Art Talk by: Maryssa Rose Chavez
Photography by: Jinni J

Tarot, music, art, these are all things that we see in our feeds that have become a common theme within our collective consciousness. Ali Holder has found a way to use all of three of these things in her own practice and life and has done it with much grace. 
Born and raised in Texas, Ali is a musician of more than a decade and has a sound that is uniquely her own. Inspired by her upbringing in  Wichita Falls, Texas and her 10 years in Austin, Ali makes music that is specifically addressing the many social justice issues facing our country and broader, our world.We first met Ali after she created her 'Age of Aquarius' t-shirt via Raw Paw Drop ship in 2020, and have been staying up to date with all she is doing since!

In her newest album 'Uncomfortable Truths' we listen as Ali is navigating these spaces, and dynamics while also speaking about utilizing her privilege and voice to support and uplift the voices of those who are marginalized in our country. We were lucky enough to learn about Ali in this Art Talk. Enjoy this deep dive, spend some time listening to her music some of my personal favorites being: Speak One, Speak Two, and Bad Wife.

Photography by: Jinni J

Maryssa:
Hi Ali, so we were able to chat on the phone a couple weeks ago and it was so nice to hear your voice, (outside of your singing voice) and to get to know you a bit better. The birds were chirping, and we were able to chat a bit about music, art, tarot and some of your favorite things. Could you give those reading this a bit of an introduction? This can be a small blurb just so they can get a better understanding as to you are. <3

Ali:
I am a musician, visual arts teacher, tarot reader, social media manager and a mother of cats. I’m from north Texas but have lived in Austin for the last 11 years. Things have definitely changed musically since the pandemic, but I am trying to work it back in a way that is sustainable.

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Maryssa:
How long have you been making music for? What about your life growing up in Wichita Falls, Texas, has influenced your music?

Ali:
I started playing when I was in high school, it has evolved from there. The live music I was exposed to growing up in a small-ish Texas town was either singer-songwriter, red dirt country, blues or punk. I think all of those genres had a formative influence on me in one way or another.

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Maryssa:
I am listening to your newest album ‘Uncomfortable Truths’, and I am grooving to it as I watch the rain fall. Did you know when you were creating the album that it would be such a wonderful rainy day album, because it is? (hehe) Could you tell us a bit about the inspirations behind the title of this album?

Ali:
The album is about my own uncomfortable truths. The idea is that by sharing mine, other people will feel less alone in their own, less stigmatized. I think being able to relate to music gives us a sense of belonging and comfort. 

Photo courtesy of Ali Holder's 'Uncomfortable Truths' album

Maryssa:
What motivates you to continue to make your art/music?

Ali:
It’s just a part of who I am. Its role has definitely changed throughout the years, I think it will be forever shifting. It’s a catharsis really. A way to express myself that feels authentic.

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Maryssa:
You had a really successful Drop Ship Shirt entitled ‘Age of Aquarius’, and I would love to learn about your experience creating merch in general?

Ali:
No one is buying CDs anymore, so merch is the only way to go! Merch is fun! It can be so playful. I loved working with y’all. When I was travelling a lot, merch on a larger scale made a little more sense for me. I really appreciate now that I can do small batch things like your drop ship t-shirts. I’ve done the same with vinyl recently. To allow pre-orders and not be out of pocket is a gift to an independent artist.

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Maryssa:
Tarot is a super interesting and powerful tool for a multitude of reasons and I would love to learn about your journey to tarot and how maybe how you tie it to your art/music making?

Ali:
I picked up a deck in 2012 on a tour while I was in Nashville. After that I started pulling a card a day to study them. Around 2016 I started reading publicly. I definitely use them in songwriting if I am stuck or want to focus on a certain theme. Tarot is all about the reflections of archetypes and the macro/microcosms of life.

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Maryssa:
Is there an instrument or sound that you have heard that is your absolute favorite in the world?

Ali:
Well, I love the sound of my cats purring. I think when I die I will either hear twin fiddles or a pedal steel, I love those sounds. I also love harmonies, they are my favorite. 

Photography by: Jinni J

Maryssa:
Are there any dream collaborations that you’re manifesting right now?

Ali:
I am planning on recording singles in the fall. I am wanting to do each one at a different studio. So, possible collaboration in that way.

Maryssa:
Do you have some announcements/shows/collabs etc, that you would want your supporters to know about that we could promote here?

Ali:
I will be playing at Sun Radio’s, Texas Radio Live at Guero’s Oak Garden on Wednesday May 19th. I am also releasing 4 music videos in April - July of this year, I have 3 left to release. My last album was called “Uncomfortable Truths.” On it are four vignettes about different kinds of privilege.

How we can use our privilege no matter how big or small to help others. Violence, Poverty, Mental/Physical Illness and Women’s Rights are the four different themes. I released the first video last month you can view it here: https://youtu.be/JSVjtBwl5j4
I release the second one May 11th here is the link to that: https://youtu.be/JSVjtBwl5j4ttp. I’ll be playing at Sagebrush on 7/3. I’ll also be playing at the Mile of Music Festival in Wisconsin in August. 

Huge thank you to Ali for being apart of our Art Talk series. It has been really wonderful to learn more about you and all you do Ali, here's to more music, more tarot, and more art!
You can find Ali on Instagram and on her Website and stream her newest album 'Uncomfortable Truths' + much more on all major streaming platforms. <3