Life & Work with Holly Solem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Solem.

Hi Holly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out in music, playing in bands around LA and touring a bit. I also modeled, acted in commercials, and DJ’d parties and clubs. From 2013-2016 I worked on the Amazon Prime series Hand of God, writing and performing an original song for every episode, which produced two soundtracks. I was cast in a small role as a singer in the church choir (where we sang some of my songs). I’ve written several songs for films, as well. Blake Lively sang a song of mine in a movie called, All I See Is You.

In 2016, I left LA and went to Nashville to pursue songwriting. I ended up working with some great artists and writers (The Band Perry, Zandi Holup) as well as, eventually, starting a solo project called Neon Cowgirl. I also went through a great transformation. On February 22, 2018, I fell on my face while in a blackout and woke up all beat up, with a broken nose and a head injury that troubled me for months. This was a catalyst for me to re-evaluate my life in every aspect. I quit drinking and got into therapy. I also started writing. Personal stories and essays about my experiences and perspective on addiction and recovery, as well as the crazy things I’ve seen and done in my life and in the entertainment industry. I didn’t show anyone…

I moved back to LA (my one true love) right before the pandemic in the fall of 2019. During the lockdown, I discovered that I had been writing down my dreams for most of my life. I started making little videos for social media of me reading them, which eventually led to a dream hotline. People can leave messages with their dreams (or whatever they want, really) and Neon Cowgirl gives them advice, in funny short videos.

In 2021, I directed a music video for Neon Cowgirl for my song, “Swisher Sweet” on 16mm film, shot by DP Chance Falkner.

I also started a Substack, where I began sharing my writing. Since then, I have written articles for Marvin Magazine, and I am working on a memoir. My Substack has been the most incredible way to connect through vulnerability, and writing has become my favorite thing to do!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not one single thing has been smooth about the music industry. I’ve had several record deals from which I’ve either been dropped or had to get out of. I’ve made so many records as a solo artist, in bands, and as a writer for other artists that have had huge budgets, and big names behind them, yet have never seen the light of day. I’ve signed bad deals. I’ve been taken advantage of. I’ve had crazy managers and dealt with psychotic record label heads. All of this while suffering from addiction and its consequences. And still, even after getting sober, the industry remained a brutal place. Not to mention all the rejection from years of modeling, acting, and music. For every yes, there are hundreds of nos. These days, I see all of these challenges as gifts, as they make incredible writing fodder.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My Substack is everything! I post a personal essay every week. I also post lists, observations, weird mystical happenings, and song lyrics. I don’t hold back, it’s a very honest reflection of what I’m going through, which, I believe is why it’s connecting with people. Recently, I’ve been hired as a freelance writer for magazines. I’ve started to submit personal essays to larger publications, as well. The memoir I’m working on is about the three years I lived in Tennessee. How my life spun out of control with addiction, resulting in a head injury and losing everything, and then having to move in with my father (a well-known musician), who was also taking care of my grandmother. Additionally, I’m working on a collection of essays about Hollywood.

As far as music, there’s Neon Cowgirl. So far, I’ve released six singles and one music video. There are two Hand of God soundtracks available, recorded under my full name, Holly Marilyn Solem.

The Neon Cowgirl Show is where you’ll find videos about dreams and the hilarious results of messages left on the hotline.

What matters most to you? Why?
Creating is the most important aspect of my life. It’s how I connect to others and to the world. And if I can help or inspire someone through honestly sharing my experiences, there is nothing better for me. That’s it.

Contact Info: 

• Website: hollymsolem.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamneoncowgirl/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamneoncowgirl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/neoncowgirl
• Other: https://neoncowgirl.substack.com 

Image Credits
Brad Elterman, Chance Falkner, Nathalie Christmas, Neil Perry, Bill Reynolds, Glen Shiozaki (in no particular order)