20 Questions You Didn’t Know You Wanted To Ask…Adrian Holder
Guest mixes and posts are now being arranged for Here Comes The Nice as well as this new series. Starting here and shortly to begin over at The Right Side Of Funky. A nod to Dave over at Planet Mondo for a much needed kick up the jacksey. Plenty of names are lined up for the future and fittingly a true Mod God is the man to ‘kick start the 2 stroke’ and fire off his answers. I couldn’t be happier that he agreed to do it as I find this mans outlook and humour a constant inspiration (as well as his music obviously). A true gentleman, its only the man of The Moment himself, be sure to click on his name and check out some of his fantastic solo material. All hail….Mr. Adrian Holder!!!
1. How would you best describe what you do to the uninitiated?
I write and record songs. I make music. I tell stories. I comment on life. I strum the guitar. I create. I paint with sound. I make secrets public. I let it out.
2. Where would you say you are with regard to your career right now?
I don’t think I have a career. A career sounds like a planned thing. Life happens to me and I to it. I can’t remember if I am at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end. I am still waiting to find out if it has ended or just starting… I am returning from a long break as a solo artist so I must be at the start, right?
3. Which song (not neccesarilly yours) best sums you/the band up and why?
This is a hard one - it changes each time I record something. At the moment the song which sums me up would be ‘Penelope Wood’. It’s my latest work and is therefore the freshest thing I have done. It is of the moment! It’s a love song.
4. Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration (musically or otherwise)?
I no longer am inspired by people I do not know. The biggest inspiration, the people that make me write and record more than anything would be my family. They are more important than any hero past or present.
5. Is there anyone amongst your influences that you think would surprise people and why?
Sure, I bet most of the people I think are great would cause a few raised eyebrows back in Mod town. Johnny Cash, springs to mind. I don’t think I have heard one of his tunes played at any of the mod clubs I’ve been to! It’s very rock and roll but with country boots on. As a rule, I am not a country fan but this guy is super special.
6. What are you most proud of?
My children.
7. In the quest to get the music ‘out there’ have you ever done or agreed to anything you’ve later regretted?
Yes. There are many things I would have done differently given a second chance. When The Moment were together, we were in such a hurry to get the work done I often forgot to take a step back and enjoy what was happening. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. I also spent much too much time listening to others. I had too much respect for the wrong people. I’ve have since put this right.
8. What’s the most ridiculous request that’s been asked of you/the band?
We were asked not to play on Good Friday in Switzerland back in ..87. Something to do with God, apparently… I wasn’t worried though, I knew he was a fan.
9. What do you think is the secret to a good working relationship amongst musicians?
Easy, don’t talk to them.
10. If you could have played on one song (that you don’t), what would it be and why?
Any Beatles record would have done me. Imagine being able to say you played on a Beatles track. Priceless.
11. How do you make the balance between music and personal responsibilities?
I work as little as possible. I come home early. I put the kids to bed and then make the music. It’s a perfect balance.
12. In light of the internet and downloading do you feel that fans are missing out on the record buying discovery/experience?
Who cares? Things change. I like change, it keeps people on their toes. All things come to an end and record shops are one of those things. Music is music it doesn’t really matter how or where you come into contact with it.
13. Do you think that success is your motivation and do you have a preset gameplan for your music/the band?
I’ll let you know the plan when I think of one. Truth is, I am not clever enough to have a plan. I am just an ordinary Joe stumbling through life. Plans are for politicians and business men, neither of which float my boat all that much. As Gary Malby, once said to me when he managed The Moment; ‘the secret of success is to never plan ahead’. Wise words, perhaps.
14. DJ’s are now as famous as a lot of the bands they play, what are your views on this and do you think it’s deserved?
No. I never have got this one. It’s a little like making a shop worker famous for selling you a nice suit. Can I add, some of my best friends are DJ’s. DJ’s rule.
15. To date, what has been your most memorable gig (either as a performer or as a fan)?
There have been too many to remember and anyway, most of them were negotiated through a drunken haze. I can still remember the very first, perhaps it’s a little like sex, you always remember the first time.
16. How do you overcome pre-gig nerves (if you get them)?
Not a problem for me. I am usually so drunk I don’t know where I am.
17. When did you last write something?
I am constantly writing. I will start writing something new this evening! Writing is good. I like good.
18. Have you ever reached a point where you’ve thought about throwing the towel in and walking away (and if so, what persuaded you otherwise)?
I threw in the towel a long time ago. I haven’t stopped playing and writing though. Why? It’s what I do.
19. What are your views on electronics muscling in and replacing live instuments during recording?
No problem. It’s just a different way of making sounds. There’s a place for all of it. A little like sex and porn, different but still connected to pleasure… (for some).
20. Lastly, thank you for your time. What made you agree to answer these questions?
Technical / Overall Layout
You.
Nice work Matt - I don;t know any of his work, but am heading straight off to myspace to check it out
Theres a few Moment tracks hidden in the previous selections on here too Dave!
How about an interview with Adrian’s Moment sidekick Steve Rinaldi - I hear there’s a new Rinaldi Sings album coming out soon. That would be worth 20 questions!