“Speaking In Tongues,” the lead single from the band’s album “Smile Like Heaven,” is richly layered, warmly saturated, and evokes a strong sense of 90s nostalgia with its chord progression. Read our discussion with the artist below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
holy roller baby
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Holy Roller Baby’s music and how it reflects your Texas roots?
I didn’t grow up in Texas, so I’m not sure how much influence Texas has had on me. I’m really not into Country Music or Southern Rock, although we often get lumped into that category because Texas is in the South and we play rock. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) not far from Detroit (Motown.) Those are probably my roots more than Texas. I know the rest of the band is from Texas, so I’m sure that red dirt oozes into the sound somewhere. Not my roots personally though.
Adding to our previous question, how has the Austin music scene influenced your development as a band, and what makes it a unique place for your style of music?
There’s a lot of really cool bands here. Nolan Potter is one of my favorites. The competition breeds excellence I feel like.
Artists and people that have influenced you?
As of late I’ve been really into Thee Oh Sees, Ghost Funk Orchestra, and Emitt Rhodes. It’s a very wide spectrum, but I see our own music as a blend between The Beatles and Black Sabbath or Queen of The Stone Age at times. Demob Happy was a big influence a few years ago for me as well in terms of their ability to be an evil Beatles ala Charles Manson Killings-era Beatles.
Favorite guitar riff you wish you had composed yourselves?
Great question. I wish I invented the riff for Iron Butterfly’s “In-A Gadda-Da-Vida” or however you spell it. Super evil. Super catchy. It’s the theme song for a good time.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
Mr Gnome from Cleveland. Incredible sonic textures. Nicole’s voice is super versatile. She can scream, shrill, soothe. Really incredible band with so much breadth and substance. Looking forward to their new album.
What is next for you?
We release our second album “Smile Like Heaven” in August. Will be releasing two more music videos before it comes out on August 23rd. Waiting on an animated video for ‘Girl From The East Side’ and then a live band video for “Ant Hills.”
What isn’t a crime but should be?
Blue Cheese. It should be banned. It has ruined so many delicious sandwiches for me with its insidious inclusion.
Thank you!
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