February 2025 Artist Spotlight: HOL!

Decadence: Age of Indulgence was the 10 year anniversary of Relentless Beats’ New Year’s extravaganza, which featured artists like John Summit, ISOXO, and Zeds Dead. Highlights of the event include getting on the rail (front row) for John Summit/ISOXO and stumbling upon an unexpected artist’s set: HOL! I have seen his name on numerous festival lineups but never dove into his discography or watched him perform. And now there he was on stage. His set was mind-blowing and mainly featured heavy riddim and dubstep. This brand of riddim was perfect for my slithering dance moves and love of head-banging. His set was consistently fire and coated in red and green laser hues. The crowd matched his energy perfectly, creating an immersive and memorable live experience. This inspired me to listen to HOL!’s music all the way home from Decadence and, in turn, cover him as my February 2025 Artist Spotlight.

HOL! has thoroughly established his sound, with megahits like “Country Riddim” and the sploinky Subtronics collaboration best known as “Mind Pluck.” HOL! has also collaborated with artists like HE$H and Jkyl & Hyde. His specialties are Riddim and dubstep, but his talents encompass many other genres as well. Intricately blending them with mind-blowing bass waves. His versatile sound and collaborative spirit make for some great collaborations. While his solo work gives him a chance to experiment and expand his artistic horizons. His second album, BRULURE, dropped in August 2024 and HOL! continues to tour and play the festival circuit.

“Somewhere” was the first HOL! song that I streamed on the way home from Decadence. It was around 5:30 AM in Tempe after the festival shuttle dropped me off. I was blasting this in a driverless rideshare passing the Christmas lights display at the Phoenix Zoo. The reverberating riddim waves and Hol’s use of an “UHH UHH” sample create an iconic artistic fingerprint. Fuzzy bass and rapid fire lasers shoot out from the heavy, lumbering drums during the drops. A digital mist forms above the track around the halfway point. Pulsing drum effects and ethereal production build anticipation for the next drop.

“Somewhere out there!!”

A crash effect brings forth the next drop. Complete with a pleasant metallic undercurrent. The bass buzzes relentlessly, surrounded by warp-like instrumentals. “Somewhere” then closes out with a steady trickle. Thoroughly blowing my mind and further introducing me to HOL!’s music.

“Movement” is an iconic and unexpected collaboration with industry juggernaut Marshmello. His inclusion on a track this heavy is a welcomed surprise.

“Movement” delivers on every level. The introduction gradually builds anticipation for what is to follow. A red-tinted Riddim Wonderland with well-timed samples. The track begins with the crisp sounds of a spinning record and an ominous ringing. The intro sweeps into a drum build, charging up the bass cannon.

“Why y’all looking so stupid?? Y’all better get with the MOVEMENT!!”

Sharp riddim wonks crash in from all sides, building on the rhythm of the drum effects. Shooting stars and clacking swords reflect off the riddim waves. Adding fine detail to this earth shattering track. The drums maintain a menacing bounce throughout the track’s runtime, apart from the brief near-silent portions. The heavy riddim bass is chopped by samples and interstellar bridges. Eventually expanding into thick bubbles. The steady rhythm of the drums subsides, concluding “Movement” with the intimidating hook from the intro.

“Movement” is a surreal collaboration that features input from one the industry’s top producers. Marshmellow’s kaleidoscopic fingerprint and knack for melody mesh well with HOL!’s dark and ethereal brand of riddim. The start/stop nature of “Movement” creates a sense of wonder and anticipation, while also balancing out the heavier elements. The onslaught of bass and drums make for some serious head banging and bass face. NICE!

Hol’s Decadence set was an incredible surprise and created a stunning first impression. This first impression was strong enough for me to immediately dive into his discography. HOL!’s memorable use of samples and heavy Riddim wonks make for a fun listening experience. His multi-genre capabilities create a dazzling discography beyond this genre alone. For example, “LIKE THIS!” blends HOL!’s dark production style with a elements of House and Techno. Kicks, hi-hats, and swords clash in a mid-tempo wonderland. Along with police sirens and HOL!’s patented *UHHH UHHHs.* “Etoile” is an intergalactic journey that contains twisted drops and multiple layers of melody. A starry EDM soundscape with beautiful production and sampling. His surreal production style is often beyond description. Mesmerizing listeners into a time warp with every release. His live sets are a monument, must-see event that will stay in your memory far beyond the last bass drop. Learn more about HOL! using the social media/streaming links below.

Connect With HOL!: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud