INTERVIEW: We recently talked with Florida rock band Hell and Hollar as they discuss their new music video for "Showdown", the emotions of songwriting and much more! READ IT HERE

It's a "Showdown" With Hell & Hollar
with Bob Rogers

Hell & Hollar digs a little deeper as their music reflects much of what they perceive is happening around them, all with a blend of good rock n roll. Their EP 442 reflects this throughout each track.

Bob Rogers: "Showdown" certainly has a strong message lyrically. Was there something in particular that you were noticing that encouraged its writing?
Blake Burns: I was focused mainly on how so many people get stuck on their devices and social media and how it takes away from actually living your life and really doing things.

Bob Rogers: Self-worth seems to be apart of humanity, and always has been. Why do you think social media has become societies outlet to feel? Or are we all just finding another way of expressing ourselves?
Blake Burns: That depends on the person. But I believe there are much better ways to express yourself then social media. Much healthier ones at least. As much as it keeps people connected, it also keeps people apart. Let's just use a band for example. Social media is a big part of getting yourself out there. But it's the getting together, putting the phones away and physically accomplishing things together. That kind of togetherness and connection is lost when you don't need to be with each other to communicate. 

Bob Rogers: As society seems to be desensitized to seeing their own image reflected- how do you think music can help? 
Blake Burns: By having an overall good underlying message in the music that really gets people to think and shakes things up a bit. 

Bob Rogers: Do you find most of your songwriting reflects your overall feelings about where our society is going? 
Blake Burns: Definitely. Its something I think about all the time. 

Bob Rogers: Expressing your life's observations and emotions by songwriting is a gift. As you listen to the EP 442 what connections do you believe you made to your perceptions? 
Blake Burns: Oh man.... A lot. Even down to the cover of it. My father was an Oldsmobile dealer and worked at Old's dealers growing up. The 442 was always my favorite car as a kid and if you look at the license plate on the front bumper. It says DB OLDS for Dan Burns Oldsmobile. His dealership that I grew up in. So I guess you could say I like the music to bleed the same blood I do. 

Bob Rogers: How would or can you place the sound of Hell & Hollar in a particular genre?
Blake Burns: We are a rock band. But we don't have any walls. We like the idea of crossing genre's and trying new things. But when we play them it's always got that rock thing that we have. We just like to have fun with it.

Bob Rogers: Have you found your music overall helps you to connect with others? 
Blake Burns: I don't think I would say it helps me connect with others. I have always been a happy go lucky sociable type of person. But I will say that it has definitely helped me connect more with myself and to really know who I am. It has brought a certain calmness to me that I have never had. 

Bob Rogers: When you perform what do you like to see happen in the audience when they are listening to your music?
Blake Burns: I like to see the crowd move! Dance jump around whatever, it's a rock show! Oh and please put your phones away and be present so we can bring crowd surfing back. Hahahaha! I miss the days of crowd surfing. 

Bob Rogers: Finally, what would Hell & Hollar like to ultimately see their music do for others?
Blake Burns: My only hope is that it has a positive effect on whoever listens to it. Whether it makes you happy, makes you think deeper or helps you unwind. It's meant to be enjoyed.