Tony Holiday is Making a Scene

April 14, 2025

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Tony Holiday

There’s something magnetic about Tony Holiday—an ability to bring people together through music, community, and pure soul. Since relocating from Salt Lake City to Memphis in 2017, Tony has become a driving force in the city’s modern soul blues revival. Immersed in a close-knit circle of talented, like-minded musicians, he’s been instrumental in carrying Memphis’s rich musical heritage into bold new territory.

His latest release, Keep Your Head Up, carries that spirit forward with a message of resilience and hope. Gritty, heartfelt, and unmistakably Memphis, the track blends raw vocals with tight grooves—offering the kind of emotional lift that sticks with you. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever had to push through the hard times.

The release follows Tony’s second solo album, Motel Mississippi, recorded at Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, MS—the legendary studio founded by Jim Dickinson (The Rolling Stones, Big Star). The album weaves together the deep grooves of North Mississippi Hill Country, the raw emotion of Delta blues, and the timeless feel of Memphis soul. With six original songs and two covers (“Rob & Steal” by Paul Wine Jones and “Nobody But You” by Asie Payton), Motel Mississippi is equal parts hypnotic, heartfelt, and high energy.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Tony’s process. For Motel Mississippi, he teamed up with guitarist/songwriter A.J. Fullerton and producer Dave Gross, with production support from veteran engineer Kevin Houston (Southern Avenue, North Mississippi Allstars). The album features standout contributions from a powerhouse lineup: Lee Williams Jr. (drums), Terrance Grayson (bass), Aubrey McCrady (guitar), Jake Friel (harmonica), and Mikey Junior (backing vocals). The result is a sound that feels both rooted and forward-thinking.

Before Motel Mississippi, there was 2020’s Soul Service and the acclaimed Porch Sessions series—projects that took Tony across the U.S. and Europe to record blues musicians on their front porches, in juke joints, and on street corners. These recordings featured a legendary roster, including Grammy winners Charlie Musselwhite and Bobby Rush, Muddy Waters guitarist John Primer, and icons like Lurrie Bell. Rising stars such as Southern Avenue, Victor Wainwright, and John Németh also lent their voices—many of whom have since become close collaborators and mentors.

Tony Holiday isn’t just creating music—he’s building bridges between generations, genres, and communities. With each project, he’s redefining what modern blues can be, all while honoring its roots. And if his recent work is any sign, he’s only just getting started.

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