Listen to Holley Peel’s music at soundcloud.com/holley-peel
Her new EP was recorded locally at Tweed Studio by Andrew Ratcliffe.
Age: 25
Where are you from, and how long have you been in Oxford? I was born and raised in Columbus, Mississippi, but I moved to Oxford from The Delta in August of this year.
Your Music Style/Genre: My music would fall somewhere in between Blues and Americana.
Early music experience: I started at six with two years of Suzuki method (learning to play by ear) lessons then began classical lessons for another eight years.
Favorite musicians/bands? It’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just a few but in no particular order: Bob Marley, Bon Iver, Susan Tedeschi, Gillian Welch, The Meters, Glen Hansard, Stevie Wonder, Deer Tick, Ryan Adams, Mandolin Orange.
What was the first concert you witnessed? My dad is a musician so I grew up going to his band’s shows. My first real concert was Leann Rimes when I was 7.
Music schooling: I started lessons at six with two years of Early Suzuki method lessons then took eight years of classical theory lessons. I’m also a fourth generation pianist so I have learned a lot from my own family.
What instruments do you play? Piano
What bands have you played in? I was in a two-piece act with Ron Etheridge called The Good Fables.
What do you love about Oxford’s music scene? What I love most about the Oxford music scene is the sense of community not only between the musicians themselves but also with the local support that makes a music career in Oxford possible.
One thing you would like to change about Oxford’s music scene, or something you don’t like about Oxford’s music scene: The main thing I would like to see change with the Oxford music scene is to see the bars have more open mic nights. There’s so much talent in this town that should have more opportunities to share their sound.
What are some of your favorite places to play in the area? I’ve loved my experience at each place I’ve played but my favorites were Proud Larry’s, The Rib Cage, Frank & Marlee’s and some great private functions at a beautiful home in town.
Where do you practice, and have you ever been hassled for practicing? I usually practice either at home or at my friend Shane, Keith and Chance’s house. I’ve really only hassled myself about practicing.
Most famous person you’ve jammed with: The most famous person I’ve jammed with would have to be Eden Brent. She is an incredible boogie woogie style pianist from Greenville, Mississippi. She and my dad took lessons from the same man, Boogaloo Ames, whose piano is in the Leland Blues Museum.
Are you an artist or do any other creative arts? I am also an artist. I mostly paint but also enjoy making jewelry.
Do you have a “day job”? If so, where? I do not have a day job so if you’re reading this and hiring, call me!
What are you currently listening to/favorite new artists? I’ve recently been listening to a lot of Earphunk, Chris and Thomas, Michael Kiwanuka, and Dr. Dog. My taste in music and style of music are similar in that they both are wide ranged.
Aspirations: My aspirations are to be heard outside of Mississippi to any degree and to be able to never stop being inspired. Of course I’d love to “make it big,” but I try to stay focused on what opportunities I have on any given day to make that dream possible.
What are your upcoming shows and future plans? My plan is to continue establishing myself as a local musician here in Oxford. We’ll see what else the future has in store for me!
Got a website? Check out my new EP on Sound Cloud: http://soundcloud.com/holley-peel You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Anything else you’d like to add? Lastly I’d like to share that I have a 2 year old little girl named Charlie who is the light of my life. So, here’s to you Charlie girl.
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Originally printed in TLV #191, published October 31, 2013. To download a PDF of this issue, click HERE.
