Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
For Sam Holden, it’s all about the music and sharing it with the community couldn’t make him happier.
The smiley 18 year old is full of life, confidence and an energy that is evident even off the stage.
“I’ve been doing it ever since it can remember. I was just born into it,” Holden says. “My whole family is musical. My grandpa was an amazing fiddle player. We used to sing at church as a family.”
Holden moved to Fort St. James from North Bay, Ontario with his family just two years ago.
“We grew up on a farm and we were home schooled. It was a big change but I love it here. Everyone is really nice. I love the outdoors, I love small town life,” he said.
But mostly, its music that Holden loves most. “When I was about six or seven, my dad taught me how to play guitar. I stopped for a while and then picked it up again about four years ago.”
And the rest is history. You can see Holden at most community events, with guitar in hand and ready to perform.
Whether it’s a Christmas gathering, the community centre opening, or a craft sale, Holden is ready to sing.
“I try to keep my music original. I try to make people think. But mostly It’s about making them happy,” Holden says.
Holden also enjoys writing his own music.
A local favorite, Anybody but Me, exudes the confidence and ease as Holden sings, “Don’t judge me…I’ve been called a redneck and a full out hillbilly, but the truth is I ain’t trying to be anybody but me… I am what I am and that’s what I’ll be.”
Holden is obviously comfortable in his own skin and with all that he has accomplished.
Currently he attends Fort St. James Secondary School and enjoys English and workshop class.
Outside of that, it’s all about sharing his music with his friends and the community.
“I love singing and I love meeting new friends.”
After school, Holden can’t see himself doing anything else. “I hope to pursue a career as musician,” Holden says.
“Now that I’m getting older, I’m going to try and make a living out of it,” he said.
“But as long as I’m singing, making people happy and having a good time, that’s all that matters. Everything else is extra.”