The experimental electronic music landscape has found its most innovative voice in 2hollis, a producer whose boundary-pushing approach redefines what digital music production can achieve. This comprehensive guide explores how Hollis Parker Frazier-Herndon transforms sound design techniques into a revolutionary artistic vision that challenges conventional electronic music production standards.
The Rise of 2hollis in Digital Music Production
Born January 5, 2004, in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles, 2hollis emerges from a uniquely musical family environment. His father, John Herndon, drums for the acclaimed band Tortoise, while his mother, Kathryn Frazier, founded Biz 3, co-founded Owsla, and managed Skrillex. Many believe that Skrillex has been his mentor since the beginning. This electronic music heritage provided early exposure to professional production environments that would shape his experimental approach.
His earliest public releases emerged around 2021-2022, with projects like "The Jarl" and "Finally Lost" marking the beginning of his genre-defying evolution. His breakthrough came with 2022's "White Tiger" album, which established him as a force in experimental electronic circles. Unlike many producers who follow established formulas, 2hollis creates what he describes as "electronic black metal"—a hardstyle-influenced sound that incorporates ultrafast Euro-gabber and trance elements.
The producer's rejection of traditional categorization becomes evident in his 2022 denouncement of the digicore label, stating definitively, "I just don't like it. And I don't like when people say my s*** is it." This resistance to genre boundaries reflects his commitment to artistic authenticity over commercial convenience.
Sound Design Innovation and Production Techniques
2hollis's production methodology centers on controlled chaos through strategic layering. His signature approach involves encompassing vocals in a barrage of sounds, removing production elements entirely, then re-emerging with something even more dynamic. This technique creates constant listener engagement through unpredictable sequencing.
His vocal processing chain demonstrates sophisticated understanding of parallel saturation and clipping techniques. He creates lo-fi, phone-like textures while using aggressive de-essing before saturators and clippers to prevent sibilant distortion. This approach produces the characteristic vocal quality that defines his experimental electronic aesthetic.
The producer's spatial awareness manifests in reverberating four-on-the-floor production that softens and transforms throughout tracks. He tactfully strips away rage his elements, allowing melancholy to emerge naturally. This dynamic emotional architecture sets his work apart from static electronic productions.
Technical elements include manic 808s, aggressive yet melodic synths, and unexpected samples—including Minecraft fireworks sounds. Using Ableton Live as his primary DAW, he achieves professional clarity within experimental chaos through focused software-based production techniques.
Genre Fusion and Artistic Evolution
The 2hollis sound transcends traditional electronic music boundaries by incorporating elements from EDM, dubstep, trap, hyperpop, cloud rap, and glitchcore. His 2023 album "2" refined this approach, incorporating more energetic and fast-paced elements while maintaining the atmospheric darkness that defined "White Tiger."
His 2024 release "boy" represents the full realization of his signature style, introducing new instruments and 808 patterns at every turn. Tracks like "crush" and "jeans" demonstrate his ability to create immediately recognizable sounds while pushing electronic music production into uncharted territory.
The inclusion of "Poster Boy" in EA Sports FC 24's soundtrack marked his transition from underground experimental artist to mainstream recognition. However, this commercial success hasn't diluted his commitment to innovative sound design. Instead, it provides a platform for introducing experimental techniques to broader audiences.
NPR recognized 2hollis alongside Jane Remover as charting "hyperpop's next evolution," highlighting how his work represents the genre's continued experimental expansion beyond established parameters.
Technical Mastery Meets Experimental Vision
2hollis achieves his distinctive sound through meticulous attention to production dynamics. His approach involves creating spatial relationships between elements rather than simply layering sounds. This three-dimensional thinking allows him to craft productions that feel both dense and spacious simultaneously.
His hardstyle influences manifest through ultrafast tempos and aggressive electronic elements, yet he tempers these with cloud rap's atmospheric qualities. This combination creates what he calls "electronic black metal"—a descriptor that captures both the intensity and darkness of his artistic vision.
The producer's technical setup remains relatively minimal compared to his complex output. Focusing on Ableton Live's capabilities and software-based production rather than accumulating endless hardware, he demonstrates how creative vision surpasses equipment quantity. This approach makes his techniques accessible to aspiring producers while maintaining professional standards.
Recent tour announcements, including opening for Ken Carson's Chaos Tour and his own Leg One tour, position 2hollis as a live performer capable of translating studio innovations to concert environments. This transition from bedroom producer to touring artist validates his experimental approach's commercial viability.
The Future of Experimental Electronic Music
2hollis represents experimental electronic music's evolution toward complete creative freedom. His rejection of genre limitations while maintaining technical excellence provides a blueprint for future producers seeking to push digital music production boundaries. Recognition from publications like Ones to Watch, naming him among 2025's top artists to watch, confirms his growing influence.
Connections to electronic music pioneers like Skrillex provide production and sound design insights. As he explains, Skrillex "has been supportive from the side since day one".
Understanding 2hollis means recognizing how experimental electronic music continues evolving beyond established genres. His work proves that innovation emerges from combining technical mastery with fearless creative vision, creating sounds that feel both familiar and completely revolutionary. The future belongs to producers willing to embrace chaos while maintaining musical coherence—exactly what 2hollis delivers.
