With their debut, self-released album, Playing in the Rain, in hand, Holding Out has set out to do what they love most: connect with people through music that is honest and down-to-earth. Each bringing with them their own distinct musical style, this Portland-based rock/pop group has come together to create something unique and powerful. Playing in the Rain is Holding Out’s expression of love, learning, and downright fun, and gives listeners an energetic and sincere look into the journey of life.
In the beginning, Holding Out was simply a fun way for band leaders Scott Brockett and Kelly Bechtell to spend their time in the summer months between college semesters. “Our first performance, which was at a county fair in a small town in Central Oregon, was our initial glimpse into the possibilities of the group and the music we could create together.” They found that with the combination of Scott’s bluesy gospel style and Kelly’s southern acoustic style, a new sound is formed, and audiences are intrigued. What is more inspiring is the ability of these two guys to share both the lead singer and song writer roles with a near seamless fluidity. Scott and Kelly’s close connection to each other is exceptional, and their energetic and inviting stage presence makes their performances captivating to watch.
For the few years following their first gig, and while attending Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, Scott and Kelly continued to share their musical gifts as performers and writers with the local community. Following graduation they moved to the vibrant and expressive music scene in Portland to find new fans to share their music with. Along with drummer Jen Brockett and bass guitarist Dave Cramer, they soon found themselves in the company of Tim Ellis, a long-time industry professional and guitar phenom. “We were immediately impressed with his honest personality and his gifted talents in the music field.” Holding Out soon decided to partner with him at his recording studio, Kung Fu Bakery Recording, to begin creation of their debut album. Within no time, Playing in the Rain was born.
In reviewing Playing in the Rain, Heath Andrews from ReviewYou had this to say about Holding Out’s album: “Being their debut album, Playing in the Rain has to not only be an accessible, enjoyable album, but also display the band's talent and potential, and both of these goals are easily accomplished. The real standout song here is "Beauty Queen", where the aforementioned arrangement coalesces beautifully to an astounding lyric, forming one of the most honest, heartfelt, touching love songs in the rock/pop genre of recent years. Other standouts include "It Was Love", with an infectious opening little guitar riff that descends to the bassline and drives the song, and the "ballad" if you will, "Time To Waste". Trying to combine [elements of folk, blues, and rock/pop] in a hybrid can't be easy, but the band manages it very well. The sound they craft is a bluesy "roots rock" confection not unlike what the Black Crowes and Hootie & The Blowfish created in the early '90s, or Josh Kelley has done in recent years. Playing In The Rain is a good album in its own right, but as a debut for Holding Out, its even better; a near perfect introduction to a band with energy, potential, and a knack for outstanding musical arrangements.”
Holding Out has begun finding new venues and new audiences to bring their music to and hope to expand their reach into the world. “We are so excited about the new album. We devoted ourselves wholeheartedly to Playing in the Rain to create music that we believe in and we want to share that with the people around us. Our fans have always been so important to us and we hope to grow closer to them through the new album.” With the perfect combination of rock passion, great groove, and exceptional vocal delivery, Holding Out’s ability to appeal to the broadest of audiences seems to have no limit. Playing in the Rain is a creation that reaches audiences on a personal level and makes the listener feel like they are part of something special.
