Hollands

One might say that Hollands' songs unfold like stories from different, distinct moments in one's life - each a depiction of barely related memories and emotions. But when all heard together at once, they unfold like a surreal voice-over to a lifetime of dreams confined to a single night's rest. Hollands is multi-instrumentalist John-Paul Norpoth and violinist Jannina Barefield. Together, they formed in February 2008 in Washington Heights, New York. Norpoth, formerly the co-lead of NYC-based Butane Variations, is the son of a classical flautist while Barefield is the daughter of Detroit based avant-garde jazz guitarist Spencer Barefield. Together, they combine fuzzy Flaming Lips guitars with Martin-esque orchestral arrangements and traditional folk nods to the Paul Simon's and the Grateful Dead's of years past. The members of Hollands have lent their skills to other artist’s musical aspirations as well. Norpoth played on Akron/Family’s self-titled Young God Records debut and Your 33 Black Angels self-titled debut, while Barefield played on Akron/Family’s recently released, Dead Oceans -"Set ‘em Wild, Set ‘em Free." She has also performed on stage with countless acts such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Shelia E., Foxy Brown, and has been a featured artist on VH-1's Save the Music, as well as Dinner with the Band on IFC with My Brightest Diamond. At times, Hollands sounds like a simple folk duo, plaintive and gentle, soft and free. At others, the band performs as a loud, brash, orchestral rock ensemble; employing cello, organs, electric and acoustic violins, synthesizers, tube amps, blow-up dolls and distortion pedals all panting in the wings.. In other words, they'll explore any means necessary to realize the most honest atmosphere and capture the diversity of each song. Hollands often includes these fine instrumentalist, Jim Robertson (acoustic/electric bass), and Kenny Grohowski.(drums) Earl Maneein (violin, various instruments, compositions), - Norpoth also crooned love, loss and dirty girls in "Butane Variations." Some songs performed are available via www.butanevariations.com. Hollands is an orchestral rock band from Brooklyn, NY. Hollands will release their Debut record "Restless Youth" winter 2013.