Emily Hollingshed: Honoring Country Legends Through New Music
An Oklahoma songwriter, Emily Hollingshed, has been writing music her whole life. She’s been playing guitar for 11 years and started performing live shows in 2023. She said that playing live has helped her refine her skills, and she’s been enjoying the journey.
Hollingshed places her music under the country and red dirt genres. “I don’t consider myself red dirt, but I’m country for the most part.” Red dirt is a genre with roots deep in Oklahoma. John Cooper, who has been a part of the genre since it started, has said that songwriting is what makes red dirt music unique.
When it comes to the writing process, Hollingshed writes the lyrics and has her guitarist help with chord progressions. “He’s more experienced,” Hollingshed said. Sharp enjoys bluegrass and soul music, which “brings a different aspect” to the songs. Using this group structure, Emily has found her band members help with adding “depth” to the songwriting process.
The Emily Holingshed Band consists of Emily Hollingshed on lead vocals and guitar, her dad, Dave Hollingshed, as bass player, her best friend, Nicholas Sharp, on lead guitar, and their drummer, Phillip Hager. They plan to release an EP but have “If Heaven Had a Phone” as a single first.
Photo by Riley Matthews
The first song Hollingshed wrote was “Good Ol’ Folks”. Growing up with Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, she said this song is tailored to them. She says the song is about asking what happened to them. She has nostalgia for the old country songs her grandparents raised her on, which is the main inspiration for her songwriting style.
When her grandpa passed away in 2022, Hollingshed wrote “If Heaven Had a Phone”. Her grandpa taught her to play the guitar and inspired her musical taste. While it’s not out on streaming platforms just yet, she said it's currently in the studio. She plans to release a single before the full EP. Her EP takes inspiration from love and other personal struggles.
“Being on stage is kind of like my home....I’m meant to be there.”
The Emily Hollingshed Band performed at this year's Battle of the Bands at Calf Fry, where over 50 bands participated. “I was the only female in the whole thing.” Hollingshed’s band placed 2nd overall, leading them to play in Calf Fry. “It was a huge blessing.”
They also performed at The Bison Bash at Cain’s Ballroom. “It’s a huge family to me,” Hollingshed said, adding that they plan to perform at it again, December 19, 2024. She remembers how supportive the fans are: “They are the same people that go to our dive bars.” Hollingshed loves how supportive her community is and can’t wait to perform again.
Opening live for Mike Ryan at The Vanguard in Tulsa, OK, was another great show for the band. “It was a really good experience,” Hollingshed recalled. This was an experience where she had technical difficulties with her guitar, and she had to think on her feet and handle it in a professional manner.
Photo by Riley Matthews
Emily Hollingshed shared some advice for others, stating, “I would go to other people’s shows and start networking.” She said a lot of the best people she met were at shows she attended or performed at herself. “Learn from others,” Hollingshed also suggested going to open mics to help you get comfortable playing in front of others.
“I always want better for myself; I don’t care about fame.”
Looking ahead, Emily Hollingshed and her band are eager to continue their journey, sharing their passion for music with fans across Oklahoma and beyond. With their upcoming EP release and a slate of live performances, they’re ready to bring their unique blend of country and red dirt to new audiences. Hollingshed remains focused on her craft, drawing inspiration from her roots and personal experiences. As she puts it, "I always want better for myself; I don’t care about fame," a sentiment that encapsulates her dedication to making meaningful music.
Contact us at Loud and Heavy Booking if you would like Emily Hollingshed Band to play at your next event. Keep up with the local music scene via www.loudandheavybooking.com.
