Drew Holcomb has carved out an unique space in the music industry, where his passion for music, community, and authenticity shines through in everything he touches. From his role as frontman of Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, to his work curating the Boone River Music Festival, Holcomb’s presence is defined by a deep love for connection and storytelling.

Reflecting on his career, Drew recalls, “We’ve been making records for 20 years, done a lot of things we never dreamed we’d get to do, including play festivals by the ocean.” His journey has been a winding one, full of unexpected experiences. We sat down with Drew at Soundside Music Festival, with the scenic landscape of the Long Island Sound and a picnic table in between us, to discuss his many accomplishments from owning a liquor company to founding a record label to now releasing his fourteenth studio album with the neighbors, Strangers No More Vol II.

Holcomb’s latest album Strangers No More is a testament to his belief in the power of togetherness and music’s role in fostering community. “I grew up… realizing that music was one of the fest things that everybody loves,” he shares. music was ever-present in his household, from his father’s love of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan to his mother’s affinity for Sandy Patty and Amy Grant. His music is not only inspired by these early influences but also by the healing and communal power of music. “I’ve seen it help walk people through grief, I’ve seen it help narrate soundtracks like people’s best moments… music is something that makes us feel alive,” he explains.

His band’s live performance in Atlanta after 16 months of no shows due to COVID became the catalyst for Strangers No More. “We were playing some of the best we’ve ever played because… we really missed it,” Drew shares. “I thought, I’ve got to get this band in the studio.” the result was not just one album, but a follow-up volume that was released shortly after, reflecting the band’s growth and musical depth. Holcomb emphasizes, “I think Volume 2 is a serious showcase of the breadth and depth of my band.”

While Holcomb’s music remains central to his identity, he is also a festival curator. He created the Boone River Music Festival, which has sold out for multiple years. Holcomb finds great joy in curating festivals, seeing them as a synergy of human connection, music, and friendship. “I wanted to share that experience with our fans,” he says, noting that festivals curated by artists often feel more intimate. Boone River is a smaller festival, intentionally so. “It’s a kind of festival for people who hate fesitivals,” Holcomb jokes.

Despite being involved in many projects outside of music—a whiskey company, a record label, a non-profit—Holcomb remains grounded in his love for songwriting and performing. His music, known for its authentic storytelling, allows him to connect with fans in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a young concert-goer holding a sign that says “This is my first concert” or playing alongside musical legends like Willie Nelson, these moments fuel his passion.

If given the chance to curate his dream festival lineup from artists dead or alive, Holcomb hesitates, “If I’m allowed to pick dead people, I’d pick all dead people, because you can’t see them anymore.” He lists, “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Marvin Gaye, Grateful Dead,” offering a taste of his genre-spanning influences. Holcomb’s reverence for music’s rich history and its legends is evident in everything Holcomb does.

As Drew Holcomb continues to create and curate, one this is clear—his impact on the music world goes beyond songs and festivals. It’s about connection, community, and the power of music to bring people together. “Why not have fun with it?” he says. “Music’s supposed to be something that you love.” And that love is at the heart of all the projects Drew has executed.