"evoking that rare combination of life and death" - No Depression
"at the intersection of (many styles of music), all roads are open to him"- Austin Chronicle
"a reminder that the music of this country's by-ways will never perish." - Chuck Hicks, Pop Matters
"his voice was haunting on more than one occasion..." Byron Woods, Independent Weekly
2007 Folk Alliance Showcase
A pioneer of the New Weird America,
and a respected songwriter, performer, and producer/engineer, Michael Holland embodies a true independent American spirit. Whether writing and performing solo as a fingerstyle folk/blues guitarist, leading a band of bluegrass/country musicians, educating pre-schoolers about the joy of music, or putting his producers/engineer's hat on, Michael lives his work and enjoys life, and it shows in his recordings and live performances.
Michael got his start as one of the main songwriters and front man of the critically acclaimed North Carolina band Jennyanykind, who, from 1992-2003, carved their own niche in the American roots music landscape by releasing memorable albums on the now defunct No. 6 records, Elektra/ Time Warner, and Yep Roc records.
After Jennyanykind disbanded in 2003, Holland released a solo record entitled "Bootlegger's Dreams" on his own Big Johns Records, to regional acclaim. Michael and his record were nominated for an Indy Award from the Independent Weekly for best folk artist and best folk record of 2004.
His second release in fall 2005, on Sit-n-Spin records, Tomorrows American Treasures, was created with the help of Big Fat Gap Bluegrass band, and spent several months in the top 10 of the National Bluegrass Airplay chart, according to Roots Music Report.
One of the tracks from the album, Since I Lay My Burden Down, has also been covered by Rounder/Zoe recording artists, Dean and Britta, for their 2006 "Words You Use to Say" EP. Michael was also picked as an up and coming artist in American Way Magazines June 1, 2006 music issue, published by American Airlines, putting him alongside musicians such as Regina Spektor, Seu Jorge, and Carrie Rodriguez. His songs have appeared in as varied of places such as "Hell on Wheels", a documentary about All-Girl Roller Derby,(and an official selection at many 2007 Film Festivals), and PBS Television's Roadtrip Nation.
During this time, Michael also found time to take the role of Frank James during the revival of the original Red Clay Ramblers musical "Diamond Studs: The Life of Jesse James".
His upcoming third release (Jan 2008), Simple Truths and Pleasures, is once again performed with members of the Big Fat Gap Bluegrass Band from NC - the vast majority of it recorded live in the studio. More traditional than the previous record, the earthly songs reflect influences by Earl Scruggs, Blind Boy Fuller, Mississippi John Hurt, The Carter Family, Doc Watson and especially Hank Williams. The music is a perfect and very melodic mixture of truly timeless Southern musical forms: acoustic country, folk, bluegrass, honky tonk, old time string band, blues and gospel, led by Michael Holland's warm and haunting voice.
Michael Holland music is music that defines a part of North Carolina and Southern culture, but is broad enough to reach across global boundaries. Based in tradition, yet modern in its translation, it draws on the wellspring of American music and the rhythms of everyday life to create an original and inspired musical experience.
Discography:
With Jennyanykind:
Etc.... (1993) No. 6,
Blues of the Afflicted (1994) No. 6,
Mythic (1995) No. 6,
Revelater (1996) Elektra,
Big Johns (1998) Yep Roc,
I Need You (1999) Yep Roc,
Money? Can't Buy Mojo (2000) Big Johns,
Peas and Collards (2003) Morisen,
As a solo artist:
Bootleggers Dreams (2003) Big Johns Records,
Tomorrows American Treasures (2005) Sit-n- Spin,
Simple Truths and Simple Pleasures (Jan 22, 2008) Moll-Tontraeger
Production credits:
Jennyanykind, Big Johns, 1998 Yep Roc
Jennyanykind, I Need You, 1999 Yep Roc
Jennyanykind, Peas and Collards, 2003 Morisen
Michael Holland, Bootlegger's Dreams, 2003 Big Johns
Michael Holland, Tomorrows American Treasures, 2005 Sit-n-Spin
Michael Holland, Simple Truths and Pleasures, producer/mixing engineer
Comas, Wave to Make Friends, 1999 Yep Roc
Big Fat Gap, A Short History of Big Fat Gap, 2006 producer/engineer
Two Dollar Pistols, 7", 1999 mastering
Jimbo Mathus and Knockdown Society, National Antiseptic , asst. engineer
Cast Iron Filter, This Ugly Town, 2001 asst engineer
Jule Brown, Soldier in the 9th, 2007 Enabler Records, Recording Engineer
