Holly Would...

The Catalyst Publicity Group and Keep A Breast Present: Yuletides & Stage Dives, their first annual donation-based holiday compilation. Teaming up with some of todays best acts and promising newcomers in support of the cause, the compilation features over 40 amazing and diverse artists. So save yourselves from the nauseating repeat of Christmas song rotation on your local radio station and grab this assortment of original Christmas tunes, familiar jams from your favorites bands, and a few exclusive, unreleased singles to get down to. “Yuletides & Stage Dives” will be released to the public via BandCamp on December 5th, 2012 and will remain available until December 28th, 2012 – so be sure to claim your copy! All proceeds from the compilation will go directly to Keep A Breast Foundation. - Substream Music Press

The Catalyst Publicity Group & Keep A Breast have teamed up to release Yuletides & Stage Dives. The compilation is set up in a “pay what you want” format, with all donations go directly to the Keep A Breast Foundation. All donations of $10 or more will be entered into a drawing, where two lucky winners will be chosen to receive a swag bag full of merch from Yuletides & Stage Dives artists. Bands who contributed to the 42 song compilation include A Loss For Words, This Century, Driver Friendly, Balance and Composure, Pentimento, Bad Rabbits, and more. The full track listing can be found below and the album is available on Bandcamp now.

Track Listing:

01. Set It Off – No Control – (Equal Vision Records)
02. Life After Liftoff – The Getaway
03. Call Me Anything – Holiday
04. This Century – Sound of Fire
05. The Background – Okay
06. Drawing North- Kites
07. The Narrative – Winters Coming (acoustic version)
08. Mike Naran – You
09. Oxymorrons – Learn Somethin
10. A Loss For Words – Pirouette (Velocity/Rise Records)
11. Fighting The Villain – The Great Charlatan
12. Call To Attraction – Good Day
13. Ratham Stone – You’re My Girl Tonight
14. Atlantic Avenue – The Fool I Am (Eulogy)
15. Ocean Is Theory- Stocking Stuffer – (Razor & Tie)
16. Bad Rabbits – Can’t Back Down
17. Driver Friendly – Messidona – (Hopeless)
18. For The Foxes – Christmas In The Midwest (Hopeless)
19. Greek Fire – Make Me Believe
20. Rocky Loves Emily – Dream (Tooth And Nail / EMI)
21. Schematic (Dave Elkins) – Hide and Seek (Schematic Records)
22. Holly Would… – XJulietX – (One Day Survivor)
23. Pentimento – Circles
24. The Body Rampant – Seabrinx
25. Balance and Composure – More To Me – (No Sleep)
26. The Venetia Fair – Master Blaster
27. Otenki – Kinetic
28. Premier – Abomination
29. Uh Huh Baby Yeah! – Dead Friends – (Little Heart)
30. Let It Happen – Bridges
31. What Looks Like Crazy – Easy
32. Kayleigh Goldsworthy – Silly Games (Fierce Little Records)
33. BEARCAT – Home (Faux Xmas)
34. The Dangerous Summer – Northern Lights (Acoustic) (Hopeless)
35. Ed Tullet – Teeth – (Equal Vision Records)
36. Rival Summers – Up Until Now
37. Paper States – Aim To Please
38. Signals Midwest – Stale Air
39. Asker – Raise The Dead (Schematic Records)
40. The Cleopatra Complex – Killing Time
41. Treehouse – Tell No One (Schematic Records)
42. Kieran Strange – Merry Undead Christmas - Idobi Radio

Only two days away from releasing their first annual “Yuletides & Stage Dives” donation compilation, The Catalyst Publicity Group and Keep A Breast are excited to announce the albums full track listing! Joining the ranks of previously mentioned artists involved in the cause are A Loss For Words, Schematic (Dave Elkins of Mae), The Narrative, Oxymorrons, Fighting the Villain, Call Me Anything, The Body Rampant, and many more (see below). The compilation will be available for a “name your price” donation download on BandCamp starting Wednesday, December 5th. As a further thank you for supporting the foundation, all donations of $10 or more will be entered into the ultimate prize-pack drawing. Two lucky winners will be chosen to receive a swag bag full of merch from Yuletides & Stage Dives artists. Check out the compilations exclusive world premiere on Substream Music Press tomorrow, December 4th.
The Catalyst Publicity Group and Keep A Breast Present: Yuletides & Stage Dives, their first annual donation-based holiday compilation. Teaming up with some of todays best acts and promising newcomers in support of the cause, the compilation features over 40 amazing and diverse artists. So save yourselves from the nauseating repeat of Christmas song rotation on your local radio station and grab this assortment of original Christmas tunes, familiar jams from your favorites bands, and a few exclusive, unreleased singles to get down to. “Yuletides & Stage Dives” will be released to the public via BandCamp on December 5th, 2012 and will remain available until December 28th, 2012 – so be sure to claim your copy! All proceeds from the compilation will go directly to Keep A Breast Foundation.

‘YULETIDES & STAGE’ DIVES TRACK LISTING:
1. Set It Off – No Control – (Equal Vision Records)
2. Life After Liftoff – The Getaway
3. Call Me Anything – Holiday
4. This Century – Sound of Fire
5. The Background – Okay
6. Drawing North- Kites
7. The Narrative – Winters Coming (acoustic version)
8. Mike Naran – You
9. Oxymorrons – Learn Somethin
10. A Loss For Words – Pirouette (Velocity/Rise Records)
11. Fighting The Villain – The Great Charlatan
12. Call To Attraction – Good Day
13. Ratham Stone – You’re My Girl Tonight
14. Atlantic Avenue – The Fool I Am (Eulogy)
15. Ocean Is Theory- Stocking Stuffer – (Razor & Tie)
16. Bad Rabbits – Can’t Back Down
17. Driver Friendly – Messidona – (Hopeless)
18. For The Foxes – Christmas In The Midwest (Hopeless)
19. Greek Fire – Make Me Believe
20. Rocky Loves Emily – Dream (Tooth And Nail / EMI)
21. Schematic (Dave Elkins) – Hide and Seek (Schematic Records)
22. Holly Would… – XJulietX – (One Day Survivor)
23. Pentimento – Circles
24. The Body Rampant – Seabrinx
25. Balance and Composure – More To Me – (No Sleep)
26. The Venetia Fair – Master Blaster
27. Otenki – Kinetic
28. Premier – Abominations
29. Uh Huh Baby Yeah! – Dead Friends – (Little Heart)
30. Let It Happen – Bridges
31. What Looks Like Crazy – Easy
32. Kayleigh Goldsworthy – Silly Games (Fierce Little Records)
33. BEARCAT – Home (Faux Xmas)
34. The Dangerous Summer – Northern Lights (Acoustic) (Hopeless)
35. Ed Tullet – Teeth – (Equal Vision Records)
36. Rival Summers – Up Until Now
37. Paper States – Aim To Please
38. Signals Midwest – Stale Air
39. Asker – Raise The Dead (Schematic Records)
40. The Cleopatra Complex – Killing Time
41. Treehouse – Tell No One (Schematic Records)
42. Kieran Strange – Merry Undead Christmas
KEEP A BREAST

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. Their mission is to eradicate breast cancer for future generations. They provide support programs for young people impacted by cancer and educate about prevention, early detection, and cancer-causing toxins in our everyday environment. The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is headquartered in the United States as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. KAB is supported in fulfilling their mission by international partners Keep A Breast Canada, Keep A Breast Europe, and Keep A Breast Japan.
http://www.keep-a-breast.org
https://www.facebook.com/KeepABreast
https://twitter.com/keepabreast


THE CATALYST PUBLICITY GROUP
The Catalyst Publicity Group is a full-service Public Relations firm that offers a unique blend of consulting in the entertainment industry. Working with emerging and established clientele, the team carefully crafts and develops exclusive campaigns tailored specifically to the clients needs. They succeed in cultivating creative promotional plans to boost exposure and build momentum. Utilizing their expertise, networking within the field, and passion, The Catalyst Publicity Group are dedicated to our client’s success and surpassing expectations.
Current Roster: Dave Elkins (Mae/Schematic), The Venetia Fair, Life After Liftoff, Nathan Ryan, Holly Would…, Call Me Anything, Kieran St - Hell Hound Music

Before the internet was a mainstay in my life, I relied on friends and CD (you know the DVDs that only play music?) samplers that came with magazines for new music discovery. Some of those little CDs led me to get into Paramore, Hellogoodbye and Self Against City (love you, wherever you are). But today those CDs are as common as an original show idea from Seth MacFarlane. So we sit and wait for a special occasion to bring us a new compilation, and wouldn’t you know it, here’s one for you that is for a great cause. The Catalyst Publicity Group & Keep A Breast have put together more than enough songs to pick and choose from on Yuletides & Stage Dives, including some familiar faces like Let It Happen, Pentimento, Life After Liftoff and Call Me Anything.

A huge chunk of Yuletides & Stage Dives is centered around bands that fall into the pop punk and pop rock category, so that’s where we’ll begin this walk through this musical wonderland. Atlantic Avenue’s “The Fool I Am” hits you like a radio hit with its catchy chorus and easy to learn verses. Fans of The Maine, listen up. A Loss For Words does a good job at representing the pop punk realm with “Pirouette.” Those two are good, but it’s Let It Happen’s “Bridges” that will likely be a fan favorite. It has nothing to do with the holidays, but that really doesn’t matter much. The only thing that does? It’s as addictive as gingerbread cookies.

Another big genre on Yuletides & Stage Dives is the singer songwriter, indie one. They’re not as strong as the pop rock tracks, but there were two that were able to stand on their own two feet. Rival Summers “Up Until Now” and Kayliegh Goldsworthy’s indie pop treat, “Silly Games” are the pair that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Tossed in between the expected, was of course the unexpected. The Hip Hop of Oxymorons’ “Learn Somethin,” the My Chemical Romance like ways of Kieran Strange’s “Merry Undead Christmas,” and for being the only song to really get me interested in an instant for being completely unlike the rest of the album, Premier’s “Abominations.”

Well this couldn’t very well be an album about Yuletides & Stage Dives without some holiday music. The best one for spreading that cheer comes with Call Me Anything’s “Holiday.” I remember interviewing Will from CMA and was surprised that this was their track. It took on a different beat than I expected from them, and it really did the trick. As far as holiday jeer…Listen to Balance & Composure’s “More To Me” and The Dangerous Summer’s “Northern Lights.” Both were somber songs that should accompany those who aren’t into all that holiday mumbo jumbo.

One can’t be so sure that Yuletides & Stage Dives would’ve been a free CD in my AP, but since it’s 2012 and we don’t do that anymore, you can get this album December 5th through the 28th. Plus, don’t forget that all donations go to the Keep A Breast Foundation, so don’t be a Grinch.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Set It Off – No Control – (Equal Vision Records)
2. Life After Liftoff – The Getaway
3. Call Me Anything – Holiday
4. This Century – Sound of Fire
5. The Background – Okay
6. Drawing North- Kites
7. The Narrative – Winters Coming (acoustic version)
8. Mike Naran – You
9. Oxymorrons – Learn Somethin
10. A Loss For Words – Pirouette (Velocity/Rise Records)
11. Fighting The Villain – The Great Charlatan
12. Call To Attraction – Good Day
13. Ratham Stone – You’re My Girl Tonight
14. Atlantic Avenue – The Fool I Am (Eulogy)
15. Ocean Is Theory- Stocking Stuffer – (Razor & Tie)
16. Bad Rabbits – Can’t Back Down
17. Driver Friendly – Messidona – (Hopeless)
18. For The Foxes – Christmas In The Midwest (Hopeless)
19. Greek Fire – Make Me Believe
20. Rocky Loves Emily – Dream (Tooth And Nail / EMI)
21. Schematic (Dave Elkins) – Hide and Seek (Schematic Records)
22. Holly Would… – XJulietX – (One Day Survivor)
23. Pentimento – Circles
24. The Body Rampant – Seabrinx
25. Balance and Composure – More To Me – (No Sleep)
26. The Venetia Fair – Master Blaster
27. Otenki – Kinetic
28. Premier – Abominations
29. Uh Huh Baby Yeah! – Dead Friends – (Little Heart)
30. Let It Happen – Bridges
31. What Looks Like Crazy – Easy
32. Kayleigh Goldsworthy – Silly Games (Fierce Little Records)
33. BEARCAT – Home (Faux Xmas)
34. The Dangerous Summer – Northern Lights (Acoustic) (Hopeless)
35. Ed Tullet – Teeth – (Equal Vision Records)
36. Rival Summers – Up Until Now
37. Paper States – Aim To Please
38. Signals Midwest – Stale Air
39. Asker – Raise The Dead (Schematic Records)
40. The Cleopatra Complex – Killing Time
41. Treehouse – Tell No One (Schematic Records)
42. Kieran Strange – Merry Undead Christmas - Golden Mixtape

This marked the third year for the renowned pop rock band, Holly Would..., to host their annual holiday party at the NorVa in Norfolk, VA. Muzik Lounge was personally asked by bassist and organizer of the event to provide media coverage of the party. Covering this event and seeing these bands perform were a first for Muzik Lounge, so there were no expectations of how this night would unfold. Before the actual show started, Holly Would... performed a quick acoustic set for those in the V.I.P. area. One of those songs being their more popular hit, "Ida." Shortly after Holly Would's... acoustic set, Cooper's Landing took the main stage and kicked off the start of the holiday show.

A three-piece pop punk band hailing from Yorktown, VA, Cooper's Landing is a fresh face in the music scene, but they don't play like it. These guys had a classic punk rock sound, and a great set of original songs. There's a lot of promise for this band, so we can't wait to hear what Cooper's Landing has in store for the near future. D. Price appeared onstage after Cooper's Landing set. Although the show predominantly featured rock bands, D. Price broke the mold when he performed his hip-hop music. D. Price's stage presence and set were good, but found his lyrics to sound incoherent due to the DJ's playing of the instrumentals and beats in the background drowning that sound out. After D. Price, What Looks Like Crazy (WLLC) went up onstage. Wearing their ugly Christmas sweaters, and featuring the drummer from the ex band Aduro, WLLC rocked out and got into the holiday spirit. With frontman, DJ's, mic twirling and throwing, it kept the crowd on their toes and reminded me a bit of Taking Back Sunday's stage presence. On The Bright Side performed afterwards, and brought a feminine touch to the party. Their alternative sound lead by female vocalist, Amanda, was quite reminiscent of Alanis Morrisette. It was sweet when she threw roses out to the crowd. After On The Bright Side, mOcean was next and the last of the guest bands to perform before the hosts of the party took the stage. mOcean's music was on another level. With a mix of alternative, heavy, and psychedelic rock their name and sound truly represent who they are: emotion. Soon after mOcean's set ended, the boys from Holly Would... slowly took the stage, and set the night for a holiday rock show.

Holly Would... played most of their songs from their new album, If Word Got Out. It was entertaining seeing lead vocalist and guitarist David, rocking out in the crowd during their song performance of "Senorita." With awesome stage presence, lit beach balls, balloons, leaf blower rolls of toilet paper and glow sticks being thrown around, Holly Would... definitely kept the crowd wanting more, and for the night to never end.

Although the show didn't cater to a full house, it was still a fun and intimate party with talented bands and performers.

Written By | Creative Director, Aly - Muzik Lounge

By Sam McDonald
11:06 a.m. EST, December 3, 2012

David Elliott, a 22-year-old English major at Christopher Newport University, said his rock band Holly Would ... is wrapping up an exciting year. The band is celebrating with a charity all-ages show Friday at The NorVa in Norfolk.

The show, lasting 6 p.m. to midnight, will raise money for The VH1 Save the Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools.

"This is an annual thing we do," said Elliott. "It's our third time overall, our second time at The NorVa. Six bands are playing. We're bringing in a humongous lighting production ... The last hour and a half will be a dance party with a DJ. We're very excited about it ... There will be fun and surprises all night for everybody."

[Update 12-4-2012: Joy from the ABC reality competition show "The Glass House" will serve as the evening's master of ceremonies, Elliott said.]

He said the VHI Save the Music Foundation is a perfect cause for Holly Would ... to rally behind. "Music really did save our lives in a lot of ways," he said. "It is our chance to give back."

Elliott said Holly Would ... signed to the Philadelphia-based One Day Savior label back in March. The band spent time in May and June on Long Island, N.Y., recording what became the band's album "If Word Got Out," which was released in the fall. The disc is now streaming on Spotify.

Elliot said his band is going strong and even picking up steam. "We've got a great team behind us now, with the label," he said. "We're all as motivated as could be. I think 2013 is really going to be our year. We've got some big things planned." - Daily Press

With Halloween coming up quick the hunt for the perfect costume is on. Need ideas for your Halloween costume this year? Well Virginia’s own Holly Would… are putting the word out on The Sound Alarm as to what costumes they are considering. We hope their creative ideas spark some of your own. And their creativity isn’t just limited to Halloween costumes, they have just recently released their latest album, If Word Got Out. - The Sound Alarm

David Elliot, 22, Cory Ward, 24, Kevin Criner, 24, and Justyn Hayes, 23, are the four frontmen of the hot up-and-coming rock ‘n’ roll band Holly Would, and with the release of the single “Ida” of their first full length, it’s clear these guys are ready to make it big in the music industry. Their band formed when David and Cory were in college (they had become friends in high school through their school’s marching band). David didn’t love his college experience as much as he’d hoped he would and “had been writing music instead of doing schoolwork.” So when Cory initiated the idea of playing music together again, David said the “timing was perfect.” After the guys decided they wanted to start making music, everything fell into place.

Holly Would’s debut album “If Word Got Out” gives listeners a perfect taste of who this band is: a fun, get-up-and-dance group who wants to leave listeners with a smile on their face and Holly Would tunes constantly stuck in their heads (in a good way!). The album wasn’t made overnight, though, it took a year of writing material and recording, and the fact that the boys put so much effort into the music is what makes the album so great. All of the songs are completely authentic and filled with passion.

So, what will fans expect to hear on the album? We’ll let Elliot do the talking: “Everyone has secrets, some a lot more than others. By no means are we perfect, and with this album we wanted to make sure people knew that we stick true to our raw, gritty nature. Fact is, we are human, and we have done a lot of dirty, scandalous and even trifling things, and ‘if word got out’ we probably would be going to hell ... or at least jail ... Without telling anyone too much, the album is definitely a chance for us to face down, and, in some cases, make peace with some of our demons. And hey, in the process ‘if word got out’ about Holly Would ... as a band ... well, time will tell.”

The album is filled with amazing songs and a stand-out tune, “Ida.” “Ida” was the first song the group finished writing for the album, which is what makes it a favorite of the members. “It is a very fun, high energy song, perfect for popping in your car on a sunny day and rolling around windows down, but it still has the raw rock, big choruses and even bigger bridge that makes a Holly Would … song.” Sounds like our kind of music!

Holly Would is one band you’re definitely going to want to keep on your radar! These guys have big plans for the future, including dreams of collaborating with Missy Elliot and Drake as well as a very exciting cross-country tour! Holly Would is a band that strives to be different and wants to make their mark in the industry (and on your iPod). They want their fans to be inspired by their songs.

“We want to challenge people to not only be themselves, but to decide how things affect them and to see things (us included) through their own eyes,” Elliot said. “With pop culture being so ‘cookie cutter’ and force-fed to the masses, nowadays, this can be a very difficult task. Nobody is exactly the same, and that’s the mentality that really got Holly Would ... going. Kevin, Cory, David and Justyn all come from such different backgrounds that it is probably difficult for one to comprehend how we even fit together; however, it’s also in each other’s individuality's that we found best friends and perfect band mates.” Bottom line: the word’s out … Holly Would is a fantastic band! - College Gloss

Truth:

VA band Holly Would… has just released their debut full-length “If Word Got Out.” The album can be purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. You can also attend the band’s CD Release show on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Shaka’s in Virginia Beach.

Sarah:

Holly Would… is one of many alt-rock bands coming out of the DC/MD/VA area. Of course, the DMV’s pride and joy is currently All Time Low (or Good Charlotte) but slowly creeping into hearts is Holly Would… With a similarly semi-raunchy style and a talented group of musicians, Holly Would… demonstrates that they deserve some spotlight.

Paying some sort of homage to their hometown, the band opens the album with “Newport,” (supposedly named after Newport News, VA). The chorus cinches the idea that this band has a magic touch. Vocally, they are reminiscent of fellow VA band Audiostrobelight, but everything else is HW. It has the right amount of punk angst to get you pumped to listen to the rest of the album.
- Truth or Sarah

Straight outta Newport News, the band Holly Would, with their atomic live shows and an enormous local following, recently released their first full length record "If Word Got Out" on October 16th. The four piece pop rock group are David Elliot (lead vocals), Justyn Hayes (lead guitar), Kevin Criner (bass) and Cory Ward (drums) which make a very dynamic band.

The album has a mix of sexual themes, pop melodies and tracks that get you moving. From the sound of the record, this band has put their heart and soul into every track. With songs like Ida, The Nature Boy and Debauchery, (my personal favorites) it's not surprising that this band has gained such a loyal fan base. It's hard to skip through the tracks. - Firestage Magazine

Holly Would...

www.HollyWouldRock.com

David Elliott- Vox/Guitar
Kevin Criner- Bass
Cory Ward- Drums
Justyn Hayes- Guitar

1. How did you get your band name?

Elliott: Cory and I knew this girl named Holly… and well… she would…

Criner: Apparently someone named Holly would have done just about anyone, or anything...

Ward: Girl named Holly, she wanted everyone in the band you know the rest...


2. How did this band get started?

Elliott: I was in my first year at college, lonely and hating it. I had been writing music instead of doing school work, and one day Cory hits me up saying he wants to play music again, so the timing was perfect. Then we met Kevin in a gutter somewhere near my school and the rest was history!

Criner: Met some jackasses and we had a good time playing crappy music, so we stuck with it and kept having fun.

Ward: Well, I hit David up because I was bored of the college life.

3. What bands are you influenced by?

Elliott: Frank Sinatra, Fall Out Boy, Nirvana, Drake, Life’s Only Lesson

Criner: The Cure, The Faint, Minus The Bear, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Ward: Metallica, Fall Out Boy, MCR, All Time Low, PTV

Hayes: I'm actually really into metal, so a lot of my style comes from bands like Volumes, Blind Witness, Emmure, For Today, etc. but I'm also a fan of Blues, Classical, and Classic Rock.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Elliott: Fall Out Boy, Marylin Manson, N.E.R.D.

Criner: Any hard working, hard partying band who knows how to have a good time

Ward: Blink 182 because I think they are on the same level as us as far as party and drinking and fun

Hayes: Definitely Blink-182, because they know to have a good time, that's what I like.

5. Best food to eat on tour?

Elliott: Ramen and tuna fish sandwiches!! Mmmmmm mmmmm Goood!!

Criner: Mostly bugs flying down the interstate and anything cheap...

Ward: Ramen noodles, PB&J, and mall samples

Hayes: Taco Bell!

6. Why should people listen to your band?

Elliott: We have a tendency to get people laid… I don’t know if you need much more reason.

Criner: I've been trying to figure that out for a long damn time. We do like to get groovy and funky, I think people need more of those things in their music these days.

Ward: Because it would get your mind in the mood for the live show, where we really blow people's minds.

Hayes: We make people dance, and have a good time. We are all about living it up and our music reflects that.

7. If you could be any athlete, which athlete would you switch places with?

Elliott: Xander Cage a.k.a. “XXX”… Extreme sports + secret agent = Extreme BAD ASS!!

Criner: Jamie Thomas, I've always loved that dude's skating style.

Ward: Lebron James

Hayes: Probably Travis Pastrana. He is a badass that knows how to push the limit.

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?

Elliott: The fans, all the bands that got me into music and kept me going, my family, my friends, and the other three yahoos that play music with me.

Criner: My family. They have supported each and every endeavor of mine.

Ward: God, my parents and my grand mother (RIP). Everyone who ever liked anything about our band.

Hayes: My Uncle Mark, for getting me into guitar. Dean Hall for giving me my first guitar. My parents and family for the constant support. and every individual fan who has supported us.

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Elliott: I would destroy the internet and take everyone back to a time when it was all about getting out there and playing shows and rocking harder than anyone else, not about the number of Twitter or Facebook followers you have.

Criner: The industry and technology used in the industry changes so quickly, it's hard to pick something to change about it when it is destined to change itself in a matter of a couple years if not months. I would love to take the industry back to older days when buying a record meant more that just adding up numbers in your iTunes library. I cherish each album and song I purchase despite how cheaply everyone else finds their music.

Ward: The fact that every band has to tour with a band that’s like them, because of people defining them selves by what they listen to. It’s the stereotypes, like if you listen to pop then you’re a bitch, or if you listen to hardcore or metal then you’re a tool, or if you listen to rap you’re a gang banger.

Hayes: Sub-genres. All the genres that kids are coming up these days during class at school is annoying.

10. Memorable tour experience?

Elliott: To paint the scene through my eyes, it was Pittsburgh, there was a blizzard outside, the hotel room beds were a mess, there was a naked body laid passed out on one of the beds, there was about an inch of water flooding the floors, the bathroom was filled with smoke, with beer bottles and tuna fish cans covering the - Absolute Punk

Holly Would released their new full-length album, If Word Got Out on Tuesday and we have the exclusive Track-By-Track form the band!. The album is a mix of pop melodies and danceable beats with dark guitar tones, scandalous themes, and hints of Hip Hop laced throughout. Check out what each song it about and pick up the record on iTunes!


Newport: If Word Got Out… is in many ways, a culmination of the past years of our lives. So, we felt it was only appropriate that “Newport” be the first song. This song took me over four years to write and has been my baby ever since I first played the first guitar licks and uttered the opening words. I was honestly afraid of it; and I think I still am, which is why I love it so much. I had started writing it when I moved away to college and for the first time I was on my own. It is a song about self-discovery and questioning everything that everyone including yourself thought you are/were. Also, the track, where the album title comes from, is a great precursor for the rest of the album, spelling out the honesty, controversy, energy, and emotion that is to come.

Ida: The album then immediately dives into the fun, funk-dance rock “Ida.” It was actually the first song finished for If Word Got Out… One of our personal favorites, it has all the elements that make a Holly Would… song: Groovy-booty shaking verses, big choruses, and an even bigger bridge. The song tells my story/view of Hurricane Ida, back in 2009. During the hurricane I was stranded with a girl I had just met; due to a lack of power, we didn’t have much to do, so she challenged me to write a song she could dance to. Over the next three days, I wrote “Ida” telling the story, and revealing the sarcastic and devious inner workings of my mind. Like other tracks from If Word Got Out…, “Ida” tells listeners exactly what they need to hear without destroying the fun of mystery and personal interpretation, leaving them to ask what really happened those three days during Hurricane Ida?

The Nature Boy: The Nature Boy” is a song that has a lot of aggression behind it. You can hear it in every aspect, from Cory’s pounding drums, to Kevin’s raging bass runs, and the just pissed off taunting lyrics. Without name dropping the song is directed at a certain local radio DJ, that we realized is, for lack of better words, full of shit. What we realized though, when telling friends and bands from other areas about this person, was that this person exists all over the place. The song is us speaking out against these people, who lie and exploit artists and their dreams and emotions just to promote their own name. With such a serious track though, we did decide to have some fun and got “Reverend Buster Cherry” (see if you can figure out who he is) to come preach a little on the track to add some relief but still help drive our point home.

Debauchery: A while back, Cory came to me and was like “Hey David check out this lick and lyric I wrote!” He showed me the first lick/line of the song and told me it was about a certain major event from my life, and told me to take it and finish it. At the time we were, especially Cory, were really itching to write a straight “kick you in the balls” kind of song, and that’s exactly what came out! Debauchery is in itself one of the major underlying themes of the album. This song really spells out what the word means to us, and embodies what I view as “Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Everything about this track is gritty, raw, and fun, just the way we like it! No doubt this song will be a live favorite for a long time coming.

xjulietx: Co-written by one of our best friends and mentors Michael Borak, “xjulietx” is a song about love, betrayal, and standing true to what you believe in. Like the origin story behind the song, as well as the story of Romeo and Juliet, there is this constant struggle between two forces in the song. Pretty melodies and bouncy reggae esque verses clash with heavy choruses and dark guitar riffs create a feel that lies somewhere between a dance and a battle. Ultimately, though the song shows there is something beautiful that lies in chaos and destruction, that you have to fight for what you love, and if you believe in something stand by it no matter what.

Parliament: Parliament” is the sister song to “xjulietx,” written in response to the events behind it. I actually wrote this song in one night, as it all just came out so naturally. I had a lot of emotions pent up inside me, and this song was me getting them all off my chest saying what I needed to say. It is also a big departure for us, because it is the first real ballad that we have made. I remember taking the song to the guys and playing through it as a band for the first time. We finished it and looked at each other and were all like “Aw damn it! This is actually pretty good…” We had never had any intentions of writing a slow song, but we are very happy with the way it came out, as it still roc - Naked Mag

Full of energy and heart, you can tell these guys aren't just another emo pop punk/alternative rock band.

Newport starts the album off introducing to you the sound that is Holly Would... and the 757's "Bad News" area of where they reign from. Upon listening to the next few tracks, it's hard not to compare Holly Would... to other bands they reminded me of. Think: This Providence, My American Heart, The Academy Is, and The Almost. However with songs like "Demons," and "Last Call," those stand out from the rest with their unique sound. "Last Call" had a slight latin jazz feel you can hear faintly from the cowbell with its catchy heavy guitar riff, and the verses in "Demons" had a hip-hop vibe to it (similar to Gym Class Heroes). Both of which I thought were awesome, along with "Midget," which had a bass hook in the beginning reminiscent of MxPx's "Chick Magnet." Whether its the crazy antics and/or love life that Holly Would... encounters, you can tell there's a story being told behind these tracks.

Rockin' out with their cocks out is definitely true with Holly Would's... debut album. If you're looking for something jam packed with clever, melodic pop hooks, and awesome rockin' guitars then If Word Got Out is what you can turn to. - Aly Sawi | Muzik Lounge
- Muzik Lounge

"Va. band Holly Would… premiered their single, “Ida,” the first single off their upcoming record, If Word Got Out. The single has a fun, dance-y pop-rock melody with a interesting lyrics to match. It’s a groovy song that whets the appetites of current fans for the upcoming full-length."
- Truth or Sarah

"“Ida” is a fun, high energy song with an underlying sense of scandal and debauchery, that almost anyone can rock out to. It was actually the first song finished for If Word Got Out…" - Substream Music Press

A few days ago, I received an email from someone who was requesting me to review something slightly different than what we usually review on MGR. Holly Would..., a pop/rock quartet from Newport News, Virginia, was the name of the band that popped up as a subject in my inbox. I was a bit hesitant to give their new album entitled If Word Got Out a listen, but I'm glad that I finally got around to it.

The album opens with the incredibly catchy line "And this is bad news/Welcome to these two-way streets/I hope you know what you're getting into" on "Newport". The track picks up a little bit, but If Word Got Out really takes off on the fun funk-rock song "Ida" and the fairly upbeat "The Nature Boy". The aforementioned tracks are two of the strongest on the album and they both contain an undeniably catchy chorus.

"Debauchery" and "xjuliet" are up next. "Debauchery" has a 70s/80s rock feel to it and it's one of the weaker tracks on the album. "xjuliet" is much stronger with solid guitar leads that are also a bit odd (if that makes sense). After "xjuliet" is one of the slowest tracks on the album, "Parliament". While it is much slower-paced than the majority of the album, this will be a favourite for many people because of its impressive guitar leads, catchy chorus, and calming verses. The only gripe that I have with "Parliament" is that it doesn't sound very "full" during the chorus. It would certainly benefit from having more instrumental oomph.

The seventh track, "Demons", sounds like a completely different band. Right from the start, the instruments put off a different vibe. You're then greeted with hip-hop/rap vocals. I am notoriously known for strongly disliking the majority of hip-hop and rap, but Holly Would... managed to pull it off very well on "Demons" and I enjoyed the rapping parts even more the chorus which features the catchy vocals that I have mentioned several times, and I will continue to do so because they are worth mentioning more than once.

The tracks that follow "Demons", "Señorita" and "Midget", become a bit boring at times but they're still very solid. "Señorita" starts off slow and there is barely any instrumental aspect of worth mention until the chorus. Similarly, "Midget" is fairly bland during the verses, aside from the groovy bassline. "Midget" picks up some steam when the lyric "Found out that money can buy almost anything" kickstarts another spectacular chorus.

"Last Call" opens with powerful strumming which transitions into a rock song with a touch of Latin swing. "Last Call" is another one of the strongest tracks, but my absolute favourite is the eleventh track, "Five Easy Steps To Breaking Hearts And Other Body Parts". "Five Easy Steps To Breaking Hearts And Other Body Parts" is one of the fastest tracks on the album and it reminded me of Panic! At The Disco and You Me At Six, two pop punk/rock bands that I have a soft spot for. The final track, "Delusions Of Grandeur", closes out the album nicely but it drags on a bit too much before it finally reaches that perfect closing point.

After a few listens, I started to enjoy If Word Got Out even more than I initially did. Holly Would... has incorporated several genres - the most prevalent being rock and pop with hints of punk - on this nearly 50-minute album, and because of that, they avoided the issue of having any songs that sound remotely similar.

8.0/10

Links: Facebook
By Steven Pongrac ~ Me Gusta Reviews - Me Gusta Reviews

Hailing from Newport News, VA, Holly Would… are a breakout pop rock band with a southern rock flair that’s way too easy to fall for. Just a few months after signing with One Day Savior Recordings, the band have debuted a full-length album that establishes them as a versatile group of musicians that can write a song for just about anybody. Displaying their wide range of influences from punk, rock, and pop all the way to hip hop, If Word Got Out should make listeners excited for the bright future that could lie ahead for this band, but wonder if they’ll take the music seriously enough to get there.

Opening track “Newport” shows off the band’s musical versatility, kicking the album off with a soft electric guitar intro then breaking into a more punk-sounding verse, eventually leading into a pop rock chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. As if that wasn’t enough to get you hooked, follow-up track and first single “Ida” is a more upbeat track guaranteed to get listeners off their feet with an infectious energy. “The Nature Boy” and “xjulietx” add more variety to the album, with a traditional pop punk style reminiscent of Fall Out Boy that’s guaranteed to stir up some serious nostalgia. “Debauchery” and “Last Call” show a clear classic rock ‘n roll influence with a more modern pop twist that presents a completely unique identity for the band. “Parliament” and “Señorita” slow down the pace of the album while maintaining the high energy established previously with much lighter instrumentals to accompany vocalist David Elliot’s powerful and passionate performances, making for two outstanding and unforgettable tracks.

“Demons” seems out of place at first as the track incorporates rap performances from Big Bizz and Danny Frisch, a startling change when you’ve been caught up in a pop punk record for six tracks. Though this song is not a personal favorite, the band unites their southern flair with a completely different style to make for a truly unique track. Closing track “Delusions of Grandeur” is even more startling, but with a much less happy ending. Although not the strongest song on the album, it makes for a solid closer as Elliot belts out some of the most heartfelt lyrics on the record. But the startling part of the song doesn’t come for another eight minutes after the song ends, when a hidden track unwinds with some incredibly indecent, tasteless, and offensive lyrics that sound like they’re being recited by Dracula on cocaine.

Unfortunately, such an unpleasant ending takes away from the heartfelt nature of the closing track and is guaranteed to leave the listeners who stick around disappointed. While other songs on the record could be deemed exceptional starting points for a deubt album, it’s hard to take them seriously after hearing something so tasteless. This band could go on to do big things, but the hidden track raises questions about whether they’ll take themselves seriously enough to. Ending on such a low note is bound to raise some cynicism, but one can only hope that next time the band will carry their positive energy through to the very last second of the album because the rest of If Word Got Out… shows much promise for the band’s future.

Rating: 3.75/5 - Idobi Radio