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Coffee Talk with Holy Hive

Name, Location, What You Do:

Paul Spring, Brooklyn NY, Guitar and Vocals in Holy Hive 

Homer Steinweiss, Brooklyn NY, drums and producer for holy hive. 

Tell us how you got into the music business, who were your influences, and what led you to being a full time musician/ artist?

Paul: I got into music because if I don't play it I get kinda confused and down. It helps to be able to play it for other people because then there is an exchange and conversation. My two favorite musicians from 8th grade to present day are Leadbelly and Bach, but I’ve been hearing a lot of cool music at barbecue hangs around my neighborhood - getting into Debarge and Shalamar now. I’ve never made a living off of music or been a full time musician, I’ve always had odd jobs to stay afloat. Hopefully this album brings some full time music stability, but it’s ok if it doesn’t.

Homer: I got into music because I was surrounded by it growing up. My parents are both classically trained pianists and they asked me to choose an instrument to learn when I was around 10 years old. I chose drums. I wasn’t planning on being a professional musician but I stuck with the drums as a hobby and started joining bands when I was in high school. I kept playing in bands throughout college and by the time I had finished college, one of the bands I was in was starting to work more and more. At some point in my late 20’s I started trying some other careers, but the music work just kept growing and I finally made the decision to dedicate my career to music. 

How do you feel about coffee?  What's your relationship to it, preferred method to brew and what's your go-to coffee company.

Homer: I love coffee. I view it as a drug and a delicious beverage. As a drug, I think it serves a very important purpose in my life. It helps me start my day. But as a drug I feel it’s important to understand its effects on me and to have a healthy relationship with it. I used to drink as much coffee as my heart desired but now I drink one coffee drink per day. I love a quad latte in the morning. Or a cortado when I need less caffeine. I can’t make espresso drinks at home so I only get those  at coffee shops. If I brew at home I use a kalita pour over and I’ve been buying devocion beans lately, but I like to switch it up. 

Paul: I feel great about coffee. It’s 6:32am on Thursday May 6th and I just finished my first cup. Im a french press guy, broke my last two chemex(es?) because I’m accident prone. Go to company is whatever I can buy the best bean in biggest bulk for the lowest price, there’s a shop called Kitten Coffee around the corner where I can get a 5 pound bag for $60. 

We at Rabble and Lion feel that coffee and music go hand in hand, fueling the artist.  What are your thoughts on that? 

Paul: Homer and I were talking about how our favorite composer Bach must’ve drunk alot of coffee. Then, I googled and found this list of the most famous coffee drinkers from history. Beethoven is number 3 and Bach is number 1. I'm not gonna argue with Rabble and Lion on this one. 

Homer. Yes I would agree. Almost every musician I know has a coffee drinking habit. 

During this pandemic, what non-music activities have you been taking part in?

Paul: Working. I go for walks every once in a while. Hoping to play more one on one basketball with my wife...we did that a bit in the fall.

Homer: Tennis is my number one non music related  activity. I play in a local league and I try to play everyday. I also got into electric scooting during the pandemic. It’s a great way to get around Brooklyn. 

What music/ records are you listening to these days?

Paul: The entire Debarge and Shalamar discography, Nirvana Nevermind, and Bach’s French Suites on Harpsichord. 

Homer: lately a lot of funk music. I’m craving fun these days and funk is really fun in my opinion. 

How has the pandemic affected the way you're looking at the music business and or making music?  Have you been able to be more creative, or has it been more of a distraction?

Paul: Not much. Still looks the same to me, just less shows. Still having fun playing the music I am interested in at the moment. 

Homer:  I think the pandemic has allowed me to take a step back and analyze what I want to be doing. At first it was very hard to be creative when there was so much uncertainty in the everyday. But once the pandemic became more of a new normal, I actually had more time to be creative than I normally do. 

What projects are you currently working on?  Share anything, live gigs, releases, etc.

Paul: Just finished a Bach album for 12 string guitar. Writing songs with my favorite guys Homer, Leon and Nick at the Diamond Mine. 

Homer: I’m working with an artist named Kirby a lot lately. I’m very excited about her music and I’m blessed to be collaborating with her. 

Last words, anything you want.

Paul: Thanks for sharing our music and for the support over the years. It is much appreciated that you always support Big Crown. 

Homer: yes thank you for all your support.