Daily Inspiration: Meet Jason Hollis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Hollis

Jason, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! My journey began with a deep passion for music, growing up surrounded by creative influences and the sounds that inspired me to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. From the moment I got my foot in the door, I was committed to making a difference—not just in the music itself, but in the way artists were developed and nurtured.

I started out hustling in the world of artist development, collaborating with up-and-coming bands and helping them find their sound and voice. One of my early successes was working with The Fray, helping propel them from a local band to international stardom. Around the same time, I oversaw the Pink Spiders’ bi-coastal bidding war, which further solidified my reputation as someone who could recognize talent and bring it to the forefront.

Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with industry legends like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell, as well as collaborating with A-List talent and some of the world’s most innovative brands. But it hasn’t been just about working with established stars; it’s also been about breaking new ground. One of my proudest moments was pioneering YouTube’s first branded music show, Best. Cover. Ever., where I had the chance to showcase incredible new artists to industry legends like Katy Perry and Keith Urban, creating a platform that bridged emerging talent with global superstars.

In recent years, I’ve expanded my vision beyond just music production. I’m now the co-owner of The Eighth Room, an iconic music venue in Nashville that channels the history and vibe of legendary venues like Max’s Kansas City and the Viper Room. Transforming this space with my wife, Erin, has been a journey in itself—preserving its rich history while making it a hub for creativity today.

My story is one of perseverance, vision, and adaptability. From the early grind to taking risks as a business owner and constantly pivoting to new opportunities, I’ve built a career that I’m proud of, and I’m excited for what’s next. It’s been a wild ride, but every challenge has pushed me further, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, and honestly, that’s the reality for anyone truly committed to pushing boundaries and breaking new ground. The music industry is fast-paced, unforgiving, and constantly evolving. If you’re not ready to face challenges head-on, you’ll get swallowed up quickly.

Early in my career, I had to deal with the grind of getting my foot in the door. There were plenty of closed doors, and it wasn’t easy convincing people to take a chance on something new. But that’s what this industry is about: believing in your vision even when others can’t see it yet. I remember working with The Fray when they were still just a local band, and no one knew their name. They faced countless “no’s,” but it was their persistence and unwavering belief in the music that carried them through.

Building The Eighth Room was another journey full of obstacles. It wasn’t just about renovating a venue; it was about respecting its history while making it relevant for today’s audience. We faced a lot of setbacks, from construction to finances, but we had a clear vision, and that’s what kept us going. Bringing something new into an industry that thrives on nostalgia can be tough, but staying true to the creative spirit is what made the difference.

And of course, the industry itself is always shifting—new technologies, new trends, new ways of consuming music. There have been times when I had to pivot quickly, learn something entirely new, or risk falling behind. But I’ve always seen those moments as opportunities rather than setbacks. Adapting has been key to survival.

So, no—it hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been struggles, doubt, and moments where it felt like the world was working against me. But every challenge is a lesson, every setback is a chance to grow. In the end, the road might be rocky, but it’s those rough patches that shape you and make success taste that much sweeter.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core of what I do is artist development and production, but it’s really about creating moments that resonate—both in the studio and on stage. My role is to find and nurture talent, to help artists discover who they are and what they want to say, and then provide them the tools to bring that vision to life. It’s about creating something that’s not just musically compelling but culturally relevant.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to take risks and constantly innovate. I’ve never been one to stick with the status quo, whether it’s working behind the scenes to help a band break through or reimagining what a music venue could be. One of the things that sets me apart is my focus on creating an entire experience, not just a sound. When I work with artists, I’m not just thinking about the music—I’m thinking about the message, the imagery, the branding, and how all of those elements come together to create something memorable.

Beyond the creative side, I’ve always been involved in the business and strategy behind the scenes. It’s this dual focus that allows me to work effectively across a range of projects, whether I’m collaborating with brands, developing new products, or spearheading live events. I’m always looking for ways to push the envelope and deliver something fresh.

I’ve had the privilege of working across global markets, which has been instrumental in shaping my approach. From developing relationships in Asia’s music scene to producing records across the UK, US, and Australia, I’ve been able to see firsthand how diverse cultural influences can shape creativity. That’s given me a unique perspective, and I bring that global awareness into every project I take on.

What really drives me is the desire to create something that leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s developing a young artist who goes on to achieve great things, or creating an event that people talk about long after it’s over, I’m always aiming to push boundaries and build something that stands the test of time.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that might surprise people is how much I value quiet time for reflection and problem-solving, especially in an industry that’s always on the go. Meditation is one way I recharge, but what really keeps me grounded is my daily walk—gotta get those steps in! This time is essential for me. I throw on some new music, talk to myself, and use those walks to solve problems, motivate myself, and do some serious visualization.

Visualization has played a massive role in my journey. Back when I was younger, I used to create visualization boards and hang them in my room, mapping out where I wanted to go in life. Those boards took me from Baton Rouge, LA, to Hollywood, CA. Eventually, I moved on to creating visualization books—entire notebooks filled with goals. But now, it’s my daily walks that fuel my vision. While walking, I visualize my future, mapping out the next steps in real-time. I like to think I’m working on becoming a Jedi Knight of visualization!

People don’t often realize how much this simple routine powers everything I do. These walks are where I get to focus, reflect, and mentally build what’s coming next. It’s a powerful tool—creating the future before it even happens—and it’s been key to my personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eighthroom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itshollis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsjasonhollis/
• Twitter: https://x.com/itshollis
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5WbNv36PvETwoYKBBCUSbC?si=2b02b84a94064c9d

Image Credits
Photos by: Elisabeth Donaldson
Photos by: Erin Hollis
Photos by; Kurt Collins