WhatÕs it like to give birth? Bet you were always wondering that question! Well, as a RockinÕ Mom (who went through a non-drug-induced home birth, by the way), I can tell you that it is one of the most intensely painful yet joyous experiences of my life. There is nothing like expectantly waiting for something you have nurtured and created to come to fruition and be brought into the world.

The Creative Process is one of wonderment and excitement, but can often be very painful in Spiritual or Emotional realms. When the Muse hits you on the head and puts into your Open Mind & Heart the ideas & motivation to make something Spectacular, there is often a hefty price in demanding much of our Spirits as payment, but on the flip side of that, there is also no other feeling of a COMPLETE RUSH of BLISS; the endorphins, the thrill and the joy of creation is like nothing else ever.

A different type of baby is about to be born, one of Rock-a-Bye Sounds and the Fast Paced Heartbeats of Rhythm and Groove, and The Hold Outs, one Of MarinÕs Best Rock Bands, are the Proud Papas of the new Progeny, their self-titled Debut CD, ÒThe Hold OutsÓ. ÒWelcome, little baby, we have waiting so long for you to be born!Ó

Like most Creative Processes, especially that of the Creation of Music, it can be a long and bumpy road to come to a place of recording a CD or song. From the first inspiration of a tune, lyric or riff; through the crafting & fine tuning of the song; to the presentation to your band mates; to the arrangement & final version of the placement of notes & instruments and then the arduous stage of recording and mixing; you then come to the final Labor Of Love, the presentation of your music to the world to listen to and, hopefully, to love.

The Hold Outs began the recording of their CD back in September 2008 and was recorded at various times throughout the year at Mission Bells Studio in San Francisco with the help of longtime friend and Producer, David Simon-Baker.

"Working with David Simon-Baker was definitely a highlight, heÕs very talented," says Mark Antonio of the recording process. "Being able to finally record our songs in a professional studio (Mother Hips and Jackie Greene also record there), plus finally hearing our songs arranged, clean, crisp, and killer. ItÕs a totally different experience from playing a show!...WeÔve always loved playing music and performing. But of course itÕs awesome to have digital proof ."

With their 5 EP Disc in my CD player pretty much continuously for the last few weeks, The Hold Outs songs that I know and love from all the live shows I have seen of this Amazing Rock and Roll Band came to life even more and I have been given an opportunity to listen on an even deeper level and explore the incredible songsmith and harmonies of The Hold Outs founders Bart Hacker and Mark Antonio. The solid backing band of Hard Working Musicians Benjamin Trumbo on his drums and Kalyan Godden on his bass fills out this quartet in the Best of Ways, creating guitar driven, American Roots Rock and Roll that holds intelligence, wit and humor.

The Hold Outs saved all my favorite songs to put on their new disc. I donÕt think they intentionally did that or I am more special to them then I originally thought (Gee, thanks guys!). From the first powerhouse opening tracks of Mark AntonioÕs rocking electric guitar and vocals on ÒConfident MustacheÓ and Bart HackerÕs questioning vocals with MarkÕs ripping guitar on ÒBig ScreenÓ (at first listen, both are seemingly Òsilly songsÓ, but upon multiple hearings, the deeper level of meaning emerges in the words about young men wanting their music to be heard and their presence to be noticed by those around them. We all want to be loved, yes?) to the closing intensity of minor keys, profound lyrics and Bart Hacker's deep and powerful voice on ÒOn The VergeÓ, The Hold Outs prove to me over and over that their solid songwriting and musicianship are equal to some really well known bands. My favorite track of all I think is ÒAttentionÓ, the chorus warning Òwary loversÓ to be aware of the glass worlds they are putting around themselves within their relationships, since it all breaks anyways. The melody and soaring harmonies within that track are flawless.

With the help of their CD release party at 19 Broadway on October 9, 2009, The Hold Outs hope to make a place for themselves in the World Of Really Great Bands and the future of their music is now in the Hands Of The Muse of Creativity and she makes the Best Midwife.

When I asked Mark if he and The Hold Outs are ready for the BIG TIME, he states "Bring it on! ThatÕs what weÕre Holding Out for!"

Says Mark Antonio of the finished product, "We are excited and totally proud of the album we created as a group. We are ready to get the CD, and ourselves, out there! And glad people can finally listen to Confident Mustache while theyÕre driving."