I Love All Things Music: Hollis Morrissette

Morrissette working on new music.

Hollis Morrissette is many things: a former Mr United States, he’s an actor, author and producer. Born in Michigan, Lansing, he’s currently living in Los Angeles after having moved out of Michigan after he graduated from high school at seventeen.

Like some of the musicians who’ve been interviewed on The Musician, Morrissette comes from a musical family. However, his journey as a musician started by singing in school and church. He quickly transitioned from back row singer to lead singer, he says. ‘Long story short, I went from back row singer, to center lead singer very fast.’

Love and passion is what makes good music, he says.

L. SOJINI: Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what kind of musician you are.

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: My name is Hollis Morrissette and I’m an American artist. I’m a singer and songwriter, former Mr. United States pageant titleholder, actor, published author and producer. I was born in a small town called Lansing which is the capital of Michigan but, Los Angeles is home. I moved out of MI right after graduating high school at seventeen. As a musician, I’d describe myself as a mixture of vibrance, eclecticism, rawness and full of surprises.

L. SOJINI: How did you get into music?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: I’ve been singing all my life. Coming from a musical family, notes, tunes, melodies and all to follow gained my attention since I could speak. I love everything music and feel it’s my identical twin sharing the womb. If that makes sense?

I got into music by singing in the choir, both church and in school. In elementary school, I was a part of the choir in which, we’d tour around singing. Long story short, I went from back row singer, to center lead singer very fast. 

L. SOJINI: What do you think makes good music?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: In my opinion, making good music starts with a love and passion for it. When you love what you do, you believe in it which then turns into giving your all.

Making good music to me, isn’t just about tunes, notes, melodies and instruments and such. It’s about relatability. When your fans relate to the music you make, everyone is having a good time in some type of way.

L. SOJINI: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a musician?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: Let me name one of my weaknesses first. I love writing my music however, most times I’ll write something and fall out of love with that song or, not really record it, instead of giving it a chance. I’d like to change that and just record the songs and at least, keep them for a later time. I could have produced about five albums by now.

My strengths would be putting love into my music. I love creating relatability for my amazing fans. I also, in addition to writing and singing my music, I do my own background vocals and produce my own music. I love everything music.

L. SOJINI: What are you currently working on?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: At the moment, I am finishing my EP album. I’ve also been doing a radio interview tour which has been fun.

L. SOJINI: How do you approach music? As in, what’s your philosophy when it comes to making music?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: I’ve studied music pretty much all my life. How quickly they’ve caught their audience’s attention all the way to ending a song beautifully.

When I approach my songs, I’m always taking away and adding instruments, sounds etc. I approach some of my music with ease, but I always deliver with passion.

L. SOJINI: What are you most proud of to have achieved as a musician? 

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: I’m most proud, at this moment doing my own background vocals. I’m still working on doing more, but recently I played with it in my newest release, ‘I Can’t Hate You’. I absolutely loved the finished product and had so much fun. People really seem to love the song.

L. SOJINI: How do you promote your music?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: I promote through social media as well as music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and more.

My music is also played on over three hundred and twenty-five radio stations both domestically and internationally.

L. SOJINI: Favourite musician? Why?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: That’s a tough question because I have so many for different reasons.

I love Michael Jackson, Prince, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Babyface, Teena Marie, Barry Manilow, just to name, I guess more than a few.

Even with today’s artists, Doja Cat, Cardi B and Drake. I could go on and on from the artists that have paved the way, all the way to the artists today.

I love all genres of music including pop, rock, R&B, old school rap, Gospel, reggae, to name a few.

L. SOJINI: What’s your advice or message to fellow musicians?

HOLLIS MORRISSETTE: My advice would be to approach your craft with love, and an understanding that this is what you want to do. Patience is key.

Lastly, to write, write, write. Even if it’s only the chorus, write. Your projects will be completed in due time.