John Holden is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer from Cheshire, England.
‘I’ve had a strong emotional connection to music for as long as I can remember. In particular, as a youngster, I encountered progressive rock. I enjoy music that can, at times be pastoral and melodic, sometimes powerful and soaring but always constantly interesting. The idea that there are no rules or boundaries has always appealed to me.’
Having played and composed for many years, John made the decision to commit to creating a full album of original material. He decided that involving additional musicians would significantly enhance the music and his debut album, Capture Light was released in 2018.
‘I have been amazed and thrilled by the talented musicians I have managed to work with. Everyone made a fantastic contribution. When you work with people of such high calibre it really elevates the music and definitely makes you raise your game!’
Commenting on been placed Runner Up in the Progzilla Radio ‘2018 Album of the Year’;
‘I wanted to see if I could make music that would earn its place in the genre. Thankfully the album was critically well received and given extremely good reviews. It was so exciting to get such amazing feedback from the people who count the most – the wider prog audience!’
John’s much anticipated follow up album, Rise and Fall was released in 2020.
‘I gained a lot of experience creating the first album and was determined the next one had to maintain that quality but am delighted to say it exceeded my expectations. By its nature, Progressive music can be quite technical, however I wanted to build more emotion into the songs; it takes the music to a higher level’.
2021 saw John deliver Circles in Time comprising six lovingly crafted pieces.
‘I was keen to maintain momentum and commenced writing new music immediately after the release of Rise and Fall. With the enforced lockdowns in 2020 I found that I could devote so much more time to creating! My original intention was to have a release ready for late 2021, however all the work was completed far more quickly than expected. With this album I wanted to explore different avenues. There are many diverse elements, with each song having a specific identity; rock, folk, jazz, flamenco and classical all play their part and of course with the twenty-minute KV62 I finally got to do something epic!’
In typical Holden fashion, the style and content of the new music is not standing still. With the releases of Kintsugi (2022) and Proximity & Chance (2024).
‘On these albums I wanted to experiment at fully integrating an orchestral soundscape into a rock format. So often orchestral sounds are used as replacements for existing synths and keyboards. I decided to have them at the forefront and play a leading role. For other songs I wanted a harder rock edge. So, the compositions have plenty of contrasts. I was committed to making the songs as ‘entertaining’ as I could. Hopefully that feeling communicates to the listener’
The latest addition to John’s cannon is The Great Divide released in 2025.
‘For this album I decided to play a lot more of the music myself. It was a challenge and even though it took me twelve months, I really enjoyed the process and the end results. I also wanted to continue the exploration of different styles and arrangements. Often the subject matter dictates my approach. If I can say what is needed in four minutes that’s fine. However, I now have the capability to compose longer form music if that is required. As long as the writing is progressing then I am happy’.
With great critical acclaim for his music John is attracting and an ever-increasing audience; how does he reflect on the journey so far?
‘Sometimes I catch one of my songs playing unexpectedly on the radio, and it’s like time pauses, I have to stop and take it in. It’s a surreal moment that reminds me how far I’ve come. It’s been a journey filled with effort and discovery. I’ve poured myself into every note, and when people say they can feel that, it means the world. The response to the albums has been incredible. I’m proud of the music, and it’s a joy to know it’s connecting with so many people.’
