Interviews: Holon

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Rock artist, Holon, from Norway. Check it out!.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or came out just like that?

The name holon came from a philosophical term I encountered while reading Ken Wilber, who in turn built on ideas originally coined by Arthur Koestler. A holon is something that is both a whole in itself and part of a larger whole. That idea immediately resonated with me, not only philosophically, but musically as well.

Music is built exactly that way: individual notes, phrases, instruments, and emotions all stand on their own, yet only truly make sense when they interact with something larger. The same applies to people, relationships, and creative work. So while I didn’t sit down with a checklist to find a band name, once I stumbled across the word, it felt inevitable. Nothing else came close after that.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I don’t think I ever consciously chose a genre - it emerged naturally from the music I love and the way I think. I’ve always been drawn to music that allows for depth, patience, and emotional range. Progressive and atmospheric rock gives me room to explore ideas without having to rush toward a chorus or stick to rigid structures.

That freedom is important to me. I like songs that can evolve, take unexpected turns, and sit with a feeling long enough for it to really sink in. This genre allows me to be expressive both emotionally and intellectually, which is something I value deeply as a songwriter.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Holon is primarily a solo project, but Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen has been an essential part of it from the very beginning. We met around 2015 through Rhys Marsh, who produced my first album. Geir had played drums on another project that was recorded in Rhys’s studio, and when we crossed paths, there was an immediate musical understanding.

What’s interesting is that Geir comes from a very different musical background than mine, which I think is part of why it works so well. He has an incredible sense of feel and energy, and he brings something very grounded and human to the music, even when the arrangements get quite layered or complex.

4. Each band member’s favourite band?

When I was in my late teenage years, I was absolutely obsessed with Dream Theater, especially Images & Words. That album shaped my musical development in a big way. Alongside Frank Zappa, Dream Theater is probably the closest I’ve ever come to being completely obsessed with an artist.

That said, my taste has evolved a lot over time. These days, I’m not as into Dream Theater’s newer material - for me, it doesn’t quite capture the same songwriting magic as those early records. My listening habits have broadened significantly, and now I enjoy music across many genres and moods. I honestly wouldn’t be able to rank a single favourite band anymore, and I see that as a healthy thing.

Geir’s taste is very different - and that contrast is actually quite funny. He plays drums in a couple of thrash metal bands and listens to a lot of black metal, so progressive rock isn’t really his main musical home at all. Still, he genuinely enjoys playing on holon songs, and I think that contrast adds a rawness and intensity that benefits the music.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mostly life itself - relationships, breakups, personal growth, loss, and moments of change. I’m very interested in the internal processes people go through, and that naturally finds its way into my lyrics.

Beyond that, I’m deeply inspired by philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. Thinkers like Ken Wilber, Alan Watts, and Chögyam Trungpa have influenced how I reflect on existence and identity. Musically, artists such as Frank Zappa, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Pat Metheny, Shakti, Pink Floyd, and Jaga Jazzist have shaped my sense of structure, texture, and emotional storytelling.

6. Where was your last gig?

Holon is mainly a studio-based project, so I don’t play live very often. My most recent performances have been stripped-back acoustic shows, where the focus was on intimacy rather than volume or spectacle. Those settings suit the music well, allowing space for lyrics and emotion to come through clearly.

7. Where would you like to perform?

For me, it’s much more about the audience than the location. That said, I’m drawn to places that feel atmospheric or a little out of the ordinary - environments that encourage listening rather than distraction. Something like the Træna Festival in Norway would be ideal, or any venue where people come with an open mind and patience.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Bands like The Pineapple Thief, Mew, or Steven Wilson feel like a natural fit. Their audiences tend to appreciate immersive, emotionally layered music, which aligns closely with what Holon is about. I think those kinds of shared environments are where the music can really breathe.

9. Whom not?

Anyone who treats music purely as background noise or as a competition. I’m far more interested in shared experiences and honest connections than ego or comparison.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Stage fright is very normal, especially when the music is personal. My best advice is to focus on the music itself rather than on how you’re perceived. Preparation helps enormously - knowing your material inside and out gives you the confidence to relax and be present. I had a period where I struggled with anxiety, and that gave me some perspective on how silly it is to be afraid of these things. Don’t take yourself too seriously - if all goes to shit, what is the worst that can happen? It is not like you are going to die from it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Dream Theater (early years), Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Yes, Genesis, Rush, along with Pat Metheny, Shakti, and Jaga Jazzist. Each of them showed me different ways music can be emotional, exploratory, and meaningful.

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing too strange so far. Most fans ask thoughtful questions about lyrics, meanings, or production choices, which I really appreciate. I enjoy those conversations far more than odd requests.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I’m extremely grateful. Holon isn’t mainstream music, so anyone who connects with it has taken the time to really listen. I’d describe my fans as curious, thoughtful, and loyal, and that kind of engagement means everything to me.

14. What do you think of our site?

I genuinely appreciate that Breathing The Core focuses on discovery and depth, rather than just trends or hype. Platforms like yours are essential for artists who make music that asks a bit more of the listener.

15. Something to add?

Just a sincere thank you to everyone who supports independent music. Projects like holon exist because people are willing to slow down, listen deeply, and engage with art on its own terms. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.