We’d like to introduce you to the Central Florida based Hollis Dorian. The band will be in Nashville later this fall as they attend The Josie Music Awards where they have four nominations. Best of luck to the guys! Read the interview below to learn some awesome background info, and then give them a follow on socials.
Got Country: What’s the story behind the formation of Hollis Dorian?
Hollis: I released my first EP “Country By Birthright” in 2022 and was looking to put together a live band. A couple of the people who lent their talents to that initial EP were bass player and producer Stone Jamess as well as singer/musician Robert Wilson, both then of the band ’Dead Show Dealers.’ However, after the untimely passing of Robert, the remaining members of the Dead Show Dealers, including drummer Josh Henry and guitarist Bink Skiba, were at a musical crossroads. I contacted Stone about a possible collaboration, not realizing that the rest of the group would eventually reform as my band and songwriting collaborators!
I think the guys will all agree that we clicked pretty well musically and the four of us, (Hollis, Stone, Josh, and Bink) have been making music since then. The 2nd EP “You Got My Somethin,’” and the first that all four of us collaborated on, was released in February of 2024. And it’s already been nominated for multiple Josie Music Awards this year! So, the origin has a tragic undertone, but I like to think that things happen for a reason and now I have 3 musical brothers sharing my vision!
Can you tell us about a musical figure that has significantly influenced your sound?
I’m a massive Elvis fan, so that’s always under the surface; that kind of showmanship and level of sincerity is something I try to replicate. As a Country artist specifically, there’s a bunch for me. But I am a big Conway Twitty guy. So, I feel like there’s a little Conway spirit in most of what I do. Between all of us, we’ve certainly got eclectic tastes, and that runs from pop, to hard rock, to punk, to you name it. I feel like the fact that the band members have so many musical influences allows us to not be stuck in one musical mode.
How does your hometown or background influence your sound or lyrics?
This is literally the basis for the song “Country By Birthright” (which won the 2023 JMA Award for Country Song of the Year (Multiple Writers))! I grew up on a farm in Florida. Well, back when there still were farms! And though we had the farm and the cattle and the chickens and the hogs, my family was NOT wealthy. People would ask me about growing up and say things like “I’m trying to imagine you as a kid on a tractor with a cowboy hat.” I was always like, “Tractor? We didn’t have a tractor, that was rich people stuff!” And it was basically that moment that I realized I had something unique to say in Country Music. I try to remember how I grew up any time I write a Country song.
If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be and why?
Any artist? I’m assuming we’re talking living artists. If we’re shooting for the moon, I’m gonna go with Dolly. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Dolly. She’s a national treasure and her influence on Country Music is indisputable. Now, if we’re not going with things that have an astronomically high chance of never happening, I’d love to open for someone in the modern era like Ashley McBryde, whose last two albums were phenomenal. Or maybe Jelly Roll; I think our act would fit well with his, actually. That guys’ level of enthusiasm and positivity is infectious! Add Cody Jinx to that list, as well. I really admire what he’s been able to accomplish.
What is your bucket list venue to play?
While I love dreaming about playing arenas, it’s the Grand Ole Opry for me. There’s just no greater honor in Country Music than being invited to play there. I stood on the Grand Ole Opryhouse stage to accept the award for “Country By Birthright” last year and it was OVERWHELMING. The emotional impact of just standing in the legendary circle knocked me over. And I’m hoping they invite us to play on the Opry at some point! SOON!
What strengths do you believe each member brings to the band?
A lot! I feel like my major contribution is catchy songwriting, but the fact is that Stone, Josh and Bink played and toured for years before I met them. Not only are they all better musicians than I am by like a hundred times, they understand how to put together a show. They give a lot of thought to the flow of songs, the sounds that need to be in the right places, those kinds of things. If I write a song myself, they bring pieces to that song I could never hear in my head, and the actual collaboration becomes much larger than the individual. When we write together, it’s just a hell of a lot of fun seeing what they will each bring to a song. Life is so black and white sometimes, but songwriting and producing/recording is a truly unique and collaborative art. I’m honestly just grateful that they are such great musicians. I literally could not have put this music out without them.
What’s your favorite part about performing live?
Our first, full live show together was earlier this year. And it really went off well, I thought. For me, the best thing about that show, was that I felt like I was truly a part of a larger, cohesive force. There’s a point on stage where I feel like I’m finally in the zone and the song is happening without me having to worry about every painstaking detail the way I do in rehearsal. That moment allows me to try to use my voice to connect emotionally to the audience. I just want to be able to have those moments with a crowd, where people feel that connection with us. I mean, that’s the magic of a great concert experience for me as a fan, so that’s what we try to bring.
Do you have any pre-show or post-show rituals?
I wouldn’t say rituals. But I have friends who, for many years, did live, local theater. And before each show, they’d share a shot of Irish whiskey. So, before that first concert, I did ask for a swig of Jameson! Might have to make it Kentucky Bourbon next time! We’ll see!
Are there any particular milestones you’re aiming to achieve in the next few years?
Yes! The aforementioned Grand Ole Opry is at the top of my list. If anyone reading this knows any Opry folks, tell em to call your boy Hollis! And because I think our show lends itself perfectly to big venues, I would LOVE to open for a stadium/arena-level Country act. Hollis Dorian and the boys would ROCK a stadium! Get us on one of the big festivals, we’ll bring it.
What do you want fans to know about Hollis Dorian, and what is the best way for them to keep up with the band?
The best way to keep up with us is to check out HollisDorian.com which has all our social media links. And for Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok , please follow us. Every like and share helps get the word out! Mostly what we’d like fans to know is that we appreciate the love, the likes, the shares, the comments of encouragement. It is great to win awards for these songs, of course, but there’s no point in this music if it doesn’t connect with or touch people in a positive way. And that’s what we’re trying to do. The response from fans has been phenomenal and filled with love, so keep it up and we will too!
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