MEET THE ARTIST: MALCOM HOLMAN
Where you are from and when DID YOU staRT making music?
Hello, my name is Malcom Holman. I am from the Inland Empire and I have been creating music since I was 14 years old. I started performing professionally and writing music in 2017.
Tell US about your musical background. HOW DID PLAYING BASS AND JOINING THE band ‘Soul Flow’ lead you to where you are now?
I started my music journey by playing piano after my father bought me and my brother's instruments for Christmas in 2006. A few months later, I grew bored of the piano and switched it out for bass. Since then, the bass has become my primary instrument to focus on and learn. I began playing music in the church and am still part of the worship team at my church. Additionally, I also studied music in the McKendree University Jazz Band program and Berklee College of Music Professional Bass Guitar program.
Soul Flow was a movement that the band and I started in St. Louis but eventually transitioned to San Diego County. We wanted more out of music than what was available in the St. Louis area. Once we completed our transition, the next step was to make a name for ourselves and get plugged into the community. The band is currently taking a hiatus, allowing me to use the skills I've gained over the years to create my own brand. I have a drive for music that I couldn't wait for the hiatus to end before doing more, so I have ventured into the unknown.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
As a bassist, I have a lot of respect for a long list of artists. But if I had to narrow down my list, I think the most influential artists that inspire my career are Thundercat, Victoria Wooten, Marcus Miller, Bootsy Collins, Stanley Clarke, John Cooper, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, John Mayer, John Legend, Steve Lacy, Larry Graham, Gary Clarke Jr, and David Ryan Harris. The list goes on, but these are a few of my immediate favorites.
Tell me about your songwriting process. Where do you draw inspiration from?
My songwriting process starts from the heart. I take from the things I see, feel, and have personally experienced in my own life. I want my music to be able to connect with someone on a personal level and let them know that there is a brighter side. I also draw a large portion of my inspiration from my faith. God has allowed me to witness so many amazing things in my life that I want to bring that level of "awe" back to everyone willing to understand the messages behind the story.
What is your biggest tip to becoming a good bassist?
First, take the time to learn theory. Everyone wants to "slapeth the bass" and sound cool, but they are missing all the key fundamentals to being a true musician. Second, practice with a metronome. This will be good for learning to lock in with the drummer or laying down a solid groove. Practice slowly, and then gradually increase the speed as proficiency increases. Third, don't be discouraged to play simply. There is power in simplicity, and it can drastically change the quality of a song depending on the situation.
Let's dive into the solo project you are currently working on. When did you start making music on your own? Any advice for others looking to start solo projects?
I started making my own music in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. I was struggling with depression and needed a healthy outlet, so I started creating something new. After creating one of my favorite songs, my wife Vivian encouraged me to get it recorded and release it. My wife has been my biggest supporter and muse throughout my solo career. My best advice to anyone who wants to pursue a solo music career is to dream out loud! Life is too short to stay within the lines. Sometimes you have to use the tools around you to create something beautiful. Whether you do things yourself, take classes to learn, or ask for assistance, you eventually have to step out on faith.
Let's talk about your latest release, "Save Me, Pt. 1." Tell me about the recording process of this song.
Save Me is a beautiful song about self-help. I brushed off some of my piano skills, programmed some drums, and recorded the bass and vocals in my room. I wanted the song to feel " homey " while recording everything. Over the course of a week, I spent time working on the progressions, working on some soft production techniques, and learning something new to make this song more personal.
What is the message of this song?
Save Me is my "anxiety" song. It is a reminder that during the craziness of life, one can become lost and forgotten in the process of living. Sometimes, we need someone to step in and save us from ourselves, but anyone with anxiety knows that it's not so simple to just speak out about it. So, I consider this song a "prayer" because anxious people often pray for help.
My hope and prayer for this song is to let people know that I get it, that they are not alone, and not to hide the pain. It hurts more to hold on than to let go, so I wanted this song to spark the healing process for a hurting society.
what can your listeners expect in the future?
I plan on releasing my next project sometime during this year or rolling into 2025. My project, Mind Games, is on the way! I have a few more songs to record, and then everything will be ready for the ear of anyone looking for wholesome music.
