big moment for me.
Best rider you have had?
Well, I haven’t exactly lived the rock ‘n’ roll rider life, so no crazy stories there. But if I ever did make one, it would probably be the least rock and roll rider imaginable. Think kombucha, green tea, organic veggie food… maybe some dark chocolate if I’m really pushing it. Basically, a rider that would confuse a roadie and make a nutritionist proud.
Craziest moment as an artist?
Probably ending up playing Hotel California in a disabled coach on a train journey in India. How I ended up there is a long story I’ll save for another time—but it involved some curious fellow passengers, taking turns in performing, and one of those surreal moments where music instantly broke the ice and brought everyone together.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
From “A Drop of Me”:
“A drop of me
In the ocean
Of you
A solution”
It’s simple, but it captures something profound—the way we dissolve into others, how connection changes us, and how individuality and unity exist together.
Easiest song you wrote?
Definitely Two Grains of Sand. I wrote it while stuck in a hotel room in Istanbul, in transit from one of my trips to India. It just flowed out of me in that in-between state—physically travelling, emotionally reflective. The lyrics, melody, and structure all seemed to land exactly where they needed to without much effort.
Favourite song in your set?
I’d say Two Grains of Sand. It always feels natural to play live—stripped back, emotionally direct, and it resonates with people. It also reminds me of where this journey started.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
I think Einar Solberg from Leprous would be incredible. His voice has such a huge emotional range—from delicate and fragile to absolutely soaring. I think that kind of intensity would bring a completely new dimension to a Holon track.
Hardest thing about being a solo artist?
Wearing all the hats. You’re the artist, producer, mixer, social media manager, and occasionally your own therapist. It’s rewarding, but it can also feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a bike.
Interesting fact about you?
Besides music, I also work in the semiconductor industry working on designing GPUs. So by day, I’m immersed in tech and problem-solving, and by night I dive into music – which oddly enough is also a lot about tech and problem solving these days 😉 It’s a strange combo, but both are creative in their own way.
Joke you like to tell?
This is probably where I should insert a “dad joke” warning. I think this one is pretty funny though:
“What did the Buddhist say to the pizza chef?
Make me one with everything.”
Key to writing a song?
For me, the spark usually comes unexpectedly when I’m noodling around on guitar. But finishing a song—that takes focus. Especially with lyrics, I need to set aside time and really stay in the process, no matter how much I struggle. Inspiration starts it, but persistence is what completes it.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
Holon hasn’t been touring extensively, but in my musical life I’ve carried my guitar as far as India—backpacking and playing along the way. That trip gave me a lot of inspiration that still surfaces in my music.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Frank Zappa. Not just for his technical brilliance, but for his refusal to follow rules, his humour, and his ability to be experimental while still purposeful. He taught me that music can be complex, weird, funny, and deeply moving—all at once. That being said – I never experienced him live unfortunately – so maybe I misunderstood the question…
New band/artist you’d recommend?
I just discovered The Olllam. They’re not new exactly, but I only discovered them recently. They blend traditional Irish music with progressive, modern elements in such a unique and atmospheric way. A brilliant discovery.
Opening for this band/artist would be ideal?
I think The Pineapple Thief, Steven Wilson, or Mew would be a perfect fit. Their audiences appreciate immersive, emotional music that builds over time—so Holon would probably feel right at home in that context.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Japan. The way audiences there listen—deeply and respectfully—would be amazing for the kind of music I make. Plus, I have a soft spot for Japanese culture (and convenience stores).
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
A favourite of mine is from Miles Davis: “When you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that makes it good or bad.”
It’s true not only in music, but for life in general. Mistakes aren’t the end—it’s what you do next that gives them meaning. Everything is connected.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
The album is called Love & Behold. It’s about rediscovering love—not just romantic love, but connection, vulnerability, and acceptance after loss. The title felt like the perfect way to capture both the uncertainty and the beauty of that process.
See me live at?
holon is primarily a studio project at the moment, so no live shows are planned just now. But if it does happen in the future, I’d want it to be an immersive, atmospheric experience—not just a gig, but a space to feel and reflect.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Not necessarily. The old days had mystery and less noise, but today we have incredible access and diversity. The challenge now is just to cut through the sheer amount of content—but in terms of creativity, I think music is thriving.
Unusual merchandise?
Nothing too wild yet, but would be cool to have crochet holon sweaters available sometime in the future.
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
I’d love to make an acoustic version of A Drop of Me, but with Indian folk instruments—like tablas and other textures. That song already has a certain intimacy, and I think giving it that flavour would bring out a whole new dimension.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. holon isn’t mainstream—it’s more of a personal project. So when someone connects with it, it means they’ve taken the time to really listen. That kind of support is what keeps it alive and makes all the long nights worth it.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance-related injuries?
Thankfully not. Unless you count neck stiffness from too many hours mixing.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Probably mine— I am notoriously optimistic when it comes to time.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of you?
My friends used to call me Ronny Puma, after a football player called Johnny Puma in a comic series we used to read as kids. So I guess I’ll stick with that. Quiet most of the time, but when I move, it’s with purpose – and hopefully also with grace.