EMQs With holon
EMQS With Holon
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Ronny Pedersen, and I am the creator, songwriter, and instrumentalist behind holon. I play guitar, bass, keyboards, and sing, and I also handle recording, producing, mixing, and mastering my music.
Holon started as a solo music project, born out of necessity. After spending years playing in various bands that either broke up or hit a standstill, I got tired of waiting for the right lineup and decided to take matters into my own hands. I had all these songs piling up, and I realized that if I didn’t do it myself, they might never be heard .
My debut album, “The Time Is Always Now”, was released in 2016 and was produced and mixed by Rhys Marsh. The album featured several guest musicians, including drummer Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen, who has since become my primary collaborator .
For my upcoming album, “Love & Behold,” I decided to go even more independent—this time handling almost everything myself, from songwriting and arranging to producing, mixing, and mastering. While holon started as a more collaborative effort, it has evolved into a fully self-sufficient project, giving me complete creative control .
holon is primarily a studio project, as I enjoy the creative process more than live performance. However, I have played some acoustic solo shows, and while I don’t have a full-band lineup, I might consider live performances in a more intimate setting in the future .
How did you come up with your band name?
The name holon comes from a concept I discovered while reading a book by Ken Wilber, a modern philosopher known for his work on integral psychology. The term itself was first coined by Arthur Koestler in his book The Ghost in the Machine.
A holon is something that is both a whole and a part of a larger whole. This idea really resonated with me because it applies to music, life, and even existence itself. In music, a single note or instrument is a holon—it’s a complete sound on its own, but it also contributes to a larger musical piece. In life, each of us is a holon—an individual, yet also part of a greater whole like family, society, or humanity. I thought this concept perfectly described the way music is built, layer by layer, and how everything is interconnected. Plus, I liked how holon sounded as a name—it’s simple and it has depth .
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from Trondheim, Norway. It’s a city with a rich and diverse music scene, particularly known for its jazz conservatory, which has produced some of Norway’s finest musicians.
The Rock and Metal scene in Norway is very strong, especially in the Progressive and extreme Metal genres. While Norway is often associated with Black Metal (with bands like Mayhem, Emperor, and Darkthrone), the scene is actually quite diverse, covering everything from prog rock and post-rock to alternative and fusion-based styles .
Some great local bands I’d recommend checking out:
Motorpsycho – A legendary progressive rock/psych rock band from Trondheim that has been around since the early ’90s.
Soup – A fantastic post-rock/progressive band that creates atmospheric and cinematic music.
Ola Kvernberg (Steamdome) – Not metal, but a brilliant violinist/multi-instrumentalist who has made some amazing fusion-inspired music in recent years .
While holon isn’t part of the heavier Metal movement, the progressive and experimental spirit of the Norwegian music scene has definitely influenced my work. There’s a strong sense of musical exploration here, which I really appreciate.
What is your latest release?
The latest release from holon is the single “Samsara”, which came out in December last year. This is the first song from my upcoming two-part concept album, “Love & Behold” .
“Samsara” is a deeply personal song that explores themes of loss, change, and personal transformation. It was inspired by two major life events: the end of my marriage and the emotional journey that followed and the passing of my father, which added another layer of introspection to the song.
Musically, it blends melodic, atmospheric, and Progressive Rock elements, evolving as the song progresses.
Check out the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0M4rLVrXg8
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’ve had a wide range of musical influences throughout my life, spanning multiple genres. My sound is shaped by a mix of progressive rock, jazz fusion, world music, and experimental artists.
Prog rock influence include:
Dream Theater – “Images & Words” was a life-changing album for me, introducing me to the world of progressive music. Their combination of technical mastery and strong songwriting left a big mark on me.
Rush – Their ability to create epic, intricate music while still being melodic and accessible is something I admire. I’ve always been fascinated by “2112”.
Pink Floyd – The way they blend atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling has influenced my approach to composition.
Yes & Genesis – Classic prog giants that inspired me with their complex arrangements and evolving song structures.
I also have some influences in the Jazz Fusion & Experimental Music:
Frank Zappa – His boundary-pushing compositions, humor, and ability to mix genres had a massive influence on me. I was blown away by his idiosyncratic melodies and approach to music.
John McLaughlin & Shakti – His guitar playing and fusion of jazz with Indian music opened my ears to world music and odd time signatures.
Chick Corea & Al Di Meola – Their work in jazz fusion helped shape my appreciation for intricate, dynamic compositions.
And once I started out playing guitar I quickly found inspiration with guitarists like:
Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) – One of my earliest guitar heroes. His percussive, rhythmic style influenced my playing.
Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple) – His ability to blend rock, jazz, and classical elements inspired my approach to songwriting.
Steve Vai & Joe Satriani – Their melodic yet technical guitar work made me appreciate instrumental music.
In later years I have also taken a liking to ethnic music such as Eastern European & Indian music – I love odd time signatures and unique phrasing, which you find a lot in Balkan and Indian classical music. I also dig Flamenco with its expressive and emotional guitar playing.
What first got you into music?
My journey into music started when I was a kid in school, listening to radio countdowns and recording them on cassette tapes with my friends. That was my first introduction to music—just consuming what was popular at the time. My first vinyl record was Whitney Houston’s “Whitney” and my first cassette tape was New Kids on the Block. I was also a big fan of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” during that time.
I was just a listener at first, but that all changed when I was around 11-12 years old. In music class at school, I was assigned to play the guitar, and something about it clicked immediately. One of my classmates already played guitar, so I borrowed one from him and spent months locked in my room teaching myself .
As I got older and better at playing, my music taste shifted to rock and metal. Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Megadeth, Skid Row, and Extreme became my favorites. Extreme’s guitarist, Nuno Bettencourt, became a huge influence on my playing style. At the same time, I started digging into my stepfather’s huge vinyl collection. That introduced me to Pink Floyd, Yes, Def Leppard, Saga, and Toto, expanding my taste beyond just plain Rock and Metal.
One day, a friend from school lent me a CD that would change everything: Dream Theater’s “Images & Words.” It was a life-altering experience and introduced me to progressive music, which opened up a whole new world for me.
That led me to Prog Rock and Jazz Fusion, and soon I was listening to some of the influences that I mentioned earlier. I became obsessed with instrumental and progressive music, always looking for something more complex, unique, and challenging.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
That’s a tough question because there are so many amazing musicians I admire, but if I had to choose, I’d love to collaborate with someone who brings a unique perspective and skill set that could push my music in a new direction.
Steven Wilson – He has an incredible ear for production and atmosphere, and I love how he blends Progressive Rock, ambient textures, and deep emotional storytelling. His ability to create cinematic, evolving music would be a perfect fit for what I do with holon. I’d love to see how he would mix and produce my songs, as he has a way of making everything sound crystal clear yet organic.
John McLaughlin- He’s a legend in Jazz Fusion and a master of incorporating world music elements into his compositions. Since I already have influences from Indian and Eastern European music, working with McLaughlin would allow me to deepen that fusion of styles.
Nuno Bettencourt – One of my earliest guitar heroes. I love his percussive, rhythmic playing style, and I think it would be fun to write a complex, Progressive Rock song with him. Plus, he has a great sense of melody and harmony, which could lead to some interesting vocal arrangements.
Ola Kvernberg – He’s an incredible Norwegian violinist and multi-instrumentalist, and I’ve been really inspired by his recent fusion/Jazz-infused work with Steamdome. Adding strings and cinematic textures to a Holon album would be amazing. Also, we live in the same town.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I would play the “Bukta” festival in the city where I was born and grew up, Tromsø. The festival is situated in a fantastic location to play music. It takes place in the summertime and the scenery behind the stage is beautiful arctic nature, the sea and mountains in the surrounding areas. When the weather is right this brings a fantastic atmosphere. Also, the people up in the north of Norway are great – they are outgoing, warm and full of hospitality. The perfect audience!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I haven’t really received any gifts from fans so I guess that is easy to answer. I will put that on my list of achievement goals. Does it count if I ask my mom to knit holon wool socks?
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
First of all, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen to Holon. Whether you’ve been following my music since “The Time Is Always Now or just discovered it recently, I truly appreciate your support. The main message I’d like to share is: “Be present, embrace creativity, and find meaning in the journey.” In music, as in life, the process is just as important as the outcome. I create music because I love the act of making it, not just the final product.
If you’re a musician, artist, or creator, I encourage you to focus on the joy of creation rather than external validation.I hope my music inspires listeners to reflect on their own lives, emotions, and experiences. Whether it’s the philosophical themes of “The Time Is Always Now” or the personal journey explored in Love & Behold, my goal is to make music that connects on a deeper level.
And finally, thank you for being part of this journey with me. Independent artists rely on word of mouth, engagement, and direct support, so every stream, purchase, or share means the world. I hope my music can be a soundtrack for moments in your life – just as my favorite music has been for me.
Stay curious, keep exploring, and never stop creating.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
This is a tough question because so many legendary musicians have left us too soon, but if I had to choose just one, it would probably be Frank Zappa. So why Frank Zappa? He was a musical genius who constantly pushed boundaries and never stuck to one genre. His ability to mix Rock, Jazz, Fusion, classical, and experimental elements was groundbreaking. Beyond his music, he was fearless in speaking his mind, especially when it came to censorship, politics, and artistic freedom. His humor and intelligence made his music completely unique. He never took himself too seriously, yet his compositions were some of the most complex and forward-thinking in Rock history. I would have loved to see what he could have done with modern technology and how he would react to today’s music industry.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
For me, the best part of being a musician is the creative process itself. There’s something magical about taking a small idea—whether it’s a melody, a chord progression, or even just a feeling – and shaping it into a full song.
The thrill of discovery – when experimenting with different sounds and suddenly finding something that clicks, it’s like striking gold.
The freedom of self-expression – music allows me to explore philosophical ideas, personal experiences, and emotions in a way that words alone can’t.
The ability to evolve – with each song, I learn something new. My music is always growing, just like I am. I also love that my music can resonate with listeners on a deeper level. If even one person connects with my songs and finds meaning in them, that’s incredibly rewarding.
While I love making music, there are some frustrating aspects – especially in the modern music industry.
The pressure to constantly promote – social media has become a big part of being an artist, and I’m not naturally great at self-promotion. I’d rather spend time making music than worrying about algorithms and engagement.
The devaluation of music – streaming services have made music more accessible than ever, but they’ve also made it less financially viable for independent artists. The pay-per-stream model is terrible, and unless you’re a major artist, it’s hard to make a living from music alone.
The short attention spans of listeners today –we live in an era where people skip songs within the first 10 seconds. It’s challenging when you create long, evolving compositions, like I do, and people don’t give them the time to unfold.
Balancing music with real life – since holon is a solo project, I handle everything myself – writing, recording, producing, mixing, and mastering – all while working a full-time job. It’s hard to find enough hours in the day!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
If I could change just one thing, it would be how streaming services compensate artists. The problem with streaming is that platforms like Spotify pay artists fractions of a cent per stream, meaning only the biggest artists make any real money. The major labels take the biggest cuts, while independent musicians struggle to earn enough to sustain their craft. The user experience has devalued music, turning it into something people expect for almost free – back in the day, fans would buy albums and support artists directly.
So how could we fix it? A “Fair Trade” Model for Music. Just like Fair Trade coffee and chocolate, we need a system where listeners pay a little more, but artists get a fairer cut. If people paid what they used to for music (instead of $10/month for unlimited streaming), musicians could actually make a living from their art. Instead of all streaming revenue going into one giant pool (which benefits the biggest artists), your subscription fee should go to the artists you actually listen to. Some services are experimenting with this user centric model royalty model, and I think it’s a step in the right direction.
Streaming is convenient, but it shouldn’t replace buying music directly from artists. Platforms like Bandcamp do this well, letting fans pay artists fairly. Also vinyl and CD sales have made a comeback, and I think that’s a great way for people to reconnect with the value of music.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Another really difficult question because there are so many albums that have shaped my musical journey, but if I had to pick just one, I’d probably go with Dream Theater – “Images & Words” from 1992. This was the album that changed everything for me and introduced me to Progressive Rock and Metal. The combination of technical musicianship, intricate compositions, and strong melodies was unlike anything I had heard before. It made me realize that music didn’t have to follow a standard formula – songs could be long, evolving, and unpredictable.
Standout Tracks for me – “Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper” – a prog masterpiece with insane instrumental sections. “Take the Time” – A perfect blend of complexity and groove. “Under a Glass Moon” – one of John Petrucci’s best solos ever.
This album sparked my love for progressive music and led me to discover bands like Rush, Yes, and Genesis. It also pushed me to develop my guitar playing – Petrucci’s style made me want to improve my technical skills and explore complex arrangements. The way the songs build and evolve inspired my approach to songwriting.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
All of these have their charm. I do like the convenience of digital downloads and the possibility to get high audio quality as well as the fact that they need no physical storage space other than a hard drive. What bothers me about this is that it might not be as good for making the listener listen through whole albums. This is where vinyl, cassettes and CD’s might be better. Of these I think cassettes are mostly for special interest and nostalgia given that the sound quality is a bit poor. CD’s have better sound quality, but I haven’t really put one on in 20 years. I like vinyl as it allows album artwork to shine and you have plenty of space for getting lyrics printed and, even though the audio quality is questionable there is something about the sound of the vinyl that I tend to like. So I think I would go for downloads and vinyl.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Since holon is primarily a studio project, I haven’t done any full-band live performances. However, I have played some intimate acoustic shows, and one of the most memorable ones was a stripped-down set where it was just me and my guitar. It was a small, intimate venue, which allowed me to really connect with the audience. The stripped-down setting let the songs breathe – it was just me, the guitar, and the raw emotion of the music. People were really engaged in the lyrics and storytelling, which is important to me.
While I haven’t done a full Progressive Rock live show yet, I’d love to assemble a live band in the future to bring Holon’s music to the stage properly. For now, I enjoy the studio process the most, but who knows – maybe a special live performance will happen someday!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
If I weren’t a musician, I would probably be doing something that still allows me to be creative and intellectually engaged – which, in a way, I already do. I have a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and work in the semiconductor industry, designing GPU hardware for mobile devices, TVs, and other electronics. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, and I love problem-solving and designing technology. Even though music is my passion, I genuinely enjoy working with cutting-edge tech, and my engineering mindset even influences my music production process.
Since I do all the recording, producing, mixing, and mastering for Holon, I could definitely see myself working as a music producer or sound engineer. I love tweaking tones, experimenting with effects, and building sonic landscapes—so working in film scoring, game soundtracks, or audio engineering would be an exciting alternative.
I love electronics and music gear, and I’ve even experimented with building my own guitar pedals. If I weren’t making music, I might be designing boutique guitar pedals or amps, combining my tech skills with my love for tone and sound design.
Many of my songs explore philosophical and existential themes, so I think I’d enjoy writing about philosophy, psychology, or music theory. I’ve always been interested in deep questions about life, existence, and meaning, which reflects in my lyrics and songwriting.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
If I could invite any five people—living or dead—who have influenced me musically, intellectually, or personally, it would be a mix of musicians, thinkers, and innovators.
- Frank Zappa
Zappa would keep the conversation interesting, to say the least. His humor, intelligence, and fearlessness in both music and life are things I deeply admire. I’d love to hear his thoughts on today’s music industry, censorship, and modern culture as well as anecdotes from being on the road.
- John McLaughlin
His fusion of Jazz, Rock, and Indian music has been a massive inspiration to me. I’d love to pick his brain on improvisation, odd time signatures, and musical philosophy. I would also love to talk about his travels to India – having backpacked there myself several times. Plus, having him jam after dinner would be a dream!
- Steven Wilson
One of my biggest modern influences in progressive music. I’d love to discuss music production, songwriting, and the evolution of Progressive Rock. He’s also a huge fan of vinyl and audio quality, so we’d probably geek out over sound engineering.
- Albert Einstein
Probably the best thinker we had in modern times. His curiosity paved the way for the most groundbreaking theories in science we have ever seen. You have to be creative to enable the kind of thinking he did and it would be really interesting to pick his brain on his approach here. It would be really interesting to hear how he came about his theory of relativity that challenged, or amended you could say, the laws that Newton had discovered a couple of hundred years before.
- David Lynch
Lynch’s approach to storytelling and abstract creativity fascinates me. He approached his TV and film making in the same way as I do with music – in that he started creating before he had the whole big picture, gradually unraveling and getting glimpses of the whole story on the way. I’d love to discuss how music and visuals intertwine—his use of sound design in film is masterful. He was also a big advocate of meditation and creativity, which could lead to some fascinating conversations.
What’s next for the band?
The main focus right now is the release of my upcoming two-part concept album, “Love & Behold. The first single, “Samsara,” was released in December 2024, and the next single is coming very soon. This album is deeply personal, reflecting on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Part 1 is nearly complete, with just some final mastering left. Part 2 will follow later, but some of the songs are already recorded. I’m handling everything myself—recording, producing, mixing, and mastering—which makes it a long but rewarding process.
Since Holon is mostly a studio project, I’m working on finding new ways to reach audiences, including more social media engagement and promoting my music more effectively. I’m looking into new ways to distribute my music, making it easier for listeners to buy physical copies (Vinyl, CDs) and merch.
While I love the studio process, I’ve been considering small, intimate live performances—probably in an acoustic setting. A full-band Holon show would be amazing, but since I handle most of the instrumentation myself, I’d need to bring in session musicians to make it happen.
After Love & Behold, I have a backlog of unreleased music that I want to start shaping into new material. My goal is to release music more consistently, instead of waiting years between albums. I want to continue evolving as an artist, improving my production, and connecting with more listeners. The journey is just as important as the destination, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
You can find holon on various platforms, including streaming services, social media, and physical record stores. Here are the main places where you can listen, follow, and buy the music:
Streaming & Digital Music Platforms:
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/no/artist/holon/1745507840
- Bandcamp: https://holonband.bandcamp.com/
Physical Copies (Vinyl & CDs) and Merch:
- All Good Clean Records: https://www.allgoodcleanrecords.com/produkt/holon-the-time-is-always-now-2xlp/
Social Media & Official Website:
- Facebook: Holon Official
- Instagram: @holon_music
- YouTube: Holon YouTube Channel
- Older music videos: YouTube Playlist
- Official Website: holon.band
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correctname for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
I’ll go with muffin as that is a term we also use in Norway. Also, last time I visited London I remember walking past a place called Muffin Man, which made me reminisce about the hilarious song Muffin Man by Frank Zappa! 🙂
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I have probably said enough by now – so I will finish off with a request for people to go check out my music and follow me on social media and streaming services so that you get to know when new music is released!