Following on from the rousing response to his much-loved EP 'One Of A Kind' in 2022, US artist 26 Hold'n is back on the grind once again with his breezy new single 'Last Name'.
Bringing back more of that smooth and alluring aesthetic he is known for, 'Last Name' makes for an incredibly rich and captivating listen. With his vibrant vocal flow spread across an atmospheric production throughout, he returns to the fold with one of his most passionate efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’m not much of a musician these days, but I’ve always loved acoustic guitars. I still have photos from my toddler years strumming my little extra small acoustic!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to classic rock and gospel with my parents, but have always loved hip-hop and r&b the most. I definitely had a phase in middle school with mainstream Pop but we don’t speak of this…
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first physical album I ever purchased for myself was “When it’s Dark Out” by G-Eazy. My friends and I died hard over that album. We used to have competitions to see who could rap and imitate his verses the best.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is honestly a really hard question for me as there are so many songs I absolutely envy to my core. But if I had to choose just one of them, I would probably say “Don’t” by Bryson Tiller. There’s something so unique for its time in the writing and relatability in that song. Like, who thinks to write a song from an outside point of view, trying to treat your own girl better. As if you were someone else looking into your own relationship? If that sounds complicated it’s because… it is. True genius.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
In the beginning of my writing journey it was a really hard time in my life, and I spent most of my time writing music. I wouldn’t say it was the best but it meant a lot to me as a growing individual. Very therapeutic, and it helped me through a lot of hard times. These days I’d say my ritual for writing is just putting myself in a music atmosphere, whether that’s with other people, places, or even the car on break at work. I always find some window where I can at least listen to instrumentals or music of some sort to inspire my writing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
As of recently I’ve been listening to a lot of punk pop but of course R&B. Weird combination of playlists but Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Melvins, Less than Jake, and of course Bryson Tiller and his new self titled album.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Another tough one. If I had to choose just one, I’d go with opening for Jack Harlow. His shows just do what they’re intended in my eyes, and I think he has the type of stage presence I’d love to be a part of.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The imperfections. I think like a skateboarder, as I fell over and over again I learned every little imperfection in my movements and balance until I could finally roll away. Music is the same in my mind. After a few weeks I might hate what I just wrote. But growth is all that matters to me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I see the most frustration in other artists as a local artist myself. I get there is competition, and I understand the music industry can be cutthroat. I don’t understand why people want you to do good, just not better than them.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
A winner is just a loser who tried one more time. Trust the process.
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26 Hold'n's new single 'Last Name' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.