Ever since Holyrain’s remix of Post Malone’s “Congratulations” was touted by Billboard, my ears have been peeled for this young talent’s work. Writer Sabrina Finkelstein credited the Atlanta producer with putting a “trap spin on the track that’s perfect for a late-night drive.” It takes guts and vision to remix such a massive smash, and it’s rewarding to see a national publication take notice. Finkelstein’s breakdown, however, simplifies much of the Midas touch that Holyrain puts on his music. There’s a feeling on his new album that feels transitional for the current wave of Atlanta hip-hop. With Last Night I Changed My Destiny hitting streaming services today, Immersive Atlanta caught up with Holyrain to discuss his musical background, the new album, and what’s next for him.
What’s your earliest memory of music?
Waking up one Christmas morning at 3-years-old to a drum kit under the tree. I was teaching myself how to play. I got pretty good for my age. I taught myself guitar and piano. Around the ages of 8, 9, and 10, I played percussion for my church.
How much of a musical history does your family have?
On my grandfather’s side of my family, my uncle was a well-known trumpet player. He played with some major artists on the Chitlin Circuit. [Note: The Chitlin Circuit was a collection of performance venues throughout the eastern, southern, and upper midwest areas of the United States that provided commercial and cultural acceptance for African-American musicians, comedians, and other entertainers during the era of racial segregation in the United States—from at least the early 19th century through the 1960s.] My cousin Marc Pero is a well regarded New Orleans bassist that’s known best for his work with Papa Grows Funk. My other cousin, Pocket Honore, is an accomplished guitarist. He’s played with everyone from Prince, the Time, Erykah Badu, and Jada Pinkett Smith in her band Wicked Wisdom. My dad played drums for our church when I was younger.
What was the first song you wrote for Last Night I Changed My Destiny?
I’ve been working on this album for about a year now, so the first song I made for it is probably the opening title track. It sets the tone for the whole project.
What was the last song?
“The Altar,” featuring Wiz Kelly, an Atlanta artist and producer that helped with some of the production as well.
How did you come up with that name for the album?
Last Night I Changed My Destiny sheds light on the subject of pushing through whatever life throws your way. In any bad or stressful situation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There, happiness, joy, or whatever your goal, is waiting for you. The obstacles of life will narrow your path towards your destiny, but sometimes you just have to sit back and watch God work.
You’ve got 15 songs on the album. Do you have any favorites?
Out of all of the songs, my favorites would be “Above the Water,” “Watch God Work,” and “Whatever I Go Through.”
You produced every song on the album as well. What software do you use to produce?
An MPC 2000xl. An SP-505. A couple of synthesizers. Ableton to glue it all together.
How did you determine the features of this album?
I wanted this project to be as genuine as possible. I chose those features because I knew they’d bring that genuine vibe to the project and to the listeners.
What was the vision behind the cover art?
The cover art is a protest or riot. The vision is simply showing a fight for change. It takes a lot of self-meditation and thought to figure out what your destiny is. People will try and make you out to be something you’re not. It’s up to you and only you to change your destiny to allow yourself to evolve to your greatest form.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for me is beat tapes, more singles, and content for my fans and listeners!
More Info
Instagram: @holyrain
SoundCloud: @holyrain
Twitter:@hxlyrvin