Summary

This week in 2015, we're diving into a great conversation about the New York City-based band Hollis Brown. Front man and lead songwriter Mike Montali shares how independent record labels have been key to their journey, especially when it comes to getting them into industry events that led to some pretty major touring opportunities.

We also talk about how the band’s sound has evolved, with their upcoming album 3 Shots showing a real shift in style. It’s got a more polished production compared to their earlier stuff, and you can really hear the growth. Mike opens up about what it was like working in the studio with producer Don Diego, and all the behind-the-scenes effort that went into bringing this new project to life.

Throughout the chat, we touch on the power of music to transform, not just for listeners, but for the artists themselves, and how Hollis Brown stays true to their creative vision.

Show Notes

• We catch up with Hollis Brown, the NYC-based band known for blending garage rock roots with evolving, more refined sounds.
• Lead songwriter Mike Montali shares how the band's sound has grown, from the raw energy of their debut Ride on the Train to the polished production of their upcoming album 3 Shots.
• Mike talks about intentionally moving away from their earlier, grittier style to explore a more immersive and layered sound.
• A big part of that shift came from working with producer Don Diego, whose quiet studio in the Poconos offered the perfect space for deep creative focus.
• To get 3 Shots just right, the band sifted through more than 50 songs, narrowing it down to 10 tracks that best represented their current direction.
• That careful selection process reflects their dedication not only to songwriting, but also to creating a cohesive album experience.
• Mike also talks about how independent record labels have played a vital role in supporting the band, giving them both credibility and the chance to reach broader audiences through tours and industry connections.
• Speaking of tours, Hollis Brown has some big plans, including hitting the road with Counting Crows and Citizen Cope, an exciting step forward in their growing career.
• Mike reflects on the power of touring, the energy of live shows, and the bonds built with other artists along the way.
• The conversation wraps up with Mike sharing his excitement for connecting with fans and getting Three Shots out into the world.
• Overall, the episode is a deep dive into Hollis Brown’s artistic journey, highlighting their resilience, creative growth, and unwavering commitment to authentic music-making.

Here's What We Wrote Back in 2015

Hollis Brown rocked CMJ & SXSW so hard that they ended up on this summer’s tour with Counting Crows and Citizen Cope. The NYC band, fronted by songwriter, Mike Montali, tours extensively in the US and Europe, building audiences who yearn for their new albums, including their brand new one, 3 Shots, out 5/5/15 on Jullian Records.

Buy Hollis Brown’s music here.

Takeaways

• In this episode, Mike Montali, lead songwriter for Hollis Brown, opens up about the band’s creative journey and how their music has evolved over time.
• Their new album, 3 Shots, marks a big step forward in both sound and production, showing how far they’ve come since their early garage rock days.
• Mike talks about how independent record labels have been a huge part of their success, helping them get into the right rooms and onto bigger stages.
• The band recorded 3 Shots in a quiet, tucked-away studio in the Poconos, an ideal spot for staying focused and experimenting with their sound.
• One key part of their process? Road testing...