Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Holman.
Hi Martin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old, but honestly, becoming a guitarist was never the plan. I actually wanted to be a drummer. At the time, though, my family couldn’t afford a drum set, so the guitar became the instrument that was within reach.
My first guitar was a simple black-and-white Strat-style guitar. I enjoyed playing it, but everything changed when I discovered an old, dusty left-handed guitar sitting in the back of a music store. It had been there because it simply wouldn’t sell. For whatever reason, I picked it up—and I fell in love with it. From that moment on, I couldn’t put the guitar down.
What started as a way to make music eventually became a passion and a major part of who I am. I spent years learning, practicing, listening to different styles, and discovering my own voice on the instrument. Along the way, guitar became more than just something I played; it became a way for me to express myself, connect with people, and serve through music.
Today, I continue to grow as a guitarist, playing instrumental music, worship, session work, and live events while creating guitar content and sharing the gear, sounds, and music that inspire me. Looking back, it’s funny to think that I originally wanted to be a drummer. What started with not being able to afford a drum set ultimately led me to an instrument I couldn’t imagine my life without.
The guitar wasn’t necessarily the instrument I chose at first—it was the instrument that found me.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think that’s one of the realities of any journey with music—you go through seasons where you feel completely connected to it, and other seasons where you feel distant or even burnt out. But somehow, no matter how far away you get, you always seem to find your way back.
One of the hardest seasons for me came when my band separated. It really affected my relationship with music and guitar, and I found myself in a deep place where I questioned my passion and even my purpose as a musician.
During that season, God began to show me that music wasn’t just something I was supposed to pursue for myself. He started revealing what it meant to use the gifts He had given me for His glory. Once I surrendered that part of my life to Him, things began to change.
I started finding myself involved in worship ministry, collaborating with other musicians, and becoming more intentional about using the guitar as a way to serve and connect with people. I’ve also been incredibly blessed to have two instruments endorsed and crafted by two different companies—something I never could have imagined during those difficult seasons.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those struggles because they taught me that sometimes losing your direction can be part of finding your purpose. What I thought was a setback became an important part of understanding why I play in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work has grown into a combination of instrumental guitar music, session work, worship, collaborations, and guitar content. I’ve released several projects across music streaming platforms featuring instrumental guitar music, and I’ll include those projects below as well.
One of the things I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily a specific project or accomplishment—it’s the people and relationships that have helped make this journey possible. I’m incredibly grateful for the musicians, companies, supporters, and friends who have believed in what I’m doing. Most importantly, I’m thankful that God has continued to open doors and allow me to make music and pursue this journey.
I’m also currently a student in the Online Guitar Degree Program at Berklee College of Music. Being accepted into Berklee and having the opportunity to study guitar at such an incredible institution is something I’m truly blessed and thankful for. It has given me another opportunity to grow not only as a guitarist, but as a musician and artist.
A big part of what I do now is creating guitar content and collaborating with companies that I genuinely enjoy and believe in. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible brands, with even more exciting projects on the way.
Some of the companies I’m currently connected with include:
More Guitars — Argentina
More Guitars created my second guitar, the Poseidon Martin Holman Edition. Having an instrument connected to my name is something I’m incredibly grateful for, and it represents a special part of how far this journey has taken me.
Oopegg Guitars — Japan
Oopegg made my first guitar, the Trailbreaker Mark I. It’s incredibly meaningful to have my first guitar collaboration connected to the instrument that started this part of my journey.
Bullet Cable
All of my guitar cables are provided by Bullet Cable. Their support has been a huge part of my setup and the gear I use in my content and playing.
Levy’s Leathers
The Levy’s team has also been incredibly supportive, providing me with beautiful guitar straps that complement my instruments and playing style.
Beyond content creation, I also do session guitar work. A lot of that comes from playing over backing tracks, creating my own tracks and loops, and building musical ideas using tools like GarageBand and Splice. I enjoy the freedom of taking a simple idea and turning it into something that can become a complete musical piece.
Growing up in a small town like Cahokia, Illinois, there are so many things I never imagined I would get to experience through music. I never expected that picking up a guitar as a kid would eventually lead to recording music, working with companies from around the world, studying at Berklee, collaborating with other musicians, and having people recognize and support what I create.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m still very much a student of the instrument. I’m always learning, experimenting, and trying to find new ways to express myself through the guitar. At the heart of everything I do, I want the music to be genuine, creative, and ultimately something that reflects the purpose God has given me.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Your journey is your own, and it’s going to look different from everyone else’s.
Trust God with what He has blessed you with, and trust the love and passion He has placed in your heart for music. There will be seasons when you feel like you’re moving forward and seasons when you feel like you’re standing still, but don’t let someone else’s progress make you question your own.
I believe that when you faithfully use the talents and gifts God has given you for His glory, everything else has a way of falling into place. Focus on becoming the musician and person you were created to be, rather than trying to become someone else.
Looking back, I wish I had understood that sooner. I would have spent less time comparing myself to other musicians and more time appreciating the journey God was taking me on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinholman_?stkn=MTg5YWFqeThmYnN2Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100033142909430&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@coolymusic?si=PpkbqLN8BUKTsq6H
- Other: https://youtu.be/pbwvFQit-oI?is=5W0vRDxIwbdVbzxB
