Meet Holdyn Barder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holdyn Barder.

Hi Holdyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My music journey actually began after finding a blue guitar-shaped paperclip next to my tennis bag one day in 2013 at home in Pennsylvania. I took it as a sign to start pursuing music as a hobby. One of my best friends was learning guitar at the time, so I figured I would take a crack at it. I’ve always loved country music since I was born in Houston and grew up listening to Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, and more, but had never played an instrument until 2013. I was just graduating from middle school at the time.

Throughout my high school experience, I fell in love with the guitar more and more and I started posting cover videos online. I remember my first YouTube cover of Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know” getting over 200 views in the first hour. I kept posting. Before I knew it, I had left a physics degree at Lafayette College behind, transferred to Belmont University, and moved to Music City on August 7, 2019. I am now pursuing a career in country music.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Any music career is such an incredible journey of self-discovery and self-awareness. There have been some amazing, unforgettable moments. There have also been many not-so-good moments. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way so far is to surround one’s self with people who energize you and push you to become a better you.

Oftentimes, it’s the people in our lives who could be holding us back from our full potential. Some of the “struggles” I faced came as a result of me not being more discerning and more intentional with my cohorts.  How can I, as a musician, be an example for others to become the best versions of themselves? That’s a question I often ask myself when I’m facing my own hardships.

Each year, I define the year with an adjective or phrase to help set the theme for my pace of life. 2019 was a year of growth, 2020 was a year of reflection, 2021 was a year of self-discovery, and 2022 was a year of intention. 2023 is going to be a year of risk-taking. This practice helps me plow through any obstacle that could come my way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a recording artist and songwriter living in Nashville, TN!

I have been pursuing country music professionally for a few years. In 2022, I released a single titled “Stone Harbor.”

It is about a little beach town I grew up going to my entire life and it did well in the area. I am most proud of my team for helping bring that song to life. I’m most proud of the people my music has already helped in whatever way.

Regarding your last question, I believe my storytelling and my positive energy are two factors that make me unique.

Also, there aren’t many Northeastern country artists, so I think that is a brand new market that has yet to be tapped!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a lot of exciting new music on the horizon! Be on the lookout by checking out HoldynBarder.com for updates!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.holdynbarder.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdynbardermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldynBarderMusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/holdynbarder
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/holdynbarder 

Image Credits
Sydney Welch, Jordan Merrigan, and Kenzie Maroney