Fitzroy Holt - You've Probably Been the Bastard
Fitzroy Holt’s soulful music will leave you with hope and recognition. For someone who thinks everyone has been a bastard at some point he is very generous, giving back to organizations for kids with cancer and mental health. Read on to learn more about Fitzroy Holt.
Where are you based?
The Black Country.
What's the story behind where your love of music started?
I've always been drawn to music. We had an old untuned piano at one point in the house. I attribute a lot to that.
How would you describe the kind of music you make? Do you have any musical inspirations?
Human music. I like to keep the humanity in it. I love Tom Waits and stories of him recording in a meat cellar.
Congratulations on your new single "Last Bastard." What was the inspiration behind this song?
Bastards... haha. I guess it's a social commentary, but it came in one just as I was about to sleep. They're always the good ones!
The single is fiery with social commentary and the idea of confrontation. How do you think music as a form of activism differs in the way it connects with and inspires people as opposed to more traditional forms of activism?
Hmmm... I'm not sure. I guess people can make their own inferences on what it's about. If I'm at a protest for something, it's usually pretty specific to one situation. Music can mean a million things to a million people. I like that.
Who is the figure of "the last bastard in Albion" to you?
It's myself, you, the old geezer in the pub. I think if you're English—white, brown, whatever—you've probably been the bastard. Orwell said that we would have to reconcile nationalism with intelligence at some point. I don't think we're there. I suppose this is my attempt at that?
"Last Bastard" is a single from your upcoming album 'Around The Wrekin.' What's the story behind the creation of this album? Without spoiling anything, can you tell us about any of the themes we can expect to hear explored throughout the project?
Home, loss, childhood, nationalism. It's all in there. It's a jukebox of things written from 17 till now (29). I've learned a lot, that's for sure.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Hope. Recognition.
You've worked with organizations like Teenage Cancer Trust, Black Country Mental Health, and Music Venue Trust. Can you tell us more about these organizations and your involvement? Why are they important to you?
They're all great organizations for great causes. If I can help, I will. I'd like my art career to support making the world a better place.
What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before pursuing music?
Do it, do it quickly, and don't listen to the naysayers.
Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Yeah... but it's top secret right now. Haha.
It's been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
Focusing on my art, family, and community around me. Watering the patches of grass that I can.
What is your life motto?
Such is life!
To learn more about Fitzroy Holt, please check out his Instagram:
fitz_holt
