Interview: Holy Ramen

Jarod Smith

Jun 7, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I got into music because I wanted a way to express myself and music felt like the perfect fit. I was enrolled in piano classes at a young age, and I always felt a connection with music. I was also really into poetry, so songwriting came naturally to me.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love watching tv shows and movies, and overall, just consuming a lot of content. I enjoy storytelling and the stories I encounter sometimes serve as inspiration for my music.

How long has your band been around?

I’ve been around since 2019, so 3 years.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I’m based out of Toronto. Toronto is a very diverse city and I think that’s reflected in my music. I don’t stick to one genre; I like to experiment and go outside of my comfort zone.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Holy Ramen was a nickname given to me by a friend because I love to eat ramen. To me, the name serves as an alter ego and a permission to be free to express myself.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Stop overthinking it and just make music. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, the right connections, or permission from others to release your first song. It’s becoming easier than ever now to be an indie artist. Just take that leap of faith.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Less is more. As an indie artist, it’s too expensive to give the best treatment to all the songs you want to make, so instead focus on your best songs, and give them all the resources you can afford.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Sanctuary. I wrote it during a difficult moment in my life and it accurately represents my go-to impulse when times get tough.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Usually, songs come to me at night or when I’m in the shower. I don’t have a process for getting those song ideas, it just happens. I had a song off my debut album called ‘music in my head’ because I really do hear music in my head all the time.
I record snippets of the song ideas on my phone using the voice memo app. The next time I’m at the studio, I use those snippets as a starting point.
My life inspires me to write my music the most. I’m usually a reserved and private person, but my music is where I’m fully transparent. My listeners probably know me better than my friends and family.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

For the people out there who think like me, feel like me, and have gone through similar experiences as me, I just want you to know what you’re not alone and I hope my music can bring you some comfort.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’ll be releasing the music video for 3am thoughts soon and I’m really excited about that. It’s my first music video ever and I’m super happy with the way it turned out. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!