A couple of years ago, a rebirth in Folk emerged out of the ever-so-popular site, YouTube. Not before long, stunning covers from YouTubers of all age started to grab the attention of the world. Here’s an exclusive interview with KIERSTEN HOLINE, one of the fearless leaders of the revival. We talk about everything from creating a “Feist” genre to marrying Mr. Vernon from Bon Iver.
Just to get this interview rolling, give us a brief introduction Kiersten!
Well. I am born and raised in Minnesota and have always been incredibly interested in art and music. In high school, I decided I just wanted to do my own thing… so I found a school I liked on the West Coast and have been in Seattle ever since.
So one of our lovely MFBAFC followers recommended me to check out your YouTube channel (and I was instantly impressed)… I’m just curious, how did you get into YouTubing your music?
I believe it was my junior year [of high school] when that started… I wanted to see what people thought of my voice/style. I grew up with a chronic case of stage fright so not many knew I sung at all. I wanted to see if it was more than just my mom saying “Kierst… I promise, you’re good.” I was desperate for an honest critique from a stranger.
What’s the genre of music you play on your channel?
It’s hard for me to classify it. I almost just want to create a “Feist” genre, but I suppose it’s Acoustic/Indie/Folk.
What are some other musicians that influence you?
Currently blaring from my MacBook speakers is Bon Iver, who I typically have playing on a daily basis. I keep finding new things in “For Emma Forever Ago” that sort of baffles me. I’ve never had that experience with an album. Besides Mr. Vernon, I’m outrageously inspired by Bob Dylan’s lyrics, Andrew Bird’s creativity, and Wilco’s chord progressions.
We’re sorry to interrupt you with this brief announcement…
MFBAFC has a challenge for you Kiersten (if you choose to accept…)! Put your Itunes on shuffle, and show us the 10 songs that play.
- “Paddling Ghost” – Dan Deacon
- “When They Fight, They Fight” – The Generationals
- “Carbon Monoxide” – Regina Spektor
- “Prelude On The Esplanade” – Sufjan Stevens
- “Angie” – Rolling Stone
- “I Still Miss Someone” - Ryan Adams
- “With God On Our Side” – Bob Dylan
- “Promising Light” - Iron & Wine
- “Fingertips” – Emilana Torrini
- “I Was Only Going Out” – Loney Dear
And now we return to our daily broadcast…
Getting candid… Everyone has a crush on at least one musician (undeniable fact), who’s yours? What’s your wedding going to be like?
As much as I am inspired by Justin Vernon, I am also convinced he is potentially my one and only. I would imagine our wedding to be outrageously Midwestern (out in a field or something). A bunch of banjos everywhere… I feel like everyone in the audience would have a great voice or be talented at a super obscure instrument. Perhaps the whole wedding would just be done in flawless falsetto via Justin. A beard on every man. One beard per man though!
So MFBAFC is a big fan of Jeff Pianki too! How has it been working with him?
Really great. I went to Chicago this summer to play a show with Jeff Pianki and JT Royster, and we just played music from morning until night. It was incredible to have that creativity around me. I wish Jeff lived in the same side of the country as me, but I am quite thankful for this Postal Service-esque process.
But what is this I hear, a collaboration with YouTuber 0AcrossAmerica0?
I’ve been dying to do something with him since I discovered his Animal Collective covers. He’s going to be singing/playing with me for a video of an unreleased original of mine.
MFBAFC is really excited to see your EP ‘Ignoble’ up on big, badass Itunes! What’s this project about?
Mainly just a learning experience I’ve gone through within the past year. Most of the songs allude to this story… from curiosity to closure. It was a big release writing it.
So how did the magazine, Rolling Stone, end up rolling your way?
It was really random actually! I looked at my inbox one night and saw an e-mail from someone who said they wrote for Rolling Stone and wanted to write about me. I didn’t exactly believe it, but I didn’t see any harm in saying yes. A couple of weeks after, I got a message from a fan saying they just read the “Hot Issue” that I was recommended in. So I raced over to the nearest record store and saw it for myself. Still can’t believe it.
Although MFBAFC is a relatively new blog, we already have some exciting stuff coming up. For example, for December, we’re hoping to give back to our dedicated viewers. Is there something you can help us give back? Our blog followers would love to get an exclusive look or listen!
I’m almost done with an original that no one has heard yet (Jeff Pianki will be featured on it too). I would love to share that.
We love! Well, you heard her… exclusive first listen and free download to her new song “Realigned” ft. Jeff Pianki. Enjoy!
Want more of Kiersten? www.myspace.com/kierstenholine
- ANNA LI
** Images courtesy of myspace.com/kierstenholine
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Great interview! Super interesting!
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