Family Ties in Music: An Interview with 2hollis and His Father John Herndon
The world of contemporary music often feels like a solitary pursuit, a relentless grind fueled by individual ambition. Yet for the rising electronic artist known as 2hollis, creativity is a shared language, deeply rooted in family. In a rare and candid conversation, the young producer and his father, John Herndon of the iconic post-rock band Tortoise, opened up about their unique artistic bond, bridging generations of sound. 2hollis, born John Herndon Jr., has been making waves in the hyperpop and electronic scenes with a sound that is distinctly his own—glitchy, aggressive, and boundary-pushing. His tracks, often characterized by frenetic energy and digital distortion, seem worlds away from the intricate, analog textures of Tortoise, the Chicago-based instrumental collective that helped define the post-rock genre in the 1990s. However, beneath the surface of these disparate styles lies a profound connection built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of the creative process. "It’s not really about influence in the traditional sense," 2hollis explained during the interview. "It’s more about the environment. Growing up, the house was always full of sound. Drums, bass lines, modular synths running through the night. The concept of making music as a serious, dedicated practice was just normal. It wasn't a dream; it was a reality I lived in." John Herndon, speaking with the quiet authority of a seasoned musician, reflected on raising a child in the vibrant, often chaotic, ecosystem of the Chicago music scene. "We never pushed him toward music, or away from it," Herndon said. "It was simply there. I think what happened is that he saw us dealing with the realities of touring, recording, and collaboration—the frustration and the joy. He absorbed that work ethic. The fact that he chose such a radically different sonic path is what makes me most proud. He isn’t replicating a sound; he’s building his own vocabulary." This dynamic reveals a fascinating interplay between legacy and innovation. While 2hollis utilizes digital audio workstations and internet-age aesthetics, he credits his father’s discipline as a foundational element of his success. "Watching him practice drums for hours on end taught me that talent is nothing without repetition," 2hollis noted. "I might be using Ableton and Max for Live instead of a drum kit, but the hours are the same. The commitment to the craft is the inheritance I value most." The conversation also touched on the evolution of music consumption and distribution. Herndon recounted the era of physical media, vinyl records, and the slow-burning growth of a cult following. For 2hollis, the trajectory has been accelerated by platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok, where viral moments can launch careers overnight. Yet, both agreed that the core of the experience remains unchanged: the connection with the listener. "My dad talks about the tangible feeling of holding a record, the artwork, the liner notes," 2hollis said. "I experience that through the comments section, the DMs, the immediate feedback loop of the internet. It’s the same intimacy, just translated through a different medium." Herndon added, "The medium changes, but the transmission of emotion doesn't. Whether it's a sweaty club in 1995 or a livestream in 2026, the goal is to make someone feel something. We might get there from opposite directions, but we arrive at the same place." Despite the accolades and growing buzz surrounding 2hollis, the pair emphasized that their interactions are less about industry advice and more about personal support. "We don’t talk about contracts or marketing strategies," Herndon clarified. "We talk about the music. We trade files. I’ll send him a bass idea; he’ll send me back something unrecognizable and brilliant. It’s play. It’s keeping the joy alive." This collaborative spirit extends beyond their immediate relationship. 2hollis credits his father’s network of collaborators—musicians, producers, and engineers—for implicitly demystifying the professional world. "These aren't scary industry people; they're just weirdos who love sound, same as me," he laughed. "Seeing my dad navigate that world with integrity made me realize you don't have to compromise your vision to participate." The interview concluded with a discussion on the future of their respective sounds. 2hollis is currently working on a new project that he describes as "cinematic and abrasive," pushing the boundaries of electronic composition further. Herndon, meanwhile, continues to tour and record with Tortoise while pursuing various solo and collaborative endeavors. "There is a stereotype that parents and children must eventually diverge to find their identities," 2hollis reflected. "But in our case, the divergence happened early. We started from different points on the musical map. That allows us to meet in the middle without competing. I can be fully myself because he already created a space where that was possible." For John Herndon, the ultimate success is seeing his son navigate the industry with a clear voice. "He is fierce, and he is honest. That is all a parent who loves music can ask for. The genre doesn't matter. The noise doesn't matter. The signal is what counts. And his signal is very strong." In an industry often obsessed with narrative and lineage, the story of 2hollis and John Herndon offers a refreshing perspective. It suggests that family legacy in music isn't about imitation, but about providing the soil in which entirely new, unexpected forms of artistry can take root and flourish.