Kahnin On the Making Of “Hollystick”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Hollystick" and the story it tells?
"Hollystick" is about unlearning the things we've been conditioned to believe. It's about becoming a critical thinker, questioning the information we've been fed by the education system and media, and recognizing the falsehoods embedded in them. The name "Hollystick" comes from the holly oak, traditionally used by sorcerers to craft their magic wands. This ties directly to Hollywood, the place where illusions are crafted and lies are presented to us through entertainment. The message is clear: forget what you think you know, and be willing to challenge the narratives that have shaped your understanding.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "Hollystick" to life?
I produced "Hollystick" myself, fully shaping the song in my studio, The Fish Factory, in Iceland before bringing in other musicians. I handled the bass guitar, keys, and all the vocals. On guitar, I collaborated with Leo Abrahams (who's worked with Brian Eno, Paolo Nutini, and Miley Cyrus), while Jon Elvar Hafsteinsson, an Icelandic session player, played lead guitar. Clive Deamer (from Portishead and Radiohead) handled percussion, and Dylan Wissing (who's worked with Alicia Keys and Eminem) played drums. Sefi Carmel mixed the track in Dolby Atmos, giving it that expansive, immersive sound.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
Making the video was a mix of joy and challenge. I traveled to Japan with both of my daughters for the shoot, which was an incredible experience. My older daughter, Audrey, filmed the scenes and produced the video with help from her younger sister, Sonja. We had an amazing time exploring Tokyo and Kyoto. However, the journey was difficult because I was battling a bad case of bronchitis throughout. Japan’s rich culture has always fascinated me, so choosing the location was easy. The video’s theme revolves around a time traveler witnessing a society that is asleep but on the verge of waking up to the lies they've been told.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
As an artist, I’m always evolving and pushing the limits of what music can express. I tend to experiment and explore new sounds constantly. While I sometimes think of myself as a lazy writer, my musician friends see me as quite prolific. I only write or play music when I'm truly in the mood, never forcing a song. When inspiration hits, it often leads to a burst of creativity where several songs come to life at once. I believe that music should flow naturally, and that’s how I approach my craft.
How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue pushing boundaries in your art?
Inspiration often comes from current events or something I encounter in my daily life. I’m inspired by street-smart individuals—people who don’t overthink situations and are willing to take risks. In contrast, over-educated people tend to be overly cautious, calculating outcomes without taking action. Street-smart people, on the other hand, will try, and even if they fail, they keep going until they succeed. I’m also motivated by being around more talented people, as their creativity drives me to improve. But my biggest motivation in life is to be a better husband and father—it’s what keeps me grounded and pushing forward.
