KAHNIN
Q: What was the inspiration behind “Hollystick”?
A: The inspiration for “Hollystick” began with the two chords that drive the song throughout—a simple classical guitar riff. I wanted to create a song using just two chords, yet still make it effective. The music came first, so there wasn’t a story behind the song at the beginning.
Q: One of the metaphors in the lyrics is the “Hollystick.” What does that symbolize for you, and how do you connect it to power or authority?
A: “Hollystick” can symbolize many things, and I encourage listeners to create their own interpretations. For me, it’s like the remote control I’ve held in my hand all my life, switching channels and absorbing misinformation from hidden powers—keeping me in line, telling me what to do, making me obedient. It’s a magic wand of Hollywood propaganda and lies, designed to keep me distracted and ignorant of what’s really going on.
Q: I find the merging of imagery, like the UFO references and technology, fascinating. What role does technology play in the narrative of “Hollystick”?
A: In the song, the UFO represents a distraction that’s thrown at us when we get too close to the truth. Whenever the powers that be feel we’re not toeing the line, the news media throws fear into our living rooms—like alien attacks or UFO sightings. It’s like a photographer distracting a child with a toy bird to get them to look away. The UFO in the song is there to distract simple minds from the real issues—like wars and the embezzlement of our tax dollars.
Q: You mention “Television” and the “Internet of Things.” How do you feel about how those modern influences shape people’s thoughts and views of the world?
A: As I mentioned before with the remote control, “The Hollystick,” the Internet of Things is another way to track us. Our data is being collected, our every move is monitored. Would you accept your government knowing every single thing about you? Most people would say no, yet we allow it voluntarily. We carry smartphones that are essentially tracking devices, and we wear smartwatches that monitor our health and habits—feeding data to insurance companies. This is all controlled through the Internet of Things.
Q: A line in the song, “We box in a ring, we rope a dope, simple folk,” seems to reflect a societal struggle. Could you explain this metaphor further?
A: It’s a reference to the sport of boxing. The public is like a small fighter in the ring, up against a much larger opponent—the CIA, NSA, our governments. “Rope-a-dope” refers to a strategy where a fighter leans against the ropes to dodge punches. “Simple folk” isn’t meant as an insult. It refers to kind, well-meaning people who are easily conditioned by propaganda because they choose to believe in the good in the world.
Q: The lyrics suggest a quiet but persistent manipulation or control. Do you think people recognize the power that media and technology have over them, or are they unaware?
A: Twenty years ago, I’d say 99% of the public, including myself, was completely unaware of the manipulation and propaganda fed to us from a young age. The best way to control people is to start early—like through a school system that teaches a skewed version of history. Today, more people are waking up and realizing that the powers that be don’t necessarily have our best interests at heart.
Q: In “Hollystick,” you talk about belief, truth, and control. How do these ideas connect to current events or trends?
A: Mark Twain said, “It’s easy to fool people, but it’s very hard to convince them that they have been fooled.” No one likes to feel deceived. Ayn Rand’s quote also resonates: “You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of avoiding reality.” I seek truth, and I encourage others to find their own, rather than simply following what we’re told.
Q: Would you say that “Hollystick” is more personal to you, or is it a reflection of society?
A: It’s a bit personal because I’ve realized how robotic I had become, believing that my government was always acting in my best interest. Society often chooses willful ignorance because the truth can be hard to face. It’s easier to look away from the harsh realities—like war-torn countries—than to confront them.
Q: Do you think music has the power to wake up society to contemporary issues, as in this song? What would you like listeners to take from it?
A: I’d like to think so. Music can enlighten and make people feel good. “Hollystick” is a soft, steady song that eases listeners into its tougher messages, kind of like gentle conditioning. If the song helps even one person see their own truth, then I’ll be happy.
Q: Some of your lyrics come across as abstract. Is that intentional, or are you aiming for a more concrete message?
A: Some of my songs use William Burroughs’ cut-up technique, so they can seem abstract. But “Hollystick” is different. The lyrics are concise and meant to provoke thought. I want listeners to determine their own truths while wondering about mine.
Q: Are there other songs in your collection that address similar themes of control, manipulation, and societal influence?
A: Not really. I do have a song called “The Waters Above,” set to release next year, which deals with humanity’s awakening, but nothing quite like “Hollystick.”
Q: When writing lyrics, do you start with a specific idea or theme, or do you let the words flow and discover the meaning later?
A: I don’t have a set system. For 99% of my songs, the music comes first, followed by a hummed melody that later turns into lyrics. Sometimes I’m inspired by something I see or hear, and a few songs have come to me while I was sleeping. I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with a song and story in my head and rush to record it.
Q: How important is it for you to connect with your audience on a deeper, more intellectual level through your lyrics?
A: I think listeners should create their own imagery based on the lyrics. That’s what I’ve always done when listening to music. If a song is too straightforward, like “Love Me Do,” there’s no challenge for the listener.
Q: Are there certain artists, books, or sources that have inspired your style of writing songs like “Hollystick”?
A: I don’t read much—I’m a slow reader and often have to re-read parts to make sense of them. The last book I read was 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, and it took me a month to finish. I read more from sources like Substack and other independent media. As for artists, I don’t really listen to radio or new music unless my daughters show me something interesting. Recently, I discovered Sierra Ferrell, whose old-school vocals and unique style I really enjoy.
Q: Do you feel your lyrics reflect your view of the world? Is there a strong philosophical or ideological current that guides your writing?
A: “Hollystick” definitely reflects my worldview, but I try not to write too much about global issues—it can be too overwhelming. It’s easier to write about love and happiness, which has a more positive impact on my outlook.
Q: Do you believe artists have a responsibility to comment on societal issues through their work, or is it more about personal expression?
A: Being too political can be divisive. Politics can cause friction between friends who might otherwise get along. In “Hollystick,” I’ve tried to make subtle points without offending anyone. I support freedom of expression, and if others want to write protest songs or make radical statements, that’s great. There’s an audience for every kind of music, just not necessarily for me.
Q: What do you hope people take away from “Hollystick” after listening to it?
A: Hope. I want listeners to rise above the fear and hatred that we’re bombarded with every day. Open up your third eye and tune in to your own inner frequency.
Q: Are there other songs in your collection that address similar themes of control, manipulation, and societal influence?
A: Not really. I do have a song called “The Waters Above,” set to release next year, which deals with humanity’s awakening, but nothing quite like “Hollystick.”. Just realized that my song “I am 5.6.4.3 ” is about the control of humanity by micro chipping and sterilizing us all to become better servants for the elites. Really good song.
