Brandon ‘Bizzy’ Hollemon has been building a career in music ever since his second grade teacher handed him a set of wooden blocks and he immediately began banging out complicated rhythms. The 32-year-old maestro boasts a rare combination of virtuoso guitar skills, a world-class musical education, over a decade of hands-on studio experience and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Nicki Minaj, Flo-Rida and Fabolous. Now, Bizzy is shining even brighter as his Grammy-nominated skills are showcased on The Weeknd’s major label debut album Kiss Land.
The Houston, Texas native learned about music listening to his dad’s collection, which ran the spectrum from classic rock to Curtis Mayfield to NWA. “Growing up in the 90s, music defined you,” Bizzy recalls. “It determined how you dressed, who you hung out with. My school had Goths, head-bangers, rap kids, and the future farmers of America. But I didn’t have a clique. I listened to it all.”
Whether performing as a guitarist (TV appearances include Jimmy Kimmel Live and Tonight Show with Jay Leno) or in the studio, Bizzy brings profound musical insight and technical virtuosity to every project. Working with Abel Tesfaye – aka The Weeknd – Bizzy drew on a range of influences including Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, the Smiths, and the Police. The result: deeply felt, rich-textured songs praised by the New York Times as “mournful, pungent, [and] unnerving.”
With the critical success of Kiss Land, Bizzy is poised to push things forward. “Music is my craft, my trade. It is what I was born to do.” Citing Jimi Hendrix, Tupac Shakur and Metallica as inspirations, he spells out the code: “My motto is, ‘No play, no eat.’ There is no other way.” Given his unique combination of skills as a musician/performer and a gifted studio engineer and producer the only question is how high and how fast Bizzy’s star will rise.
In this interview, we discuss influences, the newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I just think playing guitar is a powerful thing. Watching the old music videos back in the late 80’s-90’s the guitar was cool looking and it just seemed like the guy was doing something powerful. Slash back in the day Metallica and those dudes… then Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath… I mean that was something i loved.. Then at the same time Hip Hop and rap and Gangster Rap and artists saying whats going on in their reality on the other side and just the whole getting your message out musically and aggressively but i also really like a good groove and vibe and i try to put it all together into what I’m doing and what i like and how it would sound.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I been having music out since 2004… I started from doing guitar work and production on southern rap artists and it grew from there and now I’m doing my solo thing.. I’ve been putting music out for over a decade with other artist but this part May was the first time my own personal music that i did myself has been made public along with the release august 19 which will be my second ep.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I find influences from my life and those around me from tv and movies females etc… i keep doing it because its all i know at this point… i make music i just keep doing it until something good happens.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I just wanted to come out as a artist on my own and enjoy that journey. see if i could get people into it and make it something that was sustainable.
What was the last song you listened to?
2 Chainz
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
MP3’S for daily.. Vinyl for home..
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Apple Music because its already on your phone and computer.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Just learning the whole social media game… Marketing and figuring out the likes game…. as a writer or producer I’m not worried about being popular as long as the artist or client likes me I’m good… now as a artist i gotta get likes get people into what I’m doing.. its not just happening i have to devise a plan and thats been a fun and expensive but a great journey.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I’m getting the band back together to really put a tour together and get on the road.. right now I’m performing in los angeles I’m doing solo shows and small shows so always check my facebook.com/bizzythowedrock for dates…
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Im everywhere.. Apple. iTunes, tidal , google, amazon, spotify BIZZYTHOWED is the name of my band… download us stream us www.Bizzythowed.com
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Just stay tuned and connect me @BIZZYTHOWED and www.Bizzythowed.com this is the hottest hard rock fun punk rap shit out right now!!! get Blank Check Volume 1 now and Blank Check Volume 2 August 19 2016.
