COMBINE: Mix Series | Hollen.
(Naples, Italy).

Hollen is an esteemed DJ and producer who has made a lasting impact on the electronic music scene. His career has organically evolved from humble beginnings as a local club DJ to becoming a highly sought-after music producer. Throughout his journey, Hollen's boundless passion for music in all its forms has been the driving force behind his success.

His distinctive and captivating sound sets Hollen apart, whether diving into groovy Tech House or commanding peak-time Techno. His ability to create infectious beats and infuse his music with undeniable energy has made him a beloved figure in the industry.

Hollen's musical odyssey started by immersing himself in house and techno events near his hometown, where he drew inspiration from the mesmerising performances of turntable legends. Fuelled by this passion, he embarked on his music production journey in 2008 and swiftly gained recognition from leading music stores. His work with renowned labels and collaborations with notable artists solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.

Throughout his evolution, Hollen has remained committed to his craft and refused to be confined by genres. Instead, he fearlessly explores new sonic landscapes, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. His collaborations with industry giants and remixes of esteemed artists have showcased his innovation and technical expertise, further cementing his position in the industry.

Hollen's impact extends beyond the studio. His electrifying performances at prestigious clubs and festivals globally have captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on listeners. His infectious beats and unwavering energy have transformed venues, making him a highly sought-after DJ.

As a true trailblazer, Hollen's unique ability to blend genres and incorporate diverse sound elements has earned him international acclaim. His label, Prospect Records, serves as a platform for him to express his musical vision while nurturing and supporting emerging talents. Whether performing at intimate underground clubs or commanding massive festival stages, Hollen continues to leave audiences spellbound with his unforgettable sets, infectious beats, and unwavering passion for music.

COMBINE: Mix Series | Hollen | 007

‘Bass driven Deep Progressive Driving Emotive House & Techno with Funk and Groove’

Born in New Zealand Greig returned from the maternity hospital on the first day of his life and was greeted with the sound of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos that had been pre-arranged by his parents to be playing when he first entered the family home and to be his first exposure to music. It is perhaps from this beginning that a love of music was embedded in his psyche and certainly it was nurtured by his parent’s love of music and all things creative, as both were full time artists. 

Alex graduated to playing records in his room from age five and this led to playing guitar as a child and a private musical journey of purchasing and listening to music extending from the rock legends of the 70’s such as Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Santana and the birth of electronic music from Kraftwerk and Mike Oldfield. 

Considering its over Forty years he’s been devoted to discovering and playing music Alex has dedicated spending as much time to the ‘pursuit of the pleasure of music’ often as those who derive income from it. 

His early love of techno covers the complete evolution of the genre including the early beginnings of trance from the German techno producers such as Sven Vath. Along the way Alex’s influences have been wide and all encompassing from early metal, particularly Motorhead and southern rock – ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn, through the acid house revolution and UK pioneers such as Slam, Underworld and Primal Scream in the mid eighties. The development of Trip Hop and particularly James Lavelle’s early Mo Wax label and then the release of Sasha & Digweed’s CD mix album Renaissance The Mix Collection changed his life forever. 

Always drawn to a love of bass that has taken him from the jazz of Miles Davis and the music of Mark King, Marcus Miller, and Stanley Clark, or straight out funk of The Infectious Grooves and onto deep electronic bass lines. 

He found himself entranced by Deep house and early tech house from the likes of Craig Richards, Terry Francis and Terry Lee Brown Junior and labels such as Glasgow Underground and Mushroom Jazz.

In the nineties Greig introduced electronic music into Rip it Up, New Zealand’s original music magazine by writing CD and gig reviews.  Bucking the established house scene at the time in Auckland New Zealand, which he thought had become too commercial and predictable. He used what became a regular column as a voice to stir up the scene at the time and promote more underground sounding DJ’ s and music at the time such as NZ’s techno pioneer Greg Churchill and overseas visitors playing a more progressive sound. 

From a conscious decision as an entrepreneur whilst building companies Greig has never dedicated a lot of time to DJing preferring to keep digging for the sounds to be shared with friends many being DJ’s, which often influenced by the sounds he shares. 

The advent of Digital music and indeed this Soundcloud page provide yet another platform from which to share the sounds that are moving him along with a vehicle to showcase local and new DJ’s from New Zealand such as Tom McGuinness and La Sonique which are already represented on his profile.

Sharing a love of well crafted sets and quality production If his current music preference could be put into a box it would be along the line of ‘Bass driven Deep Progressive Driving Emotive Techno with Funk and Groove’.

Enjoy
