Nexus Meets…Hollin Kings
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Hollin Kings is comprised of four gents who grew up in the same town just outside of Cleveland. Bonding over a passion for music, Max Ostrowski (vocals/rhythm lead guitar), Brandon Kendig (lead guitar/rhythm guitar), David Royer (bass guitar) and Nathan Lapuh (drums/percussion) formed a high-powered and dynamic band. Introducing individual styles to Hollin Kings, the band has combined these influences to bring people hard rock heaven. We chatted with Hollin Kings about their single ‘Hold On’, their creative process and much more!
How was Hollin Kings formed?
Max (lead singer, guitarist), Dave (bassist), Nate (drummer) and I (Brandon – lead guitar) all grew up in the same town kind of knowing each other. We started playing together in 2017 as a cover band under a different name. In 2019, we decided to start writing our own songs and changed the name to Hollin Kings.
What is the backstory to ‘Hold On’?
‘Hold On’ is about the inner battle with anxiety. The verses deal with that inner battle and the choruses offer hope that you can get through it and that things can get better.
What was the writing and recording process like?
The writing process is different every time, but typically Max or I will bring a riff or a chord progression to practise and jam on it. If the four of us are excited about the idea, we’ll sit down with acoustic guitars and start writing lyrics and melodies together. Then we head to Jim Stewart’s studio in downtown Cleveland to cut the song. We’ll track the drums first with all of us playing live, then we’ll overdub vocals, guitar parts, bass, percussion and any other instruments we feel would add to the song.
If you could tour with a single artist (living or dead), who would it be and why?
Max: Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown because they seem like a bunch of good dudes that just live and breathe music.
Dave: Pearl Jame because they’re one of my favourite bands and we could learn a lot from them since they’ve been touring for so long.
Brandon: Rival Sons would be awesome to tour with since they put n such a kick-ass show.
Nate: Motley Crue. No explanation necessary…
What is your creative process?
We’re constantly writing lyrics, riffs and just go with what feels right.
Describe your music in a single sentence.
Fuzzy rock ‘n’ roll with a lot of energy!
What are your future plans?
To release our debut album at the end of 2020 or beginning of 2021.
Wht do you hope people take from your music?
We hope they connect to it on a personal level and get some sort of emotional release.