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Holly Penfield Interview
Holly Penfield — a knockout on record that promises to be a knockout in concert. This twenty-five year old from San Francisco has released her debut album "Full Grown Child" (Dreamland Records). It shouldn’t be long before Hollys's single, "Only His Name" receives the acclaim it just deserves.
Q - How many demo tapes did you have to make in order to finally land a record deal?
A - I made fourteen demos through my own resources. I don't think I ever made a demo paid for by a record company.
Q - You've stated that you'd like "to leave a mark that is very artistic and yet very accessible." With today's record world, doesn't that seem impossible?
A - I think what I meant by that is through good songs you can reach a more massive audience. Good songs are the basis of everything, like Carole King's Tapestry album or the Beatles. I'll listen to the Beatles before I write a song.
Q - Where did you see Tina Turner and Janis Joplin do an unexpected performance together?
A - At a very famous club called Basin Street West that is no longer in existence. It was at a breakfast show and Tina invited Janis onstage to sing with her. Janis was in the audience watching. They broke into "A Land of A Thousand Dances." It totally amazed me and freaked me out. It really affected me.
Q - Have you always been the leader of the bands you've been a part of?
A - Yes, since I was eighteen.
Q - You worked at a topless bar, playing piano. That must've been quite an experience.
A - I was doing a female, Elton John trio situation. It was an awful band. The girls danced around me.
Q - How did you come to work with Eddie Money?
A - We did the San Francisco club scene. I used to open for Eddie or he would open for me, depending upon who got what posters on what poles. Eddies' a very confident man, like a young Frank Sinatra, only rock'n'roll.
Q - What's the difference between a Frisco group and an L.A. group?
A - I'd say the modern music is being approached in a very similar way. There's more of a rhythm 'n blues/ jazz influence in San Francisco's music.
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