During the early years of the band, many demos were recorded and ripped to CDs which were often distributed for free. The demos were titled “Demo in a Bag” and the name references the fact that the CDs were “distributed” in plastic bags with homemade confetti.
In 2009, they self-released their debut album Record in a Bag in 2009 as a free download on their website. The name of their debut references their string of demos. Later that year, the band entered and won a “battle of the bands” contest in Ottawa, Ontario which was hosted by a local radio station. With the $250,000 prize money, the band reissued their self-released debut and formed Royal Mountain Records. Royal Mountain Records has since helped launch the career of other Toronto, Ontario artists such as PUP and Alvvays.
In 2011, the band was nominated for the Best New Group Award at the Canadian music awards show the 2011 Juno Awards, but lost out to Said the Whale
On February 26, 2013, the band released their second LP, White Paint. The pre-order sales of this album lead to the ambitious 111 Songs project which was eventually released in 2015. At the time, Hollerado stated "as part of the deal we would write them a custom song. The idea was the person would send us their name and where they were from and two facts about themselves, and a few months later we would send them a song we wrote for them”. The band sold over 100 of these packages before they realized the tremendous amount of work all these original songs would be. “111 Songs” actually resulted in two years of work on the songs and many of the songs were used in the band's third full-length album Born Yesterday which was released in 2017.
In early 2019, Hollerado announced the group would be disbanding following one last album and tour. Retaliation Vacation was released later that year and the band embarked on a final tour titled The One Last Time Tour. The band played their final shows on December 11th-13th at the Danforth Music Hall with a final performance at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on December 14, 2019.
Since the disbandment, frontman Menno Versteeg (vocals, guitar) has joined the Canadian supergroup Anyway Gang and released some music under the moniker Mav Karlo. Jake Boyd (drums) is part of the newly formed supergroup Girlfriend Material. Nixon Boyd (guitar) is an additional guitarist/tour guitarist in “Anyway Gang” and is credited as as a producer/composer on many albums/songs from bands signed under Royal Mountain Records.
On My Own
Hollerado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I could take a trip with you, that's where we would go
I′ll bring the playing cards, you'll melt the snow that lets us out of here
Hey now, I've been waiting so long
On my own
I′ve got this sweater in my dresser drawer that I wear when I′m sick
You'll bring granola bars, I′ll bring some bags to put the wrappers in
Hey now, I've been waiting so long
On my own, on my own
On my own, on my own
And when it′s time to change the music we'll stop and get some gas
And the rest stop will have a screen door where will buy some souvenir hats
And come on pet the neighbours dog before we do the driving through the afternoon
1! 2! 3! 4!
Hey now, I've been waiting so long
On my own, on my own
On my own, on my own
The opening lines of Hollerado’s song “On My Own” describes a picturesque town in southern Georgia where the sun sets slowly. The singer yearns to escape with a companion to this tranquil town and leave behind their mundane reality. They even have a plan; the singer will bring playing cards, and their companion will melt the snow that has trapped them. The use of figurative language in “melt the snow” could signify getting out of a rut, breaking free from their circumstances, and starting anew. The song's repetition of the phrase “On my own” creates a sense of loneliness and the need for companionship. The singer is eagerly looking forward to the trip, and finally finding their community in the warm embrace of their new surroundings.
In the second verse, the singer speaks about a sweater they keep in their dresser drawer for when they fall ill. However, the winter has ended, and they no longer need it. They are ready and excited for change. They suggest that their companion brings granola bars while they pack bags to put the wrappers in, highlighting the need for preparation and cleanliness. The song then breaks into song lyrics punctuated by counting. This abrupt break brings attention to the song and the message it portrays. It delivers a sense of urgency to the listener to get up and go on their own adventure.
The last verse speaks of a change of music, showing the need for variety and freshness. They speak of stopping by a rest stop, buying souvenir hats with screen doors and petting the neighbour's dog before embarking on the rest of their journey through the afternoon. By repeating the phrase “on my own,” the singer creates a feeling of restlessness that can only be relieved by going on an adventure. The song speaks to the human need for companionship and escapism, making it an anthem for those in search of companionship and new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a town in southern Georgia where the sun sets thick and slow
Describes a peaceful, Southern location where the sunrays linger.
If I could take a trip with you, that's where we would go
Wants to travel with someone to this idyllic location.
I'll bring the playing cards, you'll melt the snow that lets us out of here
Both will contribute to a smooth, carefree journey.
Hey now, I've been waiting so long
Full of eagerness to leave current circumstances and start the adventure.
I've got this sweater in my dresser drawer that I wear when I'm sick
Refers to a comfort item used when unwell.
But the winter's finally over so I won't be needing it
The tough period is now over and will no longer be necessary.
You'll bring granola bars, I'll bring some bags to put the wrappers in
Preparing snacks and practical solutions for the trip.
And when it's time to change the music we'll stop and get some gas
Regular stops for necessary tasks like fuel and music.
And the rest stop will have a screen door where will buy some souvenir hats
Savouring each aspect of the journey, including buying souvenirs.
And come on pet the neighbours dog before we do the driving through the afternoon
Making time for small gestures of kindness, such as petting a dog.
Hey now, I've been waiting so long
Reiterates the eagerness to embark on the long-awaited journey.
On my own, on my own
Despite the lyrics discussing a road trip with someone, this refrain reminds the listener that ultimately they are their own person, in control of their destiny.
Writer(s): Dean Baxter, Jake Boyd, Menno Versteeg, Nixon Boyd, Sam Myer
Contributed by Christopher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.