Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brandon Hollemon of Sherman Oaks

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brandon Hollemon. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Whenever I pick up my guitar, time stops existing. I can start on a riff just to clear my head and hours later realize the world kept moving without me. Music has always been that place where I lose myself completely — not in chaos, but in clarity. It’s where emotion, energy, and purpose all meet. Every time I create, I’m reminded of who I am and why I started. That’s the space where I find myself again.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Brandon “Bizzy” Hollemon — known to fans and collaborators around the world as Bizzythowed — is a Houston-born guitarist, producer, and artist whose music defies boundaries. A proud alum of Berklee College of Music, Bizzy blends the grit of rock, the rhythm of hip-hop, and the soul of blues into a sound that’s entirely his own. His journey has taken him from Houston to Miami and beyond, working with major artists like The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Kehlani, and Pitbull before establishing his own creative company, Mean Stringz Publishing.
Through Mean Stringz, Bizzy is building an independent ecosystem that connects artistry, education, and business. He’s as passionate about teaching the next generation of guitarists as he is about producing chart-level records — bringing a rare mix of technical mastery, raw emotion, and entrepreneurial vision to everything he touches. Whether performing live, licensing music for film and TV, or mentoring future musicians, Bizzy’s mission remains the same: to create fearlessly and to inspire others to own their art, their sound, and their story.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I was eleven years old when my father passed away. That moment cracked my world open — and somewhere in that silence, I found a guitar. I didn’t know it then, but that first note would become the start of everything. The guitar became my voice, my therapy, and my connection to something bigger than pain. It showed me that music could heal, could speak when words couldn’t. Losing him so young made me see life differently — it gave me urgency, purpose, and this fire to make every day count. That’s why I create the way I do now — with emotion, honesty, and intention. Every riff, every lyric is a piece of that promise I made to myself back then: to turn pain into sound and build something beautiful out of what was broken.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to listen — not just to music, but to life. When everything’s going right, you move fast and don’t always stop to feel it. But pain slows you down. It strips away the noise until you’re face to face with who you really are. I learned how to sit with silence, how to create from truth instead of ego. Success shows you what’s possible, but suffering shows you what’s real — what can’t be taken from you. Those hard seasons gave me the kind of peace and purpose no award or achievement ever could. They taught me that strength isn’t loud — it’s patient, grounded, and grateful.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Bizzy is deeply committed to building Mean Stringz Publishing into more than just a company — he’s shaping it into a legacy platform for independent musicians. His vision is rooted in creative ownership, education, and empowerment, proving that artists can thrive without giving away their control. For Bizzy, it’s not about chasing trends or quick success; it’s about longevity and impact. Every project, lesson, and collaboration feeds into that bigger picture — a future where musicians keep their rights, tell their stories, and build sustainable careers. It’s a long game, but one he’s fully dedicated to, knowing that real success is measured by what you leave behind.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve had to. Some of my most important work happened long before anyone was watching — late nights in studios, years of learning, failing, rebuilding, and creating because I had to, not because anyone was clapping. Praise is cool, but purpose hits deeper. I’ve learned that if you only move when people are watching, you’ll never find your real rhythm. The best art I’ve ever made came from a place of peace, not pressure — when I was just in love with the process. Whether the world sees it or not, I know the work is real. That’s what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bizzythowed.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizzythowed
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bizzythowed/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bizzythowed?si=5thzpK7IG-t9wt1R
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bizzythowed?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing